My first thought was WHAT? And now that the pounding slowed a little, I’m feeling like I can put a few thoughts together on the breaking news that Peter Berg is on board for a remake of one of the best sci-fi stories of all time: Frank Herbert’s “Dune”.
Now, I know the love for Lynch’s 1984 vision isn’t particularly strong (though I do love it), but the Sic-Fi miniseries from 2000 is pretty good and worth checking out if you’re a fan, so do we really need another version?
Sadly, I must admit that I’m actually excited to see Berg’s version of the film. Sure, it’s going to be a big, multi-million dollar Hollywood picture that is likely to stray from the source and probably even spawn a franchise but I’ve liked Berg’s last two films (I was really impressed by Friday Night Lights and The Kingdom was pretty good) and I’m really curious to see his take on the sci-fi genre. I wonder what sort of budget they’ll give him, what he’ll manage to do with it and further, can he make a film that will appeal to more than just sci-fi fans?
Do we really need another version? I say why not?! I never finished the book (it’s on my list of books to read over Christmas break though), but from people I know that are Dune fans, Lynch’s version is a bad adaptation and the 2000 miniseries is too, well… made-for-TVish. And for the “greatest sci-fi book of all time” – doesn’t it deserve better? The best even?
Berg is a hell of a filmmaker. Friday Night Lights is probably the most visually interesting sports film out there and actually could be my favorite football movie ever. I’ve been a fan of Berg since seeing it in the theatre and have been following his career since pretty close. I think his best is yet to come and this could be it, if the script is right.
I would say so. I love Herbert’s book and yes, the Lynch version is not the book but I like Lynch’s take on the material – even if it is his take. As for the TV series, yeah, it’s made for TV but it’s pretty damned good and VERY close to the source and “Children of Dune” adaptation (which came in 2003 and is based on the 3rd book in the series) is even better. Not to mention that it has a FANTASTIC cast including Susan Sarandon and a then unknown James McAvoy.
As for Berg – agreed. I’m not a sports movie fan but I love “Friday Night Lights” – that film was impressive.
i’m all for it. the book is incredible and nothing has captured the essence of it yet, especially not Lynch’s shitfest. the miniseries was MEH. it just didn’t have enough talent involved. if the best fantasy books LOTR get a big time movie treatment, the best sci-fi book Dune should too.
Berg isn’t the most reliable name but neither was Jackson before he did LOTR.
Really, I think the Sci-Fi mini-series was enough. I really don’t see a need for another version. And I must admit that I really have no faith in Berg when it comes to directing Dune. Friday Night Lights may be a good movie, but ultimately it is a football movie, not a genre film. At least Peter Jackson had actually directed genre movies prior to LotR.
I thought this was a joke when I first saw it. Berg will be an absolute disaster and will go down in history as a prime example of how nepotism can kill.
A true visionless journeyman of the Brett Ratner school. All of his films have been derivative, mediocre, forgettable efforts. All were lessened by his hand.
The thought of a Dune remake is as intriguing as it gets, but why be masochistic? Dune will require a Cameron or a Jackson or at least a filmmaker on that level of original vision and ability. And we all know Berg is simply not of that class.
Oh boy was that mini-series a piece of garbage. It was like having a 4 year-old read the book aloud to me. Nails on Chalkboard. The David Lynch version is far from perfect, but man, It’s pretty darn good, (oddly enough, the Alan Smithee version is actually better than the David Lynch sanctioned cut).
Although I enjoy THE RUNDOWN immensely, I don’t think Peter Berg is the right choice. I’d love to see Rian Johnstone (Brick) give ‘er a go though.