Dune versus Dune

Where do we go from here?

How would Frank Herbert rate the two? Who knows. I feel he would've been pleased with the miniseries because it addressed many of his complaints from the '84 movie.
I don't think it's possible to get a book as complex as Dune 100% percent accurate on film. I don't think it's possible for most novels. Take Blade Runner, a truly fantastic SF movie. But if you read "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep", upon which the movie is based, you have to wonder about the script writing process. So where do we go from here? Will they ever get it exactly right? Will Irulan get to touch Paul's thumper? Will there be more Dune movies? Yes. The Sci Fi Channel is producing a sequel miniseries (tentatively titled Children of Dune), also directed by John Harrison, which combines the novels Dune Messiah and Children of Dune. Shooting recently began in Prague and many actors from the first series are reprising their roles. Susan Sarandon will headline the cast by playing Wensicia, a ruthless princess eager to restore her deposed family to the throne.

Dune fans have asked me, "Which version do you prefer?" It's a tough question to answer. I liked the 2000 miniseries very much, but it didn't feel like Dune, which is what the '84 film did phenomenally - through its costumes, sets and exceptional acting. Neither film is perfect, but I think they've both given Grandpa something to smile about as he rides a Maker in whatever universe awaited him after ours.

Copyright 2002 Byron Merritt

Byron Merritt lives in Pacific Grove, California and works as a full-time emergency room nurse and part-time writer. He’s taken first and third places in local writing competitions and has posted numerous science fiction stories on the internet at various webzines. He attributes much of his writing ability to genetics - his grandfather is none other than Frank Herbert. Byron is currently working on multiple science fiction and fantasy short stories, novels and novelettes.