While Dune 2 is coming out soon in theaters, perhaps Villeneuve’s first film is a little distant for you, or you are still hesitant to immerse yourself in this universe. Here are some guidelines that will help you never get lost in the concepts, issues and characters.
The adaptation of Dune in 2021 was a total success. So much so that the work of Denis Villeneuve, from the cult literary saga, has the right to a sequel. Dune: Part 2 will be released on the big screen on February 28, 2024.
The first film boasted a five-star cast — Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, Sharon Duncan-Brewster. This sequel too, notably with the arrival of Florence Pugh and Austin Butler.
Although it is not necessary to have read the books before watching the films, it is still a vast sci-fi universe with its own codes. On which planet does the story take place? What are the concepts of “distillate”, “spice”? Who are the Atreides and the Harkonnens? What is a sandworm? Here are some points of reference, which will not spoil the story of the first or second film for you.
What is the story of Dune?
Written by Frank Herbert, the original work of Dune was published in 1965. Five other volumes followed, published until 1986. Hailed by critics at the time, this cycle has since become a huge classic of science fiction. The universe of Dune did not end with the author’s death in 1986, since his son, Brian Herbert, and the writer Kevin J. Anderson, continued his work with a new cycle.
The universe of Dune is based on the spiritual quest of Paul Atréides (Timothée Chalamet), whose prophetic name is Muad’Dib. He has a gift of prescience, which allows him to see the future, and his future in particular. This hero belongs to the Atreides, one of the great families of the Imperium – a vast galactic empire led by Emperor Padishah, and which is the basis of this cycle.
In addition to a spiritual quest, Dune is an exploration of political power, but also a saga with ecological sides – humanity is put back in its place as a grain of sand in the uncontrollable environmental immensity of the planet Arrakis.
The planet Arrakis, from its spice to its sandworms
The issues of Dune are centered on the planet Arrakis. The name of the cycle comes from there, since it is regularly nicknamed “Dune”. This desert planet is politically coveted by the different families of the empire. At issue: Spice.
The latter is secreted by sandworms (also called Shai-Hulud). These immense creatures, which can stretch several kilometers in length, live in the depths of the planet. Coming across one too closely often proves fatal for the uninitiated, since it is a good way to end up devoured. They are attracted to regular sounds—which is why, in the Arrakis Desert, walking resembles a kind of dance that avoids any regular pounding.
The Spice, secreted by these giant worms, has prodigious virtues. It acts as a sort of psychological and physical stimulant, “boosting” longevity, but also the ability to foresee the future. These abilities enable spatial navigation within the empire. The Spice is therefore an ingredient at the heart of the political issues of the Imperium.
The Fremen
The planet Arrakis may be the center of the Imperium’s interest, but it is already inhabited by a people native to the place: the Fremen. They master the mysteries and peculiarities of Arrakis more than any other family in the Imperium.
It is difficult to talk about the place of the Fremen in the story of Dune without revealing too much about the story itself, since these people are directly linked to the destiny of Paul. Moreover, Chani, played by Zendaya in Villeneuve’s film, is part of the Fremen.
The distillation
An ingenious device, the distillate represents the only thing allowing survival on Arrakis, a dry and hot planet. This combination recycles all of the body’s water — sweat, urine and excrement, breath — which is filtered for consumption. The combination is so efficient that we only lose a thimble of water per day.
Atreides and Harkonnen, two opposing families
The film is quickly clear on the subject, but we must still recall the political confrontation which takes place in Dune. Two families, in particular, compete for stewardship of Arrakis:
- On one side there are Atreides, family to which Paul (Timothée Chalamet) belongs. It is headed by the heir, Duke Leto (Oscar Issac), who is an unmarried cohabitant with Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). We also find Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa), the fencing master of the house who trained Paul.
- On the other, we find the Harkonnen. This family is ruled with an iron fist by Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård), who is its baron. It is a house thirsty for power and cruel practices – including slavery and torture.
The Bene Gesserit
The Bene Gesserit sisterhood is an order of women with considerable political influence in Dune. In this quasi-religious order, women possess certain psychic powers. Thus, they master the Voice, a force which allows them to obtain immediate obedience (a capacity also possessed by Paul); Truth Tellers, for their part, can perceive the truth or lies. In the film, a reverend mother is played by Charlotte Rampling. Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) belongs to the order.
A television series dedicated to the Bene Gesserit, and responding to Villeneuve’s film, is planned.
The films adapt which volumes of the Dune books?
Even if the saga includes several books, Denis Villeneuve’s two films come from the first volume, Dune. The director cut it into two parts. He plans to adapt the second volume, The Messiah of Dune, in a third film. On the other hand, there will be no fourth film: for the sequel, we will have to delve into the literary saga.
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