A new Dune, eh?
I don't read a whole lot of books. Save for my ever growing collection of
comics and graphic novels, my book collection is limited to a select few of
science fiction and esoteric novels. My most cherished of these is Frank
Herbert's groundbreaking epic, Dune. Published in 1965, it
would go on to win many literary awards and spawn a series of books
considered by many to be The Lord of the Rings of science
fiction.
Dune is also no stranger to Hollywood. First adapted to the
big screen by director David Lynch in 1984, it was most recently re-imagined
as a critically acclaimed miniseries on the Sci Fi Channel. But studio execs
aren't finished yet. Recently announced is a new theatrical production of Dune helmed by The Kingdom director, Peter Berg,
for an anticipated 2010 release.
As a concerned fan, I present to you now 5 ways to make a better
Dune movie...
1. Keep it visual
David Lynch's 1984 Dune is easily one of
the most dazzling and visually impressive films I have ever seen. Everything
from the golden sheen of the Imperial Palace to the grime of the Baron's
chambers on Giedi Prime, it has a unique style and flair matched perhaps only
by Blade Runner. Moreover, the costumes
are an eclectic mix of outlandish pomp and abstract design that give the
characters an almost mystic quality. And who could forget the imagery of the
blue-on-blue eyes of the desert-dwelling Freman?
To be certain, one of the Dune's most
defining aspects is how vividly Frank Herbert described the universe he
created. Should the creators of this new Dune
film decide to take a more subdued, minimalist approach in set and costume
design, they would be missing out on a major aspect of the story. A darker,
perhaps more gritty look than Lynch's Dune
would be acceptable, but it must be dark in an over the top, fantastical way.
2. Keep it mature
The recent Lord of the Rings trilogy
proved that fantasy can be marketed to a mature audience with both critical
and financial success. Certainly an epic science fiction tale can be made
without it being a Star Wars wannabe or Will Smith action flick. Dune is a
complicated story ripe with political intrigue, a large cast of multifaceted
characters, and religious overtones. Should these be dumbed down for the lowest
denomination of movie-goer, the final product would be slumped in mediocrity.
Look to the Sci Fi Channel's outstandingly good re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica for an example of how to do this
right. Despite its corny 70s source material, BSG is easily one of the
darkest drama series to hit basic cable.
3. Keep it timeless
This is one aspect of Battlestar Galactica
that may prevent it from becoming a future classic is its headline-ripping
tendencies to make social commentary. Will BSG be as powerful to future
generations? Maybe. But so much of its impact is dependent on post 9/11
paranoia and fear.
Regarding Dune, it would be very easy to
turn it into a criticism on the war in Iraq and the Bush administration. All
one would need to do is replace Freman with Iraqi, spice with oil, and
Sardaukar with US soldiers and they'd have a biting social commentary that
doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of Dune's
true message. I can just imagine the Baron Harkonnen played by a Bush
lookalike.
Tell the story Herbert imagined, not what will give you brownie points with
liberal critics.
4. Keep out the trash
I swear, if the role of Paul is played by Hayden Christensen, Shia Labeouf,
or Justin 'Mac guy' Long, I will have no other choice but to boycott this
film. Both Kyle MacLachlan and Alex Newman portrayed the lead character
wonderfully despite being relatively unknown actors at the time. A suitable
newcomer would only feel right in the new Dune.
I would also accept an odd cameo or two...something on par with Sting as Feyd
in Dune '84.
5. Don't fear the trilogy
Finally, my last hope is that the filmmakers don't feel the need to tell the
massive story of Dune in a single outing. Heck, even in TV miniseries form,
nearly 5 hours wasn't enough to tell the story without omission. Broken up
properly, Dune has every chance of
becoming the next big Hollywood trilogy.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I think it's about time sci-fi made a
comeback at the box office--and Dune is
just the vessel to do it.
