In 2021, Dune surprised by achieving what seemed impossible. Adapt, in a sophisticated and quite faithful way, the founding book of the science fiction genre, written by Frank Herbert. The work, which spans six books and as many sequels written by the writer’s son after his death, is enormous and intricate.
But especially, it is populated with complex characters and settings, which interconnect with each other to narrate an extensive war between clans. Everything, in the Known Universe, the central setting of the plot and in the middle of a direct confrontation between powerful factions.
Director Denis Villeneuve managed to capture the epic feel of the novel and completely transfer it to the big screen. Especially by managing to distance itself from the previous adaptation by David Lynch, considered a conceptual failure. On the contrary, Villeneuve distanced himself from the obvious references and built his own expanding mythology. If the film was criticized for anything, it was for seeming incomplete, as it was only the first part of a much larger plot.
However, its sequel manages not only to assemble the twists that were left half-finished in the film. Also, delve more skillfully into its characters and central points in the midst of a war that threatens to destroy the stability of the cosmos.
We tell you three things you should remember before watching Dune: part two. From the central conflict to the way its protagonists must evolve to face a conflagration between sides with sacred airs. The first part was an adequate prologue, for a story that is now becoming more ambitious and that touches many more points in the power structure that supports the plot. One more step towards what is announced as an epic conclusion, always at the hands of Villeneuve.
The Atreides, destroyed by greed
In Dunethe entire scenario surrounding the fall of the dukedom of House Atreides was narrated. In both the novel and the film, the political and social scenario of a civilization whose extension covers light years of distance is detailed. But specifically, the source text and its adaptation spend a good amount of time recounting the way in which a great turn of circumstances destroyed the delicate balance that sustains the central system.
It all begins with the destruction of one of The most influential Houses. Led by Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), the Atreides heeded Emperor Padishah Shaddam IV’s order to abandon their home planet of Caladan. That, to settle on Arrakis, the only source of the valuable spice Melange in the Known Universe. Substance is a central part of the economic system of the cosmos, but also a potential source of power. Therefore, those who are capable of harvesting it have greater preeminence among the Great Houses. These are the core of the politics in the argument.
However, the Emperor’s mandate carried with it a hidden trap. The Atreides had considerable influence in the Landsraad, the council of the Great Houses that supported the emblematic Corrino at the Battle of Corrin. Almost involuntarily converted into an increasingly complicated enemy, the duchy aroused the fear of the Court. The galactic ruler joined forces with Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) to destroy all members of the influential dukedom.
And he could have succeeded in his endeavor, had it not been for the almost predestined way in which Paul (Timothée Chalamet), Duke Leto’s only son, saved his life. Once safe from the possibility of being murdered, the young man will begin a journey that will lead him to become a messianic leader. Much more, in a figure of almost religious power whose fury could unleash the destruction of power in the Known Universe.
Spice as a symbol of power
Another element that you must remember to see Dune: part twois the importance of Melange spice. In the book and in its film version, the story imagined by Frank Herbert revolves around its value. Not only is it the substance that allows flights through space — and, therefore, the expansion of the axes of power — but it, in itself, sustains the commerce and economic life of Houses.
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The herb is harvested in the desert sands of Arrakis, the planet to which the Atreides must travel by order of the Emperor. Achieving cultivation is actually a feat of skill, focusing on fighting the enormous, and often deadly, giant worms that produce it. In fact, the process involves collecting the spice while it is on the sand, to later try to save the lives of those involved in the operation.
on the tape Dune, the importance of the spice was shown and also, the way in which it directly influences the power of the Known Universe. The Atreides were entrusted to their harvest, causing them to abandon their planet with all their men and resources. The reason is that the spice is within the argument, a bit that can definitively balance power between Las Casas.
What are the effects of Melange?
In addition to the already mentioned, which allows interstellar travel, are the effects of the herb on those who take it. Not only does it extend life – at some points in the book it is hinted that it could even sustain a type of partial immortality – but it grants strength and vitality. Another point that makes it the main element of greed, It is the series of psychic attributes that they provide to those who consume them. Among them, precognition, which makes the consumer capable of perceiving possible (not entirely certain) events in the future.
The secret of Lady Jessica, Paul’s mother
Another point that you should remember regarding Dune: Part Cs, is the influence of Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), in the story. Paul Atreides’ mother is part of the Bene Gesserit Order, a key faction within the power movements in the Known Universe, made up exclusively of women.. Jessica was designated to become the lover of Leto Atreides, with whom she was to conceive a girl. Instead, she preferred to please the duke and give birth to a boy. In the mythology of Frank Herbert, the conception can be modified at will.
Something that Jessica does, to also try to conceive the mythical Kwisatz Haderach, the male version of a Bene Gesserit. But in addition to gender, the mysterious predestined figure will have the power to lead a revolution. In addition, it becomes a physical bridge between space and time, as conceived both in the book and in the film that adapts the narrative. Finally, it is worth remembering that at the time of Duke Leto’s death, Jessica was pregnant with a second baby. A detail that could have relevance in the expected continuation of it.