Movie Dune beats Book Dune
Why the Dune Movie is better than the Dune Book
New to Dune? The original book was written in 1965. It’s full of sexism with moments of misogyny, homophobia, interoperability (wrongly) of the white male savior trope, and some difficult to swallow premises even for Science Fiction. So WHY am I a fan? Because the series as a whole has some fascinating concepts, interesting mysteries, and set aside at least some of the highly offensive elements as it progressed. And it’s actually a pretty complex and meaty evaluation of forms of government and human nature. Also note, the last of the “original concept” books was finished by Herbert’s son with a co-author and while still weirdly overconcerned with the mystical powers of sex, it has become significantly less offensive while finishing the story.
But the main reason Movie Dune beats Book Dune is how well the major characters are developed. They are more in keeping with the entire franchise perspective than the original book. In fact, the first book was a bit like a TV pilot. Definitely clunkly at times. It was introducing the Duniverse (Dune universe) with a 1965 understanding of technology and relationships. By the third or fourth book, Herbert had improved some of the more off-putting elements. Further, Herbert made time jumps that leave out critical character development. The series spans 20-30 millennia. But even within the periods he’s writing about, and an overabundance of ‘internal voice’, character development is both convoluted while often unsatisfying. Many of the characters end up as fallen heroes or make decisions difficult to support. That IS a vital element to the story. But we need to see why they do what they do and what options they choose to correct. [Note: I’m avoiding spoilers but will provide a warning — Dune is more complex than a high concept hero’s journey)
Fortunately Denis Villeneuve brings a 2021 perspective and a character development that is both more satisfying and yet consistent with the main beats of the entire franchise. Here’s the rundown of the differences in major elements.
Characters: - Paul: Movie Paul is much more likeable and understandable. Timothee Chalamet shows the transition from teen to manhood with great skill. The trauma he experiences is better expressed, his horror at the future he sees and the decisions he makes are all much more clear with less dialog and less words. Paul as a ‘Chosen One’ is reasonably undermined (appropriately) in the movie but only time will tell what the audience picks up on. - Chani: We see very little in the movie but the few moments of ‘reality’ Chani brings out the warrior elements of the character and less of the simplistic “elfin featured” repetitive characterization. The warrior elements are true to the story, this is an example of how the movie fleshes out so much better than Herbert did. - Leto: There are times in the book series where I pretty much hated Leto and his coldness towards Jessica. The entitlement is grotesque at times. But movie Leto was also a part of the Herbert story. And THAT is the Leto that could motivate the dedication of Thewfir, Gurney and Duncan. - Jessica: Is a badass in both book and movie. But the whole concubine concept is gross despite the Duniverse rationale laid out more clearly in the books. - The warrior trio is a mixed bag compared to the book: Thufir is nearly absent from the movie, which is a pity, but Gurney and Duncan are better developed. The movie fails to have Gurney’s warrior-poet personality (we should have had ONE song on the ballaset), but his toughness is spot on. And Duncan is a full-blown movie hero. Which works well in context of what Herbert ultimately intended. - Stilgar: Movie Stilgar’s intelligence radiates from the screen. There are times that book Stilgar can look naïve. Movie Stilgar is far better developed. Again, in a short span. - The Baron: Movie Baron shows the intelligence that comes across in the books. The David Lynch Dune movie really damaged that character.
The Duniverse Premise: - Nobility and Intrigue: It doesn’t play that well in 2021 but “Science Fiction” and pseudo-dystopian universe covers a lot of questions. The movie does not flesh this out as well as the books but this is where some of the problems lie (especially in sexism) so it’s not a great loss. Conversely, Paul lays out the central feudal-intrigue (the Emperor has no sons) so sexism is still fundamental in the plot. - Technology: No computers is a HARD SELL. Book or movie. If you read all the prequel books you get the concept. But… there is little discussion about Mentats and why they are needed. Probably best to skip that in these first two movies. If there are more, they can delve deeper. - The Guild: the book franchise ultimately improves these characters. They and the court are non-entities in the movie. - The Bene Gesserit: Brilliant casting of Charlotte Ramping as Mohiam in the movie. The gom-jabar scene is vital and she nails it. I prefer the movie version over the book.
Bottom Line: Taking on Dune as a book series to read requires you tolerate a 1965 mentality in the first book. By the end of the series it’s better and you see the concepts, the storyline, the conflicts as much more fascinating. Movie Dune was interesting right from the start and side-steps most of the unnecessary offensive elements of the book. Movie Dune improves on the characters without actually deviating from the author’s intent. The author’s intent, however, take more than one book to get to. So, if you read for the concepts and conflicts it poses, enjoy but please envision movie characterization as you do.
