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Amazon.com: It's a mixed blessing, but Frank Herbert's Dune goes a long way toward satisfying science fiction purists who scoffed at David Lynch's previous attempt to adapt Herbert's epic narrative. Ironically, director John Harrison's 288-minute TV miniseries (broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2000) offers its own share of strengths and weaknesses, which, in retrospect, emphasize the quality of Lynch's film while treating Herbert's novel with more comprehensive authority. Debate will continue as to which film is better; Lynch's extensive use of internal monologue now seems like a challenge well met, and Harrison's more conventional approach is better equipped to convey the epic scope of Herbert's interplanetary political intrigue. This much is certain: this Dune is a sumptuous treat for the eyes, with sets and costumes that were conceived with no apparent limits of budget or creativity. In terms of architecture alone, this is one of the most impressive films in science fiction history. And although the special effects fall short of feature-film quality, writer-director Harrison (who rose from an extensive background in TV) admirably tames the sprawling narrative that pits the opposing houses of Atreides and Harkonnen in a struggle to control the lucrative market for the spice melange. This is as accurate as any Dune adaptation is likely to get (i.e., there's no need for another attempt), and even then, it can be tricky to keep track of who's doing what to whom. Unfortunately, the film's biggest flaws are the casting of a nearly comatose William Hurt as Duke Leto, and a wooden Alec Newman as the messiah-to-be, Paul Atreides. These are regrettable shortcomings, but this Dune remains altogether respectable. That Frank Herbert would be impressed is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
- Makes an excellent set of coasters.: The "Dune" miniseries was absolutely, irredeemably horrible. I'm actually proud of myself that I made it through all the way to the end - in the same way that I'm proud of myself whenever I clean the bathroom, or take a particularly lengthy poop. Frankly, I think I deserve a medal.
Just by way of contrast, the David Lynch film was interesting, unusual and daring. I'm not sure it was actually any good, but it was a appreciably strong attempt. It had a few issues - an incomprehensible plot, a painful performance for Paul Atreides and sweet God - Sting?! - but it was a gutsy try at doing credit to the book.
This series managed not only to avoid to keep these same flaws, but also find a few dozen new ones to throw into the mix.
The leads were all just... not very good. In some cases, the casting ranged all the way to the outright terrible. If "Dune" was supposed to be a credible attempt at the book, there were a couple things that slipped by entirely. Paul, for example, is young. And Bene Gesserit just don't cry. Ever. Jessica should not be portrayed by a sniveling, doe-eyed woman, who alternate bawls with tears and loses her temper. Even more shockingly, she's clearly afraid most of the time - which is, for fans of the book, a serious breach of the ethos.
The special effects were terrible - a flying leap backwards from the Lynch film. Most shots looked like they were taken in front of oversized stills from the original movie, and the desert scenes were straight out of 'King Solomon's Mines'.
The plot, as I mentioned, was still incomprehensible. In a bid for legitimacy, lots of minor-but-authentic (Fenring) characters were added in an attempt to counterbalance the butchery of the major ones. But if you're going to introduce the many thousands of factions of Herbert's universe, you've actually got to provide a little more background - and that's not just one badly animated Man-bat scene for the Guild. The Bene Gesserit were equally ridiculous, looking like Cirque du Soleil rejects, as they wandered around aimlessly.(Crying and being afraid... did anyone read the book?!).
- Frank Herbert's novel is brought to the screen with justice!: In the farest part of the galaxy in the year 10,191 there is a special desolate planet called Arrakis (a.k.a. Dune) that holds a very special spice called Melange. This spice has to ability to give anyone control of the univese and special powers, Emperor Padishah Shaddam IV (Giancarlo Gianni) who rules the galactic empire sends out the royale house of Arteides lead by Duke Leto Areides (William Hurt), wife Lady Jessica (Saskia Reeves) and his son Paul (Alec Newman) to Dune where they must take charge of the spice mining business. The evil Baron Vladmire Harkonnen (Ian McNeice) still wants to take control of the spice with his army for revenge, Paul discovers that he has special psychic powers including that of seeing into the future and hides out in the community of the mysterious Freman where the dangerous sandworm infested desert is. He soon discovers that he is the chosen messiah of dune whom is called by the freman "Maud'dib" and wages war on the Baron to stop the mining operation and have control of the spice.
Spectacular and very faithful adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic cult Sci-fi fantasy novel, this is an intriguing and unique Sci-fi fantasy adventure. Written for the screen and directed by John Harrison and produced by legendary "Dawn of the Dead" producer Richard P. Rubenstein, together they have brought the Sci-fi novel masterpiece to the small screen in a successful way unlike David Lynch whom made an alright 1984 adaptation for the big screen. The film boasts some interesting philosophy like Frank Herbert intended and some stunning visual effects and set pieces especially costumes. This is a must see movie for fans of Sci-fi and fantasy including for fans of the Dune novel series, the film's follow-up "Children of Dune" is even better.
This 3-Disc DVD special edition contains the special 4-hour cut with never before shown on TV footage, audio commentary from the filmmakers, Interviews, trailers to other Artisan releases, Cast and Crew info, An eassy by cinematrographer Vittrio Stroado, Photo and sketch gallery, and hours of mind blowing featurettes.
Also recommended: "Dune (1984)", "The Fifth Element", "Star Trek Saga", "Star Wars Saga", "Blade Runner", "Dark City", "The Matrix Trilogy", "Heavy Metal", "Serenity", "Krull", "The Dark Crystal", "Lord of the Rings Trilogy", "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within", "Final Fantasy VII: Advant Children", "Total Recall", "Starship Troopers", "Starchaser: Legend of Orin", "Gattaca", "Stargate", "Flash Gordon" and "Children of Dune". - Good Sci Fi: I like this movie. Sticks to the book pretty much. One thing that I noticed that they left out was the name that Paul chose. Sure the movie only kept Muad d'ib, but in the book he's known as Usul and Paul Muad d'ib. Other than that, I hardly noticed things wrong.
