In case you’re excited about Dune, VF released a bunch of photos from the new film. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya & more! (I’ve never read Dune so IDK what any of this is.) [LaineyGossip]
Elizabeth Warren endorsed Joe Biden for president. [Just Jared]
Aaron Schock is quarantining with a bunch of dudes at a gay resort. [Towleroad]
Jose Canseco is still talking about Alex Ridriguez cheating. [Dlisted]
A look back at Queen Letizah’s wedding look. [Go Fug Yourself]
What if Schitt’s Creek was a horror film? [OMG Blog]
The Honest Trailer for Cats is finally here. [Pajiba]
Is anyone watching Mrs. America? Hm. [Jezebel]
Elon Musk promised ventilators. He has not delivered. [The Blemish]
A groundhog eating pizza? End of days sh-t. [Seriously OMG]
Many years ago, I tried, tried, tried to watch Dune with Kyle MachLachlan and Sting and I couldn’t get past Sting’s laughble delivery of the line “I want to kill Paul Atreides …” or some nonsense like that. All I got out of the movie was that they were fighting over salt or some other spice and they were doing so in the desert. Other than than, will pass on any remake.
Kindle edition of the first book is currently two dollars.
There was a mini series version that is far better than the movie. James McAvoy was in the series relating to the later books.
I LOVE Dune (read it as a teen, re-read it several times since.) It’s an extraordinary story that has inspired a lot of sci fi books and films since it was first published in the 60s. Unfortunately, it’s not an easy story to translate to the screen. While I’m a fan of both David Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan, that movie is ROUGH. Especially if you haven’t read the book. Nic919 is right, the early 2000s SyFy miniseries is a far more watchable and coherent telling of the story. I’m eagerly anticipating the new movie this year and so far, I like the casting choices and agree with the decision to split the story across two films,
I’m always a little surprised when people have never heard of Dune, but then I remember what I gigantic nerd I am lol. It’s a very famous science fiction series surrounding the sociopolitical events of a planet that produces a very powerful drug (spice!) that most of the surrounding galaxy is dependent on. It set the standard for a lot of the worldbuilding and political intrigue you see in future scifi writing, so it’s got a big place in the hearts of genre readers.
It’ll be interesting to see a big Hollywood take on this. It was done as a pulp film in the 80s, a SciFi series in the 90s/2000s, both to varying degrees of success. The story is a little difficult to translate to film because it’s very dense on political intrigue and some oddball scifi aspects, so it’ll be interesting to see how it comes across for a mass audience.
I’m a dune nerd. Read all 6 books and even some of the godawful dune universe fan fiction books by Frank herberts son. Saw the 1984 lynch film and sci-fi channel miniseries (which was pretty good even with laughably cheap production values). Making Liet Kines a woman is a cool artistic choice, but I’m seriously underwhelmed by these photos. The planet dune looks like earth, and characters could be in a 2020 military unit in a desert somewhere. I really want this film to be good, but I’m not feeling optimistic right now. Good cast, though.
Yeah, it’s definitely looking to have a pseudo-futuristic militaristic edge to the look of it, which is…going to take away from the creativity of the setting, IMO. Part of what I really liked about the SciFi series was the costume and set work because it very much gave it a blended cultural look that had elements of European and Eastern influence but nothing so spot on as to make it seem too “now” but could be something you’d imagine from a futuristic human civilization. The noble courts in particular had a kind of whimsical fancy to the design, fashion absurdity you’d expect from the ultra wealthy that contrasted with the drabber palette of the more pragmatically clothed natives. That seems to be missing here, which is a curious choice given that the environment of the setting lends itself to monotone already.
I’d still give it a chance because its political commentary is fairly relevant to the resource battles that lie ahead for the world in the era of climate change, but OTOH, Hollywood is never keen to honestly visit stories that examine its own excess. I could see it going either way quality-wise.
I read the first few books and saw the mini series. I only saw the Lynch movie after I had read the first book and it seemed cheesy. I am curious as to how this adaptation will fare. There is a lot to work with from the novels and it’s probably more relevant now than it ever was.
I don’t know anything about Dune but am here for Oscar Isaac. He knows how to make us miss him.
I know, Oscar 😍. It’s all I have
Looking back, the first Dune movie wasn’t the best, but it was still a pretty good Sci-Fi movie. I’m looking forward to the new one.
I have no idea what Dune is, and I dont care….
