Feb 15Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
The film Dune 2 is showing in London right now, and I'm tempted to see it in an Imax cinema. Unfortunately I missed Dune 1. Do any of you folks know anything about this film? For example, is it any good, or just an excuse for special fx? If I see it, will I be at a disadvantage for not having seen Dune 1? I Have not read the books. Cheers
Already? Here the earliest for Dune 2 is 28th of Feb. but as the others said, you need to watch pt 1 first, unless you only watch it for the visuals and amazing sound :)
You must see part I before you see part II. Hans Zimmer’s music is epic. And it’s very well done. I’ve watched the first part 6 times. Just to give you an idea.
The film is superb, Terry (assuming you mean Dune Part 1, and not the original David Lynch film). Denis captures the world of Dune through some incredible FX and sets, but it's more than that, it's the story and characters and music. It's a great film. I think you'd really need to have seen part 1 to make sense of part 2.
Feb 21Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
Another fun read! Thanks for this collaboration, absolutely love the banter and smart-assery between the group: “Nathan laughs; nobody else laughs.” That’s the best. And is that Herbert himself that makes a cameo? I assume so, but I think if he was listening in at the outset of the convo he would have been kicking extra sand in Vanessa’s eyes, trying to drown Nathan to help that scratchy throat (and probably asking if he actually read the books lol), and giving the thumbs up to Claudia for the props on the world he built; and FH would sign a full set for his biggest fan Alexander for speaking so eloquently of his technical abilities with the craft, lol. Hope you all enjoyed the experience as much as it seems you have on the page. I could read this every week.
I am the greatest Spice Hoarder! Err, I mean, I think FH and I would have been besties, writing about how our leaders turn into worms because well you know how it is... Great comment, Brian, glad you enjoyed our banter. Where can I send the invoice? Spice is expensive. 😅
And I had as much fun reading your comment, Brian! I won't deny that, sometimes during this collaboration, I had the same (imaginary) thoughts as Frank. 🤣
We won't be doing this every week but there's one last letter from Arrakis coming your way in March. Will you watch the film? I already have my tickets for next Tuesday! Can't wait! I'm thinking about reading a bit of book 2 because Denis might've included some of the story already in the second part (heresy!) and I don't want to watch his version of Dune before I read the original. This is a rare case of true multimedia experience where you need to read the books to get the movie. (And for some people vice versa 😅)
Feb 17Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
I haven't read the books, or seen the movies, but I definitely feel inspired to now (watch the film, that is, not read the sucky prose!). Might also start dressing like a Bene Gesserit, who knows?
A Benny Guesserite! 😅 Very chessy. No no, not cheesy, chess-like. They all look like chess pieces, which is a very apt analogy and done intentionally by cunning Denis, of course.
Not everyone hates the book, Chloe, give it a try. The Bene Gesserit fashion is of doubtful taste but I like the fashion choices for Jessica's character in the new movies. ;)
Feb 16Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
This was a fun adventure so far. I look forward to the conclusion. No, I found I couldn't finish the third book. It was just too bad. The prose is very disappointing. The first one however was excellent. And the recent movie adaptation is very nicely done if somewhat uneventful. I did like the strategy game though...
I already heard roomers that there will be a 3rd part... I'm also curious how far they will advance. Now that I'm thinking, it's perhaps a three part series with each part based on one of the three books. Which makes a lot of sense. So excited about the second part!
And sorry to hear that you couldn't go through the books. I love the worldbuilding and the rich details Frank Herbert built into this world, as well as the themes especially the ecological part. In the appendix, there are few pages about the father of Liet, the planetologist, that give an in depth view of Herbert's interest and commitment to ecology. It became a lifelong mission for him. I admire that a lot.
Remains to be seen how he's going to cover all of Dune Messiah in one movie (Part 3). Or maybe Part 2 will have bits of Dune Messiah... we will soon find out. Anyway, Dune Part 3 is years away.
Glad you stick with the letters, Jenny, regardless of the quality of the prose. I remember the old Dune II computer game and that I wasn't very good at it, RTS is not my forte.
Thanks Jenny. Appreciate you reading through all our babble 😅No worries on not finishing the book. Hopefully Part 2 of the film will wrap things up.
Strategy game (Dune II, for me) was awesome. I haven't played the recent one, though I have played the board game that released a few years ago. 'twas very good.
