On the screen! Dune

Literary Origins

The novel Dune was written by Frank Herbert, born in 1920. Herbert wrote several science fiction novels, but Dune remains his most famous work. Dune was first published in 1965, laying the foundations for a complex universe that continues to influence the science fiction genre.

The Story

Set in the distant future, Dune revolves around the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of Spice, the most precious substance in the universe. Spice is essential for interstellar travel, prolongs life and enhances consciousness. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family accepts the management of Arrakis, placing them at the center of a complex conflict involving the Galactic Empire, the native inhabitants of Arrakis (the Fremen) and other rival noble houses.

Key Elements

• Dune explores themes of politics, religion, ecology and technology, in particular how these forces interact in a complex universe. The story critiques messianism and heroism, while examining the relationship between power, responsibility and identity.
• Arrakis, the desert planet also known as Dune, is at the heart of the story, being the sole source of the Spice.
• Spice: the most precious substance in the universe, essential for space travel, longevity and psychic powers.

Key Events

• At the heart of the story are cunning political maneuvers, a relentless quest for power and fleeting alliances, 
• The confrontation between the formidable House Harkonnen and House Atreides unfolds through the labyrinth of political intrigue that defines the Galactic Empire.
• The revelation of Paul's potential as Kwisatz Haderach, a prophetic figure endowed with extraordinary powers, marks a turning point in the story.

Political and Social Aspects

• Great Houses: The universe of Dune is dominated by a feudal system in which noble houses compete for power, resources and influence within the Galactic Empire.
• Emperor Shaddam IV: Supreme ruler of the known Universe, his decisions profoundly influence the fate of the noble houses, including the appointment of the Atreides as governors of Arrakis.
• Bene Gesserit: A mystical female order endowed with extraordinary abilities. Lady Jessica is a member, adding a layer of complexity to her role and influence on events.
• Alliances and betrayals: The transition of control of Arrakis from House Harkonnen to House Atreides is marked by intrigue and betrayal, revealing the precariousness of alliances and the brutality of the struggle for power.
• Fremen: The Fremen, the indigenous inhabitants of Arrakis, play a crucial role in the story. Their culture, adapted to the planet's extreme environment, and their knowledge of spice make them essential to the mastery of Arrakis.

Mystical and Cultural Elements

• Kwisatz Haderach: term used by the Bene Gesserit to designate a prophetic being capable of traversing space and time. Paul Atreides is suspected of being this being, which adds a mystical dimension to his journey.
• Spice: Beyond its economic and political importance, spice influences culture, religion and even human evolution in the Dune universe.

Main Characters and Actors

• Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet): Heir to House Atreides, a young man with extraordinary potential. His destiny leads him to become a messianic leader for the Fremen.
• Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson): Paul's mother, member of the Bene Gesserit order. She possesses advanced powers of persuasion and is a skilled fighter.
• Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac): Paul's father, a just and respected leader. His takeover of Arrakis sets in motion the tragedy and conflict at the heart of the story.
• Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård): Main antagonist, ruler of House Harkonnen, known for his cruelty and malicious ingenuity.
• Chani (Zendaya): Young Fremen, she becomes Paul's love interest and plays a central role in his adjustment to life on Arrakis.
• Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) and Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin): Paul's loyalists and mentors, playing crucial roles in his development and in the conflicts of Arrakis.
• Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler): Young, ambitious member of House Harkonnen, appointed successor by the Baron.
• Stilgar (Javier Bardem): Fremen leader who becomes an ally of Paul Atreides. His role is essential in integrating Paul and Jessica into the Fremen community.

Film Adaptation

• Director of Dune: Denis Villeneuve is a Quebec director born in 1967. He has previously directed major sci-fi films such as Arrival (2016) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). His adaptation is acclaimed for its artistic vision, recreating the vastness of Arrakis and the complexity of the Dune universe with great fidelity.
• Production company: Legendary Pictures, an American production company, is behind the production of "Dune: Part One". Founded in 2000, Legendary Pictures is renowned for its production of blockbuster films.
• Music: The soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, contributes to the film's unique atmosphere, reinforcing the story's epic and mystical themes.

Further Information

• Dune Movie
• Wikipedia: Dune (2021 film)
• Wikipedia: Dune: Part Two
• New York Times: Bigger, Wormier and Way Far Out
• Glossary of Dune