Just gimme Oscar Isaac 😍
Omg, that picture!!! 😛😛
“The Spice must flow”
If you don’t know what this means, you are missing out on one of the most epic novels of all time.
I don’t care for remakes ( the original movie was phenomenal), but I’m excited for this.
Worms! Fremen! The Weirding Way!
Woohoo!!
I’m more excited to see the worms than half of the characters 😛
My husband was obsessed with these books growing up and I’d never heard of them. We have them all in paperback. I will only go see this film because Oscar Isaac is in it and he’s nice to watch. I still have no idea what it’s about.
As always, when they make a movie of one of my very very very favorite books ever, I am simultaneously terrified and sick with anticipation. Cast looks really good except for Timothee who seems kind of frail and boyish for such a tough part. I had a dream about him the other night where he moved into my house and was a terrible roommate so I guess my subconscious is chewing it over… 😀
Oh dear, as much as I’m looking forward to Dune as a sci-fi geek (the photos are great); I REALLY don’t think that it is going to click with the general public. This ain’t Star Wars kids. The story is dark and often very ugly. You love a character and want what’s best for them? Hahaha!…F**k you. That’s Dune. Some of the early reactions from people who don’t know, ouch. I mean, I would never spoil but…oh boy. 😬 Maybe Game of Thrones got people ready, or maybe that burned too many people. I’m really very curious to see.
Hey gatekeeping is hatekeeping
Not what I’m saying obviously. I’m speaking on the practical business side that means more of these movies get made. All are welcome but…come ON. If you know the story you have to be nervous (if they go full Dune) how it’s going to go over? I mean…this is an expensive movie. It has to draw a huge amount of people (if it drew the same numbers as that SciFi miniseries from years back, it won’t make its money back). And look at the simplicity of most films that end up as high grossing blockbusters. It will be great if it clicks, but sorry I have my doubts!
I’m biting my tongue so hard not to mention plot points 😬. Well at least I know we get part 1 for sure.
Hey the dictionary is a great place to learn definitions and also might expand ones vocabulary past the point of rhyming aphorisms.
That pizza groundhog is everything…he’s got balls!
he’s giving me life!
That Cats trailer is a masterpiece. I love it.
‘Balls of Furry’! That was great!
LOVE DUNE! Cannot wait!
Muad’Dib! Muad’Dib! Muad’Dib!
Omg, SO excited! Finally. Bring on the worms and bene gesserit powers.
I love Dune for so many reasons. But one of them is that Jessica is a mom and badass with her own inner life and story.
I’m extremely excited for Dune! Especially for Oscar as Leto Atreides… I’m feeling thirsty lol
Dune the movie is on NEflix I love it watched it several times so cheesey
I loved Arrival but found Denis Villeneuve underwhelming with Bladerunner II (gratuitous nudity and bad storytelling) and Sicario (so macho and self-important and overly laying on the seriousness). These photos make the film look cheap and hokey, like not a lot of thought or investment has gone into set and costume design. Dune as an universe has a lot of unique personality and “texture” and these make the DV vision seem a bit clinical or bland. Had childhood nightmares from the Vladimir Harkonnen scenes (google pics for how “textured” the vision for the 1st film was).
Aside, Dune / Paul’s journey as a story has a lot of potential for an interesting movie despite its fundamentally cliche hero’s-journey plot. (Another “problem” is it puts this white dude just-about-messianic story at the forefront, with various “native” populations as the backdrop, as far as I understand (I have not read any of the books).) James Cameron could have been a good candidate as he does nothing by halves but he seems to prefer more mainstream SF. Stanley Kubrick could have done it justice. Think this latest one will be a huge disappointment and bomb.
I mean, the whole point of Paul’s journey in the books is the deconstruction of the idea that one can have a “messianic hero” who saves everything. In the first book, Paul and Jessica are explicitly using the native population for their own ends, with the relationship complicated by the fact that, by living with them, they of course also come to care about them and become like them.
I see it differently, but again, I haven’t read the book or any of the series of books; I’ve only seen the Kyle McLaughlin film. Even the guy who adapted and directed the miniseries for Syfy described it as a “messiah story.” Your comments on the native population are interesting and I had not realised this about the movie.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0142032/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl
These are the summaries/synopses for the series and 1984 film. Whatever the writer intended with his books, there’s no doubt the adaptions are about the hero’s quest and about Paul as the chosen one (“he is the Kwisatz Haderach!” as Alia says), a messianic figure, standing out among a backdrop of “ethnic” characters.