There’s recent one?! I’m talking about the 1992 seriously old one. Maybe that was Dune II. I played it many years later than that but it was still many years ago now. But i remember I liked it.
Yes, Denis Villeneuve Dune Part I released in 2021. And Dune Part II will be released now at the end of this month. I already have the tickets for 28.02.
I watched the first part 6 times. And listening to the Hans Zimmer score as we speak. It's a great film and the music is epic.
Feb 16Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
I made it through the post but haven't still haven't started the books. I'm enjoying the conversation around Dune more than I think I'll enjoy Dune, so I'm just leaving it there (with the film).
The conversation of soporific prose to start! Ha! "Sand in my eyes..."
It's fun to read this because we can all feel the joy you are getting from discussing the weirdness of re-reading this book. It seems to be an exercise in facing one's earlier self as well as pushing on through mediocre prose but with enlightening ideas surrounding it.
Looking forward to the fourth installment and the second film.
We did have a lot fun reading and exchanging thoughts about the books, especially on the points where our opinions diverge. Thanks for reading and being here on this journey with us. Looking forward to watching the next film and exchange thoughts.
Ahhh, the joy of shared suffering through countless dry throats and elfin faces too fatigued to elicit much excitement. Yes, it was fun, indeed, and the only thing that kept me reading. Now, I wonder if I would have that same reaction re-reading LeGuin's Earthsea Cycle, another set of books I have very fond memories of, reading as a kid, maybe it's better to keep those memories as is.😅
At least the prose won't be an issue! It is categorized as YA. A coming of age story that starts like this:
"THE ISLAND OF GONT, A single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards. From the towns in its high valleys and the ports on its dark narrow bays many a Gontishman has gone forth to serve the Lords of the Archipelago in their cities as wizard or mage, or, looking for adventure, to wander working magic from isle to isle of all Earthsea." -Chapter 1, A Wizard of Earthsea
I always liked the idea that knowing the true name of things or a person gives you power over it/them.
Thanks for being here and sticking with us, Kate ☺️ Glad you're enjoying these and that were saving you from reading ;)
If I ever did this again, it would have to be with something where the prose is so central to creating the feel of the story, as well as there being layers of layers of meaning. I'm looking at Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun ☄️💫
Feb 15Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
Firstly, I have to say thanks very much to the four of you for organising this and getting me to read a novel that I never thought I would be interested in
Saying that, I think Nathan summed it up perfectly and, at the same time, caused me to laugh out loud and wake up the dog :-
“It's not a great book. The writing is, in my small opinion, shite.”
I mean there were some sections of book 2 that I thought were OK but book 1 and 3 were an absolute grind. Probably not helped by me being the muppet who couldn’t figure out what had happened with the time jump! 😁
Also, what’s with killing his son basically off screen. I think it was a few lines saying “well that was a bummer. Right, let’s go and get the Emperor”. All very strange
As you probably guessed from previous entries, I never warmed to Paul so was somewhat disappointed that when he chose to marry Princess Irulan that Chani didn’t just walk up and foot him squarely in the nuts as he deserved
Also, the last line just caused me to shake my head in disbelief
Anyway, thanks for making me read it 😆
On the plus side, the world building was impressive but apart from that, there wasn’t much else
I think this is definitely the rare case of the movie being better than the book 👍🏼
So cool that you read the book with us! I must say that the Romanian translation of Dune that I read many years ago was much better than the original 😅
"Also, what’s with killing his son basically off screen. I think it was a few lines saying “well that was a bummer. Right, let’s go and get the Emperor”. All very strange" – See, that's why you're with us, to lighten the mood with deliberations such as these! 😂 When I said yes to the re-read I had very fond memories of my first read (in German) at the tender age of 13 which got all but annihilated, thankfully we have Denis to save us. 😁 He'll do Part 3, it has been more than hinted at.
Well done for making it through all of the book, Dan! Thanks also for reading and staying with us!
Sorry for waking up the dog ;)
Yeah, it certainly felt like a minor side-comment when you found out Paul and Chani's son had been killed.
Haha, can you imagine if Chani did that? I guess we don't get to see her reaction to this anyway as it's just Jessica there at the end consoling and reassuring her.
