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(source: tmdb.org)

Adapting great literature to screen is always a challenge, but especially so in the case of popular science fiction novels. More often than not, such adaptations demand high budgets and create expectations among fans that are difficult to be met. The most telling example is Dune, epic novel by Frank Herbert, one of the most popular books among genre aficionados. Its first adaptation, eponymous 1984 film directed by David Lynch, was ambitious, original, interesting but in many ways flawed project. Some of those flaws were recognised by the authors of the second adaptation, 2000 television miniseries Frank Herbert’s Dune, written and directed by John Harrison.

The plot is set in very distant future and describes the world in which humanity has managed to bridge vast gaps between stars and colonise numerous worlds. The known universe is ruled by Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (played by Giancarlo Giannini) whose empire rests on delicate balance of power between various noble houses. One of those is House Atreides, led by popular Duke Leto (played by William Hurt) who rules ocean planet of Caladan. The Emperor orders him to relocate and take charge of Arrakis, desert planet also known as Dune and the only location containing the deposits of “spice”, drug used by Spacing Guild for navigating between stars. The desolate but strategically important planet was previously controlled by Harkonens, rival house led by depraved Baron Vladimir (played by ian McNiece), so Leto, who has arrived with his concubine Lady Jessica (played by Saskia Reeves) and son Paul (played by Alec Newman) suspects that the whole scheme might be a giant trap. His suspicions are proven correct when Harkonens, covertly aided by Imperial troops, suddenly attack. Duke Leto dies, but Lady Jessica and Paul find shelter among Fremen, nomadic native population of the planet whose legends tell of a messianic figure that will liberate them from Harkonen’s oppresive rule.

The main problem with Lynch’s version of Dune was inability to turn Herbert’s epic novel, known for its exotic and fascinating world, multitude of characters and complex plot, into regular feature film. John Harrison knew that the solution for this problem lies in a different format and, thankfully, SciFi Channel agreed to provide budget for adaptation in the form of miniseries. Three episodes, lasting four and half hours in total, allowed for much more faithful and comprehensive adaptation, but Harrison now had another task to do – making his version of Dune as different as possible from Lynch’s. This was partially achieved by different casting and through the ingenious use of different costumes and props. The miniseries was shot mostly in studios in Rome and Prague; the latter provided opportunity for casting of Czech actors in the roles of Fremen, with heavy Czech accents setting them apart from actors using Queen’s English while playing non-Fremen characters. This included Barbora Kodetová in the role of protagonist’s love interest Chani; she played that role much better than Sean Young in Lynch’s version. This was, however, more exception than rule, although not that surprising, considering that Lynch, unlike Harrison, had really formidable cast at his disposal. While some members of new cast, like Ian McNiece as despicable villain, leave good impression, most others are forgettable and that even includes Alec Newman as rather uncharismatic protagonist. Harrison compensated to a degree that by departing from the source a bit and turning Princess Irulan into somewhat important character, which allowed Julie Cox to deliver a very interesting and effective performance. Main problem for miniseries was, however, absence of truly epic look and too many scenes looking like they were belonging to a stage play. Despite those shortcomings, Frank Herbert’s Dune proved to be mostly satisfying effort both for fans of the genre and fans of original novel and this allowed Harrison to make highly regarded sequel Children of Dune three years later.

RATING: 7/10 (++)