Filmstalker: Another Dune film?

According to a comment made by one of the Herbert family members on the Dune forums, the forums for the novels not the film, it seems that someone in Hollywood is showing interest in the original Frank Herbert novel again, and they're actively trying to get hold of the project.

In fact it goes a bit further than that and reveals that there are ongoing negotiations to try and get the deal made and another film started. However the details on who this is behind the new project are scarce.

On the forums, Byron Merrit said way back at the end of May:

"Still in "negotiations" with the studio reps/lawyers. The contract lengths are enough to make one ill...We're getting VERY close to a deal. Heard that news today...we've had on-going negotiations for over two years"

He goes on later to reveal a little more about what he has heard inside the studio:

"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."

Then he has to stop the conversation as he reveals that he's already been in trouble before for revealing too much, something he's probably just done again on the postings.

Bear in mind though that these posts are a month old and there's been nothing since. Is the deal struggling again? I guess with two years negotiating there's no real concern about it taking a bit longer.

Devin from CHUD, who found the story, points out, and shares a commonly held belief, that these books would be so difficult to make into a film because there's so little in terms of big actions and speeches and so much of the story is internal. I would think that if this is a big Director behind the project then it could well turn out stronger than the David Lynch version.

Can Dune be made into an effective film, and have you heard any more about the project?

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Richard, I'm assuming you've seen the David Lynch version, if so what is your take on it? I was close to buying it the other day but ended up buying something else. Is it a good film or a bad film? I've heard mix, and I guess it's one of those films that has a split audience. I've got a growing craze for Lynch lately so that's why I asked.

Posted by: Billy | August 30, 2007 12:24 PM

The lynch version is a misunderstood master work of Sci-Fi. Brilliant on almost every level. Yes, I'm serious.

The look, feel and sense of awe from so many scenes qualifies it as both a blockbuster and a thinking sci-fi piece.

I actually prefer the ~3 hour Alan Smithee version, truth be told, as it has a lot more scenes and stuff in there to smooth out the narrative (the narrative being why the film failed at the box office back in 1984, it's a bit incoherent at times, but that is sort of Lynch's style anyway, so no big deal)

Posted by: Kurt | August 30, 2007 3:06 PM

Thanks for answering Kurt, oh and thanks for the recent mention on Twitch, much appreciated. I am joining to comment on the fantastic new looking site.

I haven't seen the Smithee version, but I have seen the Lynch one ages ago. From what I remember Billy, I rather enjoyed it.

There were acting issues, particularly with Sting, and some parts were overly long or just plain odd, but through that I did feel there was some good stuff. I do remember enjoying it.

I suspect though a more modern viewing might change my mind somewhat.

Are you thinking of watching it for the first time?

Posted by: Richard Brunton | August 30, 2007 6:24 PM

Simply, the Lynch version captured the mode and feel of the books perfectly, but lost the plot, literally.

The Sci-Fi channel mini series did the plot justice, but just felt like every other sci-fi series ( SG1 et al).

A remake would need to be both long and "incomprehensible" to be true to the book. Dune is not just a big sci-fi it is a mythology (in the way that Star Wars is so not).

Posted by: JamesP | August 30, 2007 6:41 PM

Thanks for your comments. Yes Richard, I am thinking of actually buying it. It's going for under £10 or under I think in some stores. So sounds like a bit of a bargain.

Posted by: Billy | September 3, 2007 8:20 AM

...and it will be your first time? Well in that case buy it, watch it, then write us a review from your first time viewpoint!

Posted by: Richard Brunton | September 3, 2007 8:27 AM