Feb 15Liked by Claudia Befu, Nathan Slake, Alexander Ipfelkofer
Thank you for the abbreviated version. I got stuck in Book 1 unfortunately. Very ‘dense’ writing which took more brainpower than I had available. It’s still sitting waiting for me in case I’m on a plane trip and need something to read. But it’s fun to read your thoughts. It definitely seems that the latest movie might be the best way for me to enter this world. (The 1984 one was… interesting…)
I haven’t yet, but there are a lot of local showings at the moment getting everyone ready for Part 2 so I will try to drop in to see it. I love the look of the world they’ve created on screen (based on shorts and screenshots).
Thanks Beth. I'm right there with you, I do prefer Denis' version over the book(s) so I am content and look forward to the 28th of February. Glad you enjoy our ramblings!
The film Dune 2 is showing in London right now, and I'm tempted to see it in an Imax cinema. Unfortunately I missed Dune 1. Do any of you folks know anything about this film? For example, is it any good, or just an excuse for special fx? If I see it, will I be at a disadvantage for not having seen Dune 1? I Have not read the books. Cheers
Already? Here the earliest for Dune 2 is 28th of Feb. but as the others said, you need to watch pt 1 first, unless you only watch it for the visuals and amazing sound :)
It starts on March 1st here. Thanks Alexander
Ahhh, plenty of time to see Part 1 then!
You must see part I before you see part II. Hans Zimmer’s music is epic. And it’s very well done. I’ve watched the first part 6 times. Just to give you an idea.
OK, I shall have a look for it. Thanks, Claudia
The film is superb, Terry (assuming you mean Dune Part 1, and not the original David Lynch film). Denis captures the world of Dune through some incredible FX and sets, but it's more than that, it's the story and characters and music. It's a great film. I think you'd really need to have seen part 1 to make sense of part 2.
Thanks, and blast!
Part 1 will be streamable somewhere if you want to get up to speed.
Also, our own IMAX here is currently showing Part 1, so maybe some cinemas near you are doing the same?
Fair enough, Nathan, that sounds like a plan. Thanks
I'm only watching the films, Terry! It's fun to read these comments without reading the books...
We aim to entertain. The films are a wise choice, Kate.
OH good, I've just finished commenting on the entertainment value here...
Much appreciated, Kate. We really should do these as a podcast... :)
Another fun read! Thanks for this collaboration, absolutely love the banter and smart-assery between the group: “Nathan laughs; nobody else laughs.” That’s the best. And is that Herbert himself that makes a cameo? I assume so, but I think if he was listening in at the outset of the convo he would have been kicking extra sand in Vanessa’s eyes, trying to drown Nathan to help that scratchy throat (and probably asking if he actually read the books lol), and giving the thumbs up to Claudia for the props on the world he built; and FH would sign a full set for his biggest fan Alexander for speaking so eloquently of his technical abilities with the craft, lol. Hope you all enjoyed the experience as much as it seems you have on the page. I could read this every week.
I am the greatest Spice Hoarder! Err, I mean, I think FH and I would have been besties, writing about how our leaders turn into worms because well you know how it is... Great comment, Brian, glad you enjoyed our banter. Where can I send the invoice? Spice is expensive. 😅
Hahaha. So pleased to hear you enjoyed, Brian. Thanks so much.
Frank somehow popped in, yes. Not quite sure how. 😆
I'm excited for Part 2 of the film, though unlike Claudia I have yet to book my ticket!
And I had as much fun reading your comment, Brian! I won't deny that, sometimes during this collaboration, I had the same (imaginary) thoughts as Frank. 🤣
We won't be doing this every week but there's one last letter from Arrakis coming your way in March. Will you watch the film? I already have my tickets for next Tuesday! Can't wait! I'm thinking about reading a bit of book 2 because Denis might've included some of the story already in the second part (heresy!) and I don't want to watch his version of Dune before I read the original. This is a rare case of true multimedia experience where you need to read the books to get the movie. (And for some people vice versa 😅)
I haven't read the books, or seen the movies, but I definitely feel inspired to now (watch the film, that is, not read the sucky prose!). Might also start dressing like a Bene Gesserit, who knows?
A Benny Guesserite! 😅 Very chessy. No no, not cheesy, chess-like. They all look like chess pieces, which is a very apt analogy and done intentionally by cunning Denis, of course.
Can't go wrong with the movies. Arrakis awaits!
They do look like a chess piece! 🤣
They do, esp. Dune Part 1, during the Gom Jabbar test, look at her sitting in that chair, like a chess piece. *see Letter 1 -> https://vanessaglau.substack.com/p/letters-from-arrakis-part-one
It's hilarious!
