Culture news Denis Villeneuve did not follow the books to the letter for Dune 2: he preferred to make this character his “secret weapon” and that is an excellent idea…
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In many ways, Denis Villeneuve's new adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune novels goes far beyond the work of David Lynch, considered disappointing by some directors, including James Cameron. To try to achieve unanimity, the Canadian director sometimes had to make divisive decisions, even if it meant taking a step aside from literary works. However, there is a very particular change that has been made to allow the public to better understand the author's vision, and this is what Denis Villeneuve calls his “secret weapon”.
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Denis Villeneuve has sometimes moved away from books: a sometimes divisive decision
On the cinema side, the release of the second part of the franchise Dune was one of the biggest phenomena in the entertainment world. With hindsight, we realize that the reception was rave and the box office success spectacular. Dubbed by Steven Spielberg as well as by James Cameron, who did not think long to describe the feature film as “pure cinema”, Denis Villeneuve nonetheless made risky decisions. Besides, one of them sparked controversynotably because it deviates quite a bit from Frank Herbert's novel.
Thus, to fully realize his vision of Frank Herbert's work, Denis Villeneuve was not afraid to alienate some readers. Beyond the choice which has already upset some of them, there is another which divides many but which, for the spectators above all, turns out to be closer to what the author wanted to express. Indeed, a large number of readers have not understood Frank Herbert's intentions, namely to make Dune “ a warning against mixing politics and religion “, ” a fable against messianic figures “. To compensate for this, Denis Villeneuve confided that he had a secret weapon.
Chani, Denis Villeneuve's secret weapon which serves Frank Herbert's vision
It is with the editorial staff of New York Times that Denis Villeneuve returned to the interest of this secret weapon. As he explains, it is through this character that he now tries to disseminate Frank Herbert's intentions, and this secret weapon is none other than Chani. It was during the writing of the second part that Denis Villeneuve had the idea of getting closer to this implicit discourse and, according to him, the character of Chani lent itself perfectly to this since he could provide contrast in relation to its representation in the books. Unlike the books, where Chani is content to follow him, Denis Villeneuve wanted to show her more reticent.
This choice which contrasts with the books, Denis Villeneuve explains that he was motivated to allow the public to more easily understand the issues and thoughts behind the work of Frank Herbert. In addition to portraying her in a rather distant manner, Denis Villeneuve wanted her to be the symbol of a “ perspective and critical distance » with regard to the transformation of Paul Atréides. In a way, it is now there so that the spectators understand that the hero he plays is only a facade hiding, in reality, “ a dark figure ». Certainly, this decision does not make everyone happy but the idea of respecting the vision of the creator is most laudable.