Through my eyes.
Movies “Dune 1” and “Dune 2”
After watching Dune 1 & 2 back to back, I felt compelled to write about it. Who denies my writer person a compunction when compelled?
I read Dune when it was first published, and I liked it a lot. Science fiction has been my favorite literary genre since I was a young girl. When the original movie came out, I bought a copy and watched it several times throughout the decades. I’ve always thought that for science fiction to be good, it must be read or viewed several times, or it’s just gibberish.
During one of my viewings of the movie several years ago, my husband, a Jew from New York, commented that this story was about the Jihab and walked away. I had heard the word Jihab but had no idea what it meant. I’ve since learned that it means holy war. Understanding the meaning of this one word changed the entire Dune saga right before my eyes. I had grown from a young woman reading a science fiction book to a grown woman experiencing a political statement hidden behind a science fiction story.
Fast forward a couple of decades and the movie version of the story has been relaunched with much fanfare. I saw some promo pictures of the holy women covered in black sheets head to toe, and I knew I was not interested in perpetuating the modern-day agenda for women, myself included.
Since the days when Dune was first published, I have evolved into a science fiction writer and a political commentator. This is why I became compelled to watch the two new versions of “Dune.”
In one sentence, this story/ movie is about patriarchy in its most insidious form. It is also religious indoctrination hidden behind somewhat lame futuristic science fiction.
The “freemen” end up losing their democracy and find themselves lovingly ruled by a monarchic system, the Duke, also known as “the One.” (The Matrix stole this concept of only one power, male.)
The cinematography is interesting, even though black and gray are boring. There is no music, only sound effects. A movie without music has no soul. The special effects are noticeable. We know the actor ran before a blank screen, and the background was added. I found this sloppy.
Too much rides on Timothee Chalamet looks. Yes, he is gorgeous and a decent actor, but Dune 1 overkills with close-up after close-up of the actor.
The shining star in this movie, the character that saves my sanity, is Zendaya, playing Chani, as Paul Atreides’s love interest. She would not kneel and walked away. A mind of her own. A will of her own. As these stories go, I dare bet that patriarchy will win in the next installment and show her that she is wrong. The woman warrior will be subdued? I sure hope not. I need to see more women take a stand.
In summary, Dune 1 & 2 is about reminding women that men are to rule us, even if they require religion to do so. Does this sound familiar? Just look around you. Stay away from the Kool-aid. It will get you killed, which isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you. Being encased in black rags with a covered face is worse than death.
Thank you for reading.
Happy New Year! Watch your back, cat!
Stay tuned for happier notes with insights on awesome movies, “Maria,” and ‘Oh My Goddess”, “Emilia Perez”!!!
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