Not everyone hates the book, Chloe, give it a try. The Bene Gesserit fashion is of doubtful taste but I like the fashion choices for Jessica's character in the new movies. ;)
I could see that working for you, Chloe ;)
This was a fun adventure so far. I look forward to the conclusion. No, I found I couldn't finish the third book. It was just too bad. The prose is very disappointing. The first one however was excellent. And the recent movie adaptation is very nicely done if somewhat uneventful. I did like the strategy game though...
Will you watch the second part?
Oh definitely. I loved the first book. I'm curious to see how far the movie will go.
I already heard roomers that there will be a 3rd part... I'm also curious how far they will advance. Now that I'm thinking, it's perhaps a three part series with each part based on one of the three books. Which makes a lot of sense. So excited about the second part!
And sorry to hear that you couldn't go through the books. I love the worldbuilding and the rich details Frank Herbert built into this world, as well as the themes especially the ecological part. In the appendix, there are few pages about the father of Liet, the planetologist, that give an in depth view of Herbert's interest and commitment to ecology. It became a lifelong mission for him. I admire that a lot.
https://variety.com/2024/film/news/denis-villeneuve-dune-messiah-last-movie-no-dune-4-1235893013/ he already said Part 3, Dune Messiah will be his last, so yes, 3 Dune movies covering 2 books.
Oh, covering two books... that's interesting...
Remains to be seen how he's going to cover all of Dune Messiah in one movie (Part 3). Or maybe Part 2 will have bits of Dune Messiah... we will soon find out. Anyway, Dune Part 3 is years away.
Glad you stick with the letters, Jenny, regardless of the quality of the prose. I remember the old Dune II computer game and that I wasn't very good at it, RTS is not my forte.
Thanks Jenny. Appreciate you reading through all our babble 😅No worries on not finishing the book. Hopefully Part 2 of the film will wrap things up.
Strategy game (Dune II, for me) was awesome. I haven't played the recent one, though I have played the board game that released a few years ago. 'twas very good.
There’s recent one?! I’m talking about the 1992 seriously old one. Maybe that was Dune II. I played it many years later than that but it was still many years ago now. But i remember I liked it.
Yeah that'd be the same original one I played, Dune II most likely, I'm sure. A classic!
Yes, Denis Villeneuve Dune Part I released in 2021. And Dune Part II will be released now at the end of this month. I already have the tickets for 28.02.
I watched the first part 6 times. And listening to the Hans Zimmer score as we speak. It's a great film and the music is epic.
I made it through the post but haven't still haven't started the books. I'm enjoying the conversation around Dune more than I think I'll enjoy Dune, so I'm just leaving it there (with the film).
The conversation of soporific prose to start! Ha! "Sand in my eyes..."
It's fun to read this because we can all feel the joy you are getting from discussing the weirdness of re-reading this book. It seems to be an exercise in facing one's earlier self as well as pushing on through mediocre prose but with enlightening ideas surrounding it.
Looking forward to the fourth installment and the second film.
We did have a lot fun reading and exchanging thoughts about the books, especially on the points where our opinions diverge. Thanks for reading and being here on this journey with us. Looking forward to watching the next film and exchange thoughts.
Ahhh, the joy of shared suffering through countless dry throats and elfin faces too fatigued to elicit much excitement. Yes, it was fun, indeed, and the only thing that kept me reading. Now, I wonder if I would have that same reaction re-reading LeGuin's Earthsea Cycle, another set of books I have very fond memories of, reading as a kid, maybe it's better to keep those memories as is.😅
😂 I haven't read anything from Ursula Le Guin, but look, I knew her first name! (Googling quickly to double check on decaying memory...)
Haha yes, good knowledge ;)
Could well be. Though I have every confidence in LeGuin. Not read earthsea, but those I have read have been excellent and deep.
At least the prose won't be an issue! It is categorized as YA. A coming of age story that starts like this:
"THE ISLAND OF GONT, A single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards. From the towns in its high valleys and the ports on its dark narrow bays many a Gontishman has gone forth to serve the Lords of the Archipelago in their cities as wizard or mage, or, looking for adventure, to wander working magic from isle to isle of all Earthsea." -Chapter 1, A Wizard of Earthsea
I always liked the idea that knowing the true name of things or a person gives you power over it/them.
