Well, those of us that have recently seen Dune would agree it’s worth every attention it is getting. The movie seems to have it all, from its direction to delivery and plot. An adaption of Frank Herbert’s book Dune, it sure set a path of its own. A previous movie of the same name from the book was done in 1984, but we must agree that Dune 2021 is more of an upgrade.
The ending of the first Dune Movie was only the middle of Frank Herbert’s book and viewers can surely expect more. It does leave us hanging and it felt like the most interesting part of the movie was only about to begin with Paul (Timothee Chalamet) meeting the girl he has always seen in his visions, Chani (Zendaya).
The movie is centered on the great house of Atriedes’ heir, Paul Atriedes, gifted with visions. He sees visions of a girl with blue eyes(a characteristic feature of the Fremen) who he had never met before, but believed she was key to his fate. The journey isn’t straightforward. His father, Leto Atriedes(Oscar Isaac), the Duke is ordered by the emperor to take charge of Arrakis after abruptly removing another great house (Harkonnens) from control of the planet. The emperor has other intentions with this move seeing the Atriedes as a great threat to him.
When the battle between the two great houses begins, the emperor takes side with the Harkonnes and sends his private army(the Sardaukar). The Atriedes’ house are exposed to danger and their bloodline is at the brink of being wiped out. Leto is betrayed by his physician Dr. Yueh (Chang Chen) and delivered to The Baron (Stellan Skarsgard), head of the Harkonnens to be killed. He dies but not without taking some of Baron’s best men with him. Leto’s wife Jesicca (Rebecca Ferguson)and son are caught, but escape from their captors using their gift (the Voice) to free themselves from their captors. With Leto dead, it sets the path for Paul to head the Atriedes’ house, but Paul has bigger plans and has his eyes set on controlling the imperium. This sets the tone for the movie and gives it an entertaining thrill.
With the part 2 coming out in 2023, here are some questions we ask and want answers.
What is the objective of the Bene Gesserit?
In this movie, the Bene Gesserit wields the strongest power. They work closely with the great houses to assist them, but they have their own plans. The compulsive and manipulative effect of their Voice makes them feared. They believe they have a responsibility to save humanity from itself and launch it to a new generation of greatness.
Similarly, they assume Kwisatz Haderach is the crusader of this cause and think they might just have found him in person of Paul Atriedes. However, what we don’t know is how far are they ready to see their goals fulfilled? To save humanity, they probably need to have the highest power in the land (the throne). How far are they willing to go?
Moreover, if it’s achieved, what are their plans on saving humanity?
Does Paul fulfil his destiny and ascend the throne?
We see at the end of part 1 that Paul thinks he has a shot at the throne with the king having no sons and therefore no heir. If he is to make his move, then he would have to face the emperor and his fearsome army.
Again, if he is to succeed, he would need an army to stand a chance, and the Fremen with their desert power sure makes good allies. Although, I think we already saw this play out in his vision in the tent, where he seems to have won, his fight with Jamis taught us that his visions don’t always happen the exact way he sees them.
What is The Baron’s Role in the Grand scheme of things?
The Baron intended to take back control of Arrakis and exploit their resources and make gain. This was what led him to fight the Atriedes. He was lucky not to have died with Leto after his shield saved him and he ran to the ceiling at the last minute. Though, he isn’t fully healthy and seems to be recuperating in a thick black oil.
Still, Paul, knowing he killed his father, is not likely to sit still and this may lead to another battle between the two great houses. His relationship with the emperor and his strong presence in Arrakis certainly makes their battle a good one to see.
Final Thoughts
Perhaps, the second part of this movie may not answer all our questions. Regardless, seeing the success of part one, the producer Denis Villeneuve thinks there may be a trilogy adapting Herbert’s sequel, Dune Messiah. Till then, we have our hands crossed. Meanwhile, the part 2 has been slated for release on the 20th of October 2023.