I guess I don’t know what “see it differently” means then?
For example, in Dune, Jessica’s Bene Gesserit organization has deliberately sent spies to the native population as “missionaries” generations ago to make them vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation. Jessica thinks, when she meets them, “She [the secret missionary] must have been good,” because she recognizes the myths and prophecies as plants. Jessica uses that knowledge to help Paul appear more messianic and prophesied. Paul is both real and a charlatan at the same time.
Margles, my comment is awaiting moderation as it has links in it. Check out the Dune 1984 and Dune mini-series 2000 entries on IMDb for their synopses and summaries. Whatever the books meant Paul to be, there’s little doubt both adaptions are about a chosen messianic figure, the “Kwisatz Haderach.”
https://www.tor.com/2019/03/06/why-its-important-to-consider-whether-dune-is-a-white-savior-narrative/
This is a good article. I also read on some discussion boards Frank Herbert was actually trying to subvert white saviourism / Lawrence of Arabia etc.
I guess I don’t understand what relevance these past movies have to this movie? Did Villenueve say that he was re-adapting one of the movies instead of the books? I saw the Sci-Fi version. I thought it was deeply disappointing in that it was comically trite and varied from the book in many ways.
I’ll add, of course they are about a messianic figure. One of the books is literally called “Dune Messiah.” How else would the trope be subverted? The series is about how being a messianic figure with power and prophecy behind you is ultimately still exploitative and no guarantee of success, happiness, or anything. Paul even has the best of intentions in a lot of ways. But that doesn’t save him or his followers.
In popular culture a good number of people would see Dune as a just a messiah story, a heroic one. It’s not until after the first book that the devastation he wreaks is made evident, apparently. IMO most people won’t be analysing it that deeply or looking at the sequels.
I like Dune, read it, saw it. I just don’t feel the need for a new version. Vanessa’s dream Timothy comment is pretty funny
It might have been better if the did a game of thrones type Netflix/HBO series of it. With many seasons so they can tell it better
Check out all the IMDb synopses/summaries of the 1984 film and 2000 series; they talk about Paul literally as a messiah and the story arc as Paul becoming the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0142032/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087182/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl
e.g., “A three-part miniseries on politics, betrayal, lust, greed and the coming of a Messiah. Based on Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel.”
e.g., “Adopting his Fremen name “Maud’Dib”, Paul vows vengeance on Baron Harkonnen and the Emperor and he unites the Fremen and forms a army of warriors and leads into battle, as he sets out to defeat the Harkonnen family and put a stop to the Melange mining operation, as Paul sets out to fulfill his destiny, as he becomes the prophesied all-powerful Kwisatz Haderach.”
e.g., ” The natives of this planet await the arrival of their Messiah who will lead them into a holy war against the evil Harkonnen empire.”
e.g., “and his own destiny, which is to free the planet and its denizens of the cruel rule of the Emperor.”
e.g., “Only the Kwisatz Haderach, the true messiah in whom the Fremen inhabitants have prophesied will lead them out of oppression, can drink it. With a deadly gom jabbar at his throat, Paul is forced to place his hand in a box which subjects him to excruciating pain, but he resists the urge to withdraw his hand (which would result in death) and passes the test to Mohiam’s satisfaction.”
Can’t comment on the author’s original intent or on the book(s) as I haven’t read it/them.
I downloaded the first Dune book a while ago and I still haven’t read it. Sounds interesting, though. It’s just that I am so tired of sagas and trilogies. Does nobody know how to write a nice and concise book that doesn’t need to be a nine book epic?
I’m not a fan of Denis “Look at Me I’m a Smart Director Auteur!” Villeneuve. He’s all talk and no actual depth. I can’t say I’ll watch the film, but I’m definitely reading the book… one of these days.
Ugh, sorry not sorry, but I can’t get behind Chalamet. There’s something off-putting about him. Also, he’s incredibly overrated as an actor. He’s just a twink who knows how to cry. Give me five seconds and I’ll find you twenty of those in Grindr.
I suggest to everyone who hasn’t read the Dune or know it to watch a documentary called Jodorowsky’s Dune. It is the most influential film and has never been made, but this documentary takes you to its world and you’ll be amazed how much it has shaped the film making history. Please, watch it. You will not regret it one bit. Insane story.