It has wizards? 🙄
It says so in the book title ;) Fantasy, just another setting.
Oh, the only wizard I like is Gandalf...
Thanks for being here and sticking with us, Kate ☺️ Glad you're enjoying these and that were saving you from reading ;)
If I ever did this again, it would have to be with something where the prose is so central to creating the feel of the story, as well as there being layers of layers of meaning. I'm looking at Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun ☄️💫
You know I'm into layers! 🙃
Sticking with it is easier for me than for you guys 😆
Nah, this is great. I'm not sticking with it at all but just enjoying the ride. I think the world needs more discussions about literature!
Indeed it does 😁
And discuss we shall!
Firstly, I have to say thanks very much to the four of you for organising this and getting me to read a novel that I never thought I would be interested in
Saying that, I think Nathan summed it up perfectly and, at the same time, caused me to laugh out loud and wake up the dog :-
“It's not a great book. The writing is, in my small opinion, shite.”
I mean there were some sections of book 2 that I thought were OK but book 1 and 3 were an absolute grind. Probably not helped by me being the muppet who couldn’t figure out what had happened with the time jump! 😁
Also, what’s with killing his son basically off screen. I think it was a few lines saying “well that was a bummer. Right, let’s go and get the Emperor”. All very strange
As you probably guessed from previous entries, I never warmed to Paul so was somewhat disappointed that when he chose to marry Princess Irulan that Chani didn’t just walk up and foot him squarely in the nuts as he deserved
Also, the last line just caused me to shake my head in disbelief
Anyway, thanks for making me read it 😆
On the plus side, the world building was impressive but apart from that, there wasn’t much else
I think this is definitely the rare case of the movie being better than the book 👍🏼
So cool that you read the book with us! I must say that the Romanian translation of Dune that I read many years ago was much better than the original 😅
😅😅
"Also, what’s with killing his son basically off screen. I think it was a few lines saying “well that was a bummer. Right, let’s go and get the Emperor”. All very strange" – See, that's why you're with us, to lighten the mood with deliberations such as these! 😂 When I said yes to the re-read I had very fond memories of my first read (in German) at the tender age of 13 which got all but annihilated, thankfully we have Denis to save us. 😁 He'll do Part 3, it has been more than hinted at.
Well done for making it through all of the book, Dan! Thanks also for reading and staying with us!
Sorry for waking up the dog ;)
Yeah, it certainly felt like a minor side-comment when you found out Paul and Chani's son had been killed.
Haha, can you imagine if Chani did that? I guess we don't get to see her reaction to this anyway as it's just Jessica there at the end consoling and reassuring her.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68284037
Stars all out in force. Austin Butler saying he’s a “massive fan” of the book. Gone down in my estimation now 😁
Interestingly, they sound hopeful about a part 3 🤔
Massive fan of the book here… and falling down the cliff 🏔
Only kidding, Claudia 😁
🤣🤣🤣
Oooh, thanks!
Thank you for the abbreviated version. I got stuck in Book 1 unfortunately. Very ‘dense’ writing which took more brainpower than I had available. It’s still sitting waiting for me in case I’m on a plane trip and need something to read. But it’s fun to read your thoughts. It definitely seems that the latest movie might be the best way for me to enter this world. (The 1984 one was… interesting…)
The films are a great entry point. I already have the tickets for the premiere of the second part on 28.02. Have you watched part I?
I haven’t yet, but there are a lot of local showings at the moment getting everyone ready for Part 2 so I will try to drop in to see it. I love the look of the world they’ve created on screen (based on shorts and screenshots).
Thanks Beth. I'm right there with you, I do prefer Denis' version over the book(s) so I am content and look forward to the 28th of February. Glad you enjoy our ramblings!
Haha, yeah, keep it there for a sleeping-device ;)
Definitely recommend the new film(s). Part 1 is excellent and Part 2 will most surely be so, too.
Thanks for reading, Beth. Really appreciate it.
Dune Messiah and God Emperor of Dune are the best books. Gimme that worm-man.
Worm-man, best served at the bottom of a bottle of Mezcal! 😅
I was more of a Patrón gal, myself, but whatevs. E'rybody gotta make dat spice flow anyway they can.
Exactly! Whatever works! ;) Cheers!
😅
I'll take either.
Good to see you here, T :)
"Idontrulan" - good one, A... 🤣🤣🤣
😅 One tries!