I think Iâve fallen in love with Dune which is awesome maybe but it also makes me think more about what Avatar couldâve been. All critical analyses lead to Avatar.
James Cameron wanted an underdog but gave Jake Sully SO LITTLE exposition that his only defining challenge is the loss of a brother the audience never knew and his wheelchair. mind you he has an OPERABLE condition, he just canât afford it and hence goes to Pandora on a last ditch effort and is quickly offered the payment from Quaritch. In the extended cut, yeah I guess heâs a victim of the system (disabled + disregarded by the military) but it doesnât manifest in any kind of meaningful way (like âoh wow see how big companies and systems treat humans?â) other than âdamn the dive bar kicked me out. Iâll go to space I guess.â
Paul Atreides is NOT an underdog. He is a duke who checks himself at the door cause he doesnât want to be a leader. he goes to Arrakis knowing fully well the Fremen are a group of people who should be led by one of their own and whose religion has been meticulously manipulated by the Bene Gesserit, including his own mother. OBVIOUSLY when he begins to use his influence that shit goes off the rails but then the point of the narrative is to be critical of his character for abandoning his beliefs to assume power. THE NARRATIVE IN AVATAR DOESNT CHANGE! YOURE STILL SUPPOSED TO THINK HES COOL???
you could say that Paul had an upbringing w a supportive father who valued education and possibly anti-colonialism. ok. go watch the extended cut of Avatar and tell me they didnt have time to teach Jake Sully a thing or two about respect. IT DIDNT HAVE TO COME FROM SIGOURNEY WEAVER EITHER!! whatever.