- Strong adaptation to a classic : One of the most popular science fiction novels of all time gets a good four hour adaptation in what I would probably categorize as the Sci-Fi Channel's greatest mini-series aside from the new Battlestar Galactica. This film includes elements of both good movie making and a good stage production. Plenty of people wish to compare the mini-series with the movie that was made in the 80's. To me it's ultimately like comparing apples and oranges as you are looking at two very different formats. While I won't say either is better than the other I will say Frank Herbert's Dune is a triumph of television.
Like all adaptations there is always a fine line to walk between literary accuracy and the time constraints and format difference a television film gives. You can be rest assured it's essentially as true to the spirit of the book as you can expect. The story seems to take dual roles with a focus on the political maneuvering as well as the struggle of a partisan revolution. While the script is very well written on many aspects there were some details that I felt were more taken for granted than they should. I can't help but feel the mini-series was made for people who read the book with some of the assumptions that were made in small plot points and details.
Technically the show is beautiful, especially considering the budget they had to work with. The costumes were great as well as the sets. Though you can notice a few sets were not much more than a painted stage I actually liked how they executed those and enjoyed the theatrical charm it lent to the production. CG animations and designs are very impressive. I love the ornithopters and other ships. I will admit that I prefer the design of the worms from the original movie more than the new ones... just my preference. The action is a mixed back with one on one fights looking awesome especially with that weirding way effect, but the choreograph on the big major battles is lacking and seem more like a stage production than a film.
The acting it top notch in a theatrical sense, but not always in a movie sense. You will catch some melodrama here and there, but nothing to really damage the pace of the series. Interestingly enough I do have to compare the interpretation of two pivotal characters here. I like the way Baron Harkonnen is portrayed in the mini-series as a much more intelligent and dynamic character than the disgusting villain in the movie version, however I find myself liking the Paul Atreidis character less in this production. I'm not saying Alec Newman did a bad job because he was great. Just the concept of the character didn't fit the "Prince of House Atreidis" mold and didn't feel as inspiring is all.
Frank Herbert's Dune is definitely a mini-series for fans of Frank Herbert's books. Those of you unfamiliar with his works shouldn't fret too much. Even though some aspects might not be clear to you that shouldn't stop you from enjoying the mini-series by the time you finish it. It's definitely a very conceptual work and I encourage any sci-fi fan out there who likes more than just Star Wars and Star Trek styled space operas to give it a look.
- Still not True to the Novel: I feel that this work gets good reviews mainly because it's compared to David Lynch's version, and hence most feel that it follows the plot of the original book more closely. While I agree, I definately disagree that it is a better movie. Also, you should be forewarned that this version deviates significantly from the novel in several places and overall, It seems to me to deviate significantly from the spirit of Herbert's novel.
Make no mistake, this is a "made for TV movie", so you get everything that goes along with that; sub-par acting, poor directing, badly choreographed fights, and in this instance, something filmed completely in the dry, artificial environment of a studio. Some of the sets and lighting are actually quite good, some are actually quite bad. Some of the special effects are good, some aren't. Some of the costumes are very nice, most are really bad. Sometimes, I couldn't help thinking how great it would have been had George Lucas been there to rub some dirt on some of the Fremen's nice clothes.
One of my biggest complaints with this miniseries is that it really utterly fails to portray the sense of restriction that the climate of Arrakis enforces upon it's inhabitants. The only hint of this is in the Fremen's red-neck looking, deer-hunter stillsuits. Air seals are not shown in any of the Fremen caves or around the palace at Arakkeen. In fact, the Fremen are shown throughout frolicking in the open air of the desert without stillsuits. The sietches themselves seem to be completely open to the desert. More importantly, the psychological effect of this restriction is not played-up well in the movie.
My second biggest complaint is that the miniseries completely fails to portray the "terrible purpose" of the Lisan al-Gaib and the transformation that occurs to Paul Atreides with any convincing force. The inner psychology of the novel is almost completely absent. The subtle, almost paranoid interactions of some of the characters are not portrayed and several of the most powerful scenes from the book are skipped over. For instance, the interaction between the Lady Jessica and Thufir Hawat when he confronts her in the palace in the belief that she is the traitor. Its an incredible scene in the novel when Thufir finally realizes the inconcievable (to a mentat) power of the Bene Gesserit. It also serves to heighten the sense of paranoia that was taking place within the Atreides house.
Also missing is the climax of the end of the first book, where Paul and his mother have escaped to the desert and in their stilltent, Paul realizes what he is, what it is that his destiny is moving towards, becomes something different than what he was before his father was killed and their house dispersed and in so doing both frightens and accuses his mother.
The climax of the second book is trivialized as some sort of Fremen orgy. I was completely disgusted by the carnal (as opposed to carnival) portrayal of the ritual of the drinking of the waters of life. Paul and the fremen are never even shown taking the changed waters. Suddenly everyone is humping somebody and Paul and Chani are laying in bed somewhere having some pillow talk.
I sincerely hope that a gifted director comes along to make a movie version of the book that stays more true to the inner workings of this incredible novel. In the meantime, I suggest that you save the four and a half hours and few extra dollars that you would've wasted on this movie and invest them instead into buying and reading the orignal paperback. There still isn't anything that compares to it.
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