What makes one fiction cult and another one mainstream, irrespective of its popularity? For example, films like Guy Ritchie’s Snatch (2000) or David Fincher’s Fight Club (1999) have a cult following, whereas James Cameron’s Titanic (1997) or Speilberg’s Jurassic Park (1997), of the same vintage and equally great films in their own right, have mainstream popularity. Or in science fiction, films like the Marvel Universe or Star Wars hit the mainstream spot, while films like The Matrix (at least when it started) or Nolan’s initial films like Inception, or the Mad Max series become cult classics?
Getting into Dune, once again brings this perspective to life in a big way, because Dune, falls squarely in this category of “cult” sci-fiction.
Dune, the film, based on the (ahem!) cult sci-fi novel of the same name, written by Frank Herbert in 1965, is two movies (Part one in 2021 and Part two now in 2024) together capturing the story of the first book in the Dune novel series, which itself comprises six books, written over two decades. The intergalactic plot is across multiple planets, with the epi-center of the story set on the desert planet Arrakis (hence ‘Dune’). Inhabited for centuries by the local Fremen tribe, but ruled and exploited by the Empire for decades, for the precious ‘spice’ that is found only on this planet. Spice, which is the most valuable commodity in the
Now, by definition, cult means it’s not for everyone, and that it appeals to a narrow audience that either connects with the theme, or more often than not, connects with the nuances and the layers that are beneath the overt story-telling. And that’s why we see many who are drawn to watching Dune for its big, grand, sci-fi, SFX experience, walking out feeling under-whelmed or with a ‘meh’.
Because, for one, unlike many other fiction novels made into movies (like say the brilliant Lord of the Rings), the film Dune expects its viewers to have read the book. Or the atleast, know enough about the novel. And for those of us who have, the film (especially with Denis Villeneuve’s big-budget IMAX experience) is a beautiful and inspiring bringing-to-life of this unique imagination and vision of Frank Herbert, telling the complex story-telling of imperial politics, nationalistic resistance, and religious fundamentalism. A story where it’s not always clear what’s the better path for an entire population, that one way or another, is enslaved and manipulated by one kind of power or the other. Just like the world we live in every day. No black-and-white answers in life, right?
Throughout the film, we are rooting for Paul Atreides, a victim of political play, as he fights against the system, with the help of his Fremen believers, slaying the evil Harkonnens, avenging his family’s betrayal, and coming to power by defeating the emperor, with a clear public affirmation that he is “the One” that will bring redemption to Arrakis and the universe. But, throughout the story, we are also very aware of and frightened by the impending and inevitable danger of him coming to power, as the absolute religious leader, who will spawn a mass annihilation in the future. As history (and indeed our present world) has evidenced, we know this to be true in our world, where the popular leader himself becomes the destroyer of the very thing he was chosen to save. A certain Russian leader, a Turkish leader, an American leader, and perhaps a leader closer to home, comes to mind! What do they say about absolute power….
As the young Paul Atreides, who was thrown into the desert after his father was killed, we love him, feel bad for him, want to help him, champion him, feel his vulnerability, cheer for him, as he fights and survives and wins the Fremen trust and leadership and defeats his vile enemies.
As Muad’D’b, the young fighter and an equal member of the Fremen tribe, we admire him, respect him for his earnestness, his madness, his will, his love for Chani, his sheer resilience and the clarity of vision for what he is fighting for, even at such a young age.
But, as Lisan Al Gaib, the religious leader of Fremen based on blind faith, the result of a prophecy which itself is a massive political plot spawned by the spiritual and shady power-monger community of the Benne Gesserit, we are unsure, we are worried, and fear the consequences of what this absolute power might forebode for the world and his people.
And as Kwisatz Haderach, the ONE, who can see and exist across time and space, we are in awe and overwhelmed at the uncertainty of the future with this being, who till yesterday was just a little boy, but now seems to have the fate of the whole universe in his hand.
The film captures these nuances beautifully, especially told through the lens of Chani, the Fremen woman that Paul falls in love with and makes her his partner. And it is these nuances and layers that make Dune the cult franchise that it is.
The genius of Dune is also in the realisation that written in 1965, we can clearly see how many popular sci-fi franchises like Star Wars, or Star Trek are inspired by the various elements from Dune. The prodigal son, the evil Empire, the hero’s lineage linking back to the evil rulers themselves, and so on and so forth.
The casting of the film is brilliant and hits the spot for the storytelling. Timothy Chalamet, as the protagonist, does a really good job of portraying the layers of his character and shows his talent. Rebecca Fergusson as Lady Jessica, who herself transforms from a protective mother to the Reverend Mother of the entire tribe, at heart a Benne Gesserit, using her soft and magic power to manipulate her son and the people around her towards political gains. Javier Bardem, as Stilgar, the leader of the Fremen tribe is both powerful and endearing. And all the other actors portray their roles superbly and convincingly. Zendaya, however, as an important central character, is underwhelming and leaves us unfulfilled in her portrayal of Chani, albeit supporting the story just about enough.
While we know a lot of cult books and movies do become mainstream over time (Marvel’s comics, Game of Thrones, The Matrix, etc), Dune seems firmly in the category that will likely stay cult for a long long time. So, watch the film only if you’re planning to join the cult.
And if you are, my advice would be to read the book first.
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