“Dune”, released in 2021 and directed by Denis Villeneuve, masterfully adapts Frank Herbert’s epic science fiction work. Set in a vast and intriguing universe, the film captivates not only with its compelling narrative but also with the intriguing aspects that permeate its production. Featuring a stellar cast including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac, the film not only preserves key elements of the original work but also introduces new layers of complexity and emotional depth.
One of the most fascinating aspects is the meticulous construction of the sets, which included epic locations such as deserts in Jordan and Norway, providing stunning visual authenticity. Additionally, Hans Zimmer’s iconic soundtrack adds an immersive auditory dimension, perfectly complementing the film’s grand atmosphere.
“Dune – Part 1” not only meets the expectations of fervent fans of the literary series but also captivates new viewers with its blend of cutting-edge technology and a narrative rich in mythology and intergalactic politics.
Here are 5 fascinating facts about this incredible film:
1 – THE BOOK
Herbert’s story emerged while he was writing an article for a magazine about a program from the United States Department of Agriculture regarding sand dunes in Florence, Oregon. His research evolved into deserts and the culture of the inhabitants of these areas. His work culminated in two short science fiction stories about the heroism of desert men and women, published in the prestigious magazine Analog Science Fact & Fiction. However, dissatisfied, Herbert expanded on the tales and released the epic “Dune”. The book was rejected by over twenty publishers before being accepted by Chilton of Philadelphia, which challenged the then-preference for shorter stories among readers.
Although “Dune” won both the Nebula and Hugo Awards, the two most prestigious awards in the literary market for science fiction, the book was not an immediate commercial success. Its fan base grew throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Herbert wrote two more books within the same universe, “Dune Messiah”, released in 1976, and “Children of Dune”, in 1981. With his father’s approval, Brian Herbert continued the saga, releasing “God Emperor of Dune” in 1984, followed by “Heretics of Dune” two years later, and concluding the story with “Chapterhouse: Dune”.
Fifty years later, “Dune” has sold millions worldwide and is considered a source of inspiration for other major sagas such as “Star Wars” and “Game of Thrones” — the similarities between Herbert’s work and that of George Lucas are so significant that in an interview with the Associated Press in 1977, the writer said he would “try very hard” not to sue the director.
2 – UNADAPTABLE STORY
The most recent edition of the book, released in Brazil by the publisher Aleph, has about 900 pages. Of these, the first 100 merely contextualize the reader within the universe created by Herbert. Arakis, Caladan, Melange are just a few of the concepts explained in the first part of the book, all related to the society, religion, and politics of Herbert’s universe and essential for understanding it. So, how do you adapt them into a film?
Ignoring them wouldn’t be possible, as it would hinder the viewer’s understanding. Simply inserting them into dialogue without any explanation wouldn’t be a good option either, as it would leave the audience just as lost. The director managed this by explaining them briefly as they appear in the story, providing the viewer with information at the moment they need it.
3 – WHO’S WHO IN DUNE?
“Dune” boasts a stellar cast. Here’s who’s who in Villeneuve’s film:
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides: son of Duke Leto Atreides and Lady Jessica, heir to the Atreides royal house. Despite being born male, he was trained by his mother according to the Bene Gesserit doctrines and developed powers such as the Voice. From a young age, he has visions and dreams of what may happen in the future.
Zendaya as Chani: a representative of the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis. Her eyes are blue due to constant exposure to melange, a spice found in the desert of her planet that allows humans to navigate spaceships across the universe.
Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides: father of Paul and head of the Atreides royal house. His home planet is Caladan, rich in water, but the Emperor transfers him to Arrakis.
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides: concubine of Duke Leto and mother of Paul, his official heir. She is a Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit.
Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho: a member of the Atreides army and Paul’s combat trainer. One of the first to visit Arrakis and make contact with its people, the Fremen.
Dave Bautista as Rabban Harkonnen: nephew of Baron Harkonnen and the last to rule Arrakis before the arrival of the Atreides. He did not respect the local population, the Fremen, and spared no effort in the extraction of melange.
Javier Bardem as Stilgar: leader of the Fremen.
4 – VILLENEUVE VS STREAMING SERVICES
“Dune” was originally slated for release in December 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the film was postponed to October 2021 and underwent some reshoots during that time. The initial plan was for the film to be released simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters — a decision that displeased Villeneuve.
Upon hearing the news, the director told the British magazine Total Film that he was disappointed that the pandemic had disrupted “Dune”‘s premiere, labeling it a significant “enemy of cinema”. Villeneuve had previously criticized the “streaming era” in an interview with Variety, stating, “These services are a positive and powerful addition to the cinema and TV ecosystems. But I want the audience to understand that they can’t sustain the film industry as we knew it before Covid-19. Streaming can produce great content, but not films of the scope and quality of ‘Dune’.”
5 – OTHER ADAPTATIONS OF DUNE
“Dune” has been adapted into comics, a miniseries on the Syfy channel, and a film directed by David Lynch, released in 1986. The Lynch film was considered a failure among both audiences and critics at the time but gained cult status in later years.
The film starred Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides, alongside Patrick Stewart, Linda Hunt, and even singer Sting. Much of the team attributed the film’s lack of success to the producer, Dino De Laurentiis. Francesca Annis, who portrayed Lady Jessica in the production, stated in a recent interview with Deadline, “If (Lynch) could have made the film he wanted, it would have been brilliant.”
Before Lynch began work on his adaptation of “Dune,” Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky had grand plans to turn the book into a film. According to him, his idea was to create the greatest film in history. He even cast Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, and Mick Jagger, along with Pink Floyd, who had just released the album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” to create the soundtrack.
However, Jodorowsky’s plans never materialized. No studio in the United States agreed to take on the project—not because they didn’t trust his work, but because the project was commercially unviable, and Jodorowsky was inflexible.
While distributors asked for the film to be no longer than two hours, the director insisted it be between ten to twelve hours.
Despite the project falling through, Jodorowsky claims that his ideas served as inspiration for other successful films like “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Terminator,” and “Flash Gordon.”
In summary, “Dune” is more than just a film; it’s a cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of the science fiction genre. With its stunning visual approach, memorable performances, and a narrative that skillfully balances epic grandeur with emotional depth, Denis Villeneuve’s film sets a new standard for literary adaptations in modern cinema.
Behind-the-scenes trivia, such as the creation of imposing natural landscapes and the meticulous composition of the soundtrack, showcase the artistic and technical commitment of the production team in bringing to life such a complex and fascinating universe as that of “Dune”.
As fans eagerly await the continuation of this saga, “Dune” leaves an indelible mark on contemporary cinema, not only for its monumental scale but also for its ability to provoke reflections on universal themes such as power, destiny, and ecology. This is a film that not only entertains but also inspires and challenges, securing its place among the most impactful and revered works of the modern era.