Frank Herbert's "Dune" being remade?!

[_____V_____]

Aug 30, 2007


The Dune Novel Forums via CHUD hints that a remake - well, not really, since it's origins lie in literary form - of David Lynch’s cult-classic “Dune” could be in the works.

And no, Eraserhead’s pop won’t be calling the shots this time.

In January, one of the site’s head-honchos, Byron Merritt (he’s related to Frank Herbert) noted that they’re talking about getting a new movie off the ground.

“We're just in the talking stages, trying to hammer out an agreeable contract”, says a poster. “That takes time. More time than I ever imagined. Entertainment attorneys love to drag out these negotiations because they make big bucks (our's makes $600/hour). “It's all financial right now; how much they'll pay for the rights mostly. Once we sign over the rights, that's it, we won't have any (or at least much) say in who's cast, who directs, etc”, he said, adding that the film would be budgeted in the $100 million range.

Last week, he revealed that they’re very close to closing the deal.

“Although only rumor, I've heard that "someone" at the studio wants Dune reallllly bad and has been a fan of the novel for "years." They're not saying who this is (and it might just be hype) but I'm holding out hope that whoever this might be is a big enough fan that he/she will do the book justice. Supposedly it's some director.”

First of all, it may be as messy as a cat’s litter tray and a bitch to sit through in one sitting, but I like Lynch’s “Dune”. It’s not a no-brainer you can watch over and over again in the “Stakeout” or “Lost Boys” sense – but it’s definitely got its moments and is not without merit. For starters, the production design on the film is amazing. And the cast were terrific. Go read the IMDB listing for “Dune” and you’ll see what I mean – there’s at least ten good names in there. The film must have had something to attract them to it in the first place.

Thing is, Lynch should never have gotten to make “Dune”. It’s not his type of film. He’s a man with abstract and dissimilar tastes that doesn’t appeal to the masses. “Dune”, for all intents and purposes, is a family movie disguised as a science-fiction yarn. It’s the furthest thing from Lynch’s tastes and, well, capability. “Mulholland Drive”… now that’s classic Lynch. “Dune”… that’s what Lynch’s “Return of the Jedi” would’ve been like (true, he was offered the chance to direct “Jedi”). It’s an amazing car crash that you don’t want to look away from.

In recent years, they did “Dune” again as a TV mini-series. Tried watching it, but didn’t get into it. Heard that fans of Uncle Frank’s book were happy with the adaptation though.

I don’t know that “Dune” would be an easy film to make – I think it makes much more sense in paper form than it ever would on film. It’s a bit like a Tom Clancy novel – smart as shit, very detailed and totally gripping but adapt one of them into a movie and they suddenly become light and fluffy blockbusters with only a touch of depth. Some things are just difficult to not only condense but transfer.

And as the guys at CHUD reminds us, who the fuck would wanna greenlight a blue-balled project like “Dune”, something that’s going to take at least twelve months to do, in these frightening pre-strike times? Wouldn’t a Japanese anime version do just fine?




http://www.dunenovels.com/phpBB2/vie...=asc&start=180

http://chud.com/news/11622

http://www.moviehole.net/news/200708...lynch_mob.html

[Unaboner3000]

I loved the six original Dune novels of Frank Herbert. They aren't easy reading by any means (similar to Tolkien), but for those that appreciate extremely-deep works, the Dune novels are one of the finest examples.

I really hope that no more movies or mini-series are made of of Herbert's novels. They just don't work. You CAN NOT make a movie out of these books.
They will NEVER translate well to film.

[Disease]

Again!!!!!

[XtRaVa]

What isnt being remade these days? :rolleyes:

[Dante'sInferno]

Jesus tap dancing Christ...............








......

[missmacabre]

I hope to god that if they do this, they do it well.

[PhilnEdee]

Shit...maybe this one will be called DONE and there won't be anymore...I haven't enjoyed one single live action adaption of the novels...horrible.

[_____V_____]

March 17, 2008


Peter Berg is attached to direct a bigscreen adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel "Dune" for Paramount Pictures.

Kevin Misher, who spent the past year obtaining the book rights from the Herbert estate, will produce via his Par-based shingle.

Herbert's 1965 novel is a sweeping, futuristic tale set on the remote desert planet Arrakis, which produces the interstellar empire's sole source of the spice Melange -- used for distant space travel. An empirewide power struggle ensues over the control of the spice.



Berg would be the latest helmer to take a crack at the property, which spawned a 1984 David Lynch film as well as a 2000 Sci Fi Channel miniseries starring William Hurt.

The project is out to writers, with the producers looking for a faithful adaptation of the Hugo- and Nebula Award-winning book. The filmmakers consider its theme of finite ecological resources particularly timely.

New Amsterdam's Richard Rubenstein, who produced Sci Fi's "Dune" and sequel "Children of Dune," is also producing alongside Sarah Aubrey of Film 44, Berg's production banner. John Harrison and Mike Messina exec produce.

Paramount envisions the project as a tentpole film.

Berg and Misher enjoy strong ties dating back to Misher's executive days at Universal Pictures. Misher also produced Berg's second directorial outing, "The Rundown."

Actor-turned-helmer Berg most recently directed the upcoming Will Smith starrer "Hancock." His directing credits include "The Kingdom" and "Friday Night Lights."

[The Mothman]

Lynch's version was a mess. hopefully this one will be better.

[urgeok2]

i really liked Lynch's take ..

but i'll welcome a faithful adaptation by Berg as well.. I love a lot of what he's directed so far.


for those that don't know Berg has a horror connection,

he was the kid persued by the badguy in Wes Craven's Shocker.