If you are a big fan of Sci-Fi/Fantasy reading, it is highly likely you have heard of Dune by Frank Herbert.
The epic novel from 1965 that shaped much of the genre which came after it has made it onto plenty of top 100 book lists, as well as having already being adapted into a 1984 film starring Kyle MacLachlan.
Today, the novel is again being popularized by another adaptation with a star-studded cast and we are here to tell you why you should see it!
Dune: The Novel
This book is actually the first in a larger saga that covers the distant future and interplanetary disputes between noble families and battles for control over a special spice called melange.
The book received international recognition as it tied with Roger Zelazny’s This Immortal for the Hugo Award in 1966.
The book explores themes of class, religion, declining empires and gender dynamics against the backdrop of an expansive adventure across worlds and if you have the time to invest into the 608 pages of the first book alone, it is well worth reading.
1984 Adaptation
The first film adaptation of Dune received mixed reviews.
David Lynch, the director of this version was himself not overly pleased with the resulting film and this could be down to a lot of things. The necessary effects and imagery that the book requires to be properly brought to the big screen just weren’t available in the early 80s and today’s film promises to be a huge improvement visually.
In addition to this, the movie crammed a 608-page story into a 2-hour 17-minute film. Even the audiobook takes just short of a day to listen to so to properly convey even just the important points of the novel would be a real miracle in a tenth of the time.
Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 Version
Villeneuve only agreed to come on board and direct Dune if he could release it in 2 parts. With such a dense book it is easy to understand why this approach will make the story easier for viewers to experience and enjoy, as well as benefitting Warner Bros. and Legendary studios financially with multiple releases.
The trailers and casting of big names such as Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa and Josh Brolin put this movie in a much better position than its predecessor.
The film will be released in the UK on 21st October 2021 and in the USA on the 22nd. Mark the date in your calendars.
Have you read the book? Are you excited to see the film?
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Ben Gibbons