The Art of Russell Pierce

My friend Dave in New York knew I was into science fiction and recommended the book, DUNE by Herbert. He told me it’s a bit tough in the beginning with made up words some of which you don’t even have a clue on how to pronounce let alone what they represent but give it a hundred pages before you nix it. Well, that was great advice, it was a fantastic novel and is still regarded as the best-selling science fiction novel of all time. I went on to read all five sequels and even the sequels written by his son after his death. I’ve re-read the original novel  a number of times which is something I rarely do. I also checked out some of his other works that were not part of the DUNE saga and while they were entertaining, DUNE remains a favorite to this day.

 

When I heard one of my favorite directors was making a film version of the book, I was really excited. Dave and I went to see the movie the day it opened but unfortunately it was a huge disapointment. Not many people know that Alejandro Jodorowsky was going to make a movie version of DUNE in the 70s but it hit snag after snag and was finally scrapped. However there is a fascinating documentary directed by Frank Pavich of Jodorowsky’s attempt to make DUNE. Worth checking out if you can find it.