Review: In ‘Dune: Prophecy,’ women lead and vie for power

As a dedicated fan of the original Dune novel and its subsequent adaptations, I must say that my initial viewing of ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’ left me both intrigued and somewhat divided. Having spent countless hours immersed in the expansive universe Frank Herbert created, I approached this new series with a mix of anticipation and skepticism.

Before the release of Denis Villeneuve’s two-part 2021 movie version, the storyline from Frank Herbert’s “Dune” was already a well-known property that had been used commercially by various parties, even for those who hadn’t seen David Lynch’s strange and entertaining 1984 adaptation.

Before his death in 1986, Herbert wrote six novels. Since then, his son Brian and Kevin Anderson have penned an additional seventeen books. However, it was the film adaptation by Denis Villeneuve that catapulted the Dune series into the multi-part universe of modern entertainment, where successful science fiction or fantasy works are often followed by a series of sequels, spinoffs, and merchandise such as the Lego Atreides Royal Ornithopter ($164.99) and Funko Pop! Paul Atreides figure ($11.99).

If you haven’t read the books or watched the films, the new HBO series starting this Sunday may not provide much background information. Despite being set 10,000 years in the past, life on these distant planets appears strikingly similar to what it was a thousand centuries ago. We find ourselves in a society that, while separated by time, remains essentially feudal with ruling royal houses and emperors who inherited their positions. This society is adorned with medieval-style trappings that have dominated science fiction fantasy from “Flash Gordon” to “Star Wars” and beyond.

In this tale, a remarkable element called Spice holds immense power – it can alter and enhance minds, making it essential for space travel. This priceless substance is the main source of conflict, underhanded schemes, and struggles for power in the story. It’s like “Game of Thrones,” but instead of medieval politics, we have spaceships and sandworms.

As a dedicated space opera enthusiast, let me tell you that the captivating and central characters in this epic are none other than Valya Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson, and her sister Tula, brought to life by Olivia Williams. The Harkonnens, who may be seen as the antagonists in the world of “Dune,” or at least the less favored faction, are a fallen house exiled to a distant, frostbitten planet due to their great-grandfather’s desertion during the war against the advanced artificial intelligence. I must say, I admire the narrative’s cautious stance towards AI.

Currently, we’re in a timeframe where young Valya is portrayed by Jessica Barden and Tula by Emma Canning. In an earlier era, these sisters climbed to significant roles within a newly formed sisterhood, eventually becoming the Bene Gesserit – think nuns with mind-bending abilities. Close-ups of eyes, reminiscent of Sauron, and at times an incomprehensible voice, akin to Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic,” are associated with their supernatural acts.

In simpler terms, Valya now holds a leadership position similar to Mother Superior, while Tula is like a Reverend Mother. They often differ in opinions or views on various matters. Valya, who is decisive and action-oriented, is pursuing the late founder’s vision of utilizing a “genetic archive” to create future leaders that can be easily managed – a concept known as eugenics, which is generally viewed as problematic. On the other hand, Tula, who appears more compassionate, is concerned about the potential human suffering resulting from their complex schemes.

In this fictional world, the novices within the Sisterhood – a diverse group who occasionally appear on screen – are being trained as “truthsayers,” serving as human lie detectors to various leaders. Additionally, there’s a prophecy mentioned throughout the story, originating from a vision of Valya’s predecessor about a catastrophic “red dust” event that could potentially destroy something crucial, be it the order or everything. Prophecies are common in stories like this, but they often lead to poor decision-making and usually bring more harm than good, as history shows through characters such as Oedipus and Macbeth.

In the series “Prophecy,” Mark Strong portrays Emperor Javicco Corrino, who rules over the known universe. He’s currently organizing a political marriage between his daughter, Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), and a 9-year-old prince from another family, in exchange for rocket ships that he can use to attack the Fremen. It’s worth noting that Princess Ynez is also heading off to learn from the Sisterhood. The Fremen, who inhabit the desert planet Arrakis where Spice is mined, are causing trouble for the miners and their guards. They serve as the native population resisting imperial control and are the faction you’ll want to support. While it’s uncertain if the Fremen will appear in “Prophecy,” they’ll continue their struggle 10,000 years from now, when they take center stage in the original “Dune.

Desmond Hart, portrayed by Travis Fimmel, is the singular and astonishing survivor from a conflict reminiscent of the Iraq war in “Dune”, now attached to Corrino. He possesses extraordinary abilities that make him a formidable adversary, much like Billy Mumy’s character from a “Twilight Zone” episode who sent people to the cornfield. In this futuristic universe, his ordinary human name sets him apart as an ordinary among the elite. However, do not be deceived by this, for he is far from noble or kind-hearted.

Sisterhood is powerful. In a nice change from recent Earth history, women are the series’ defining force, before and behind the camera. Diane Ademu-John developed the series; Alison Schapker is its showrunner, Anna Foerster the primary director. Its many female characters — so many, good, bad and mostly in between — not only demonstrate power, but, so you don’t miss the point, talk about it. Along with the Harkonnen sisters and their young trainees, who are not shy about expressing an opinion, there are Ynez, who is no pushover, and her mother, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May), who tells her emperor husband, “There was a time when you took my views seriously and the Imperium was stronger for it.” She seems ready to make herself heard again.

The TV adaptation closely follows the style of the Villeneuve film, considering budget limitations and other factors. The episodes I’ve watched mostly unfold within enclosed spaces, giving it a more premium cable series feel rather than the sweeping desert landscapes of “Dune.” Similar to the movie, which has enjoyed both commercial and critical acclaim, it moves slowly, maintains a serious tone, and features minimal humor. Occasionally, there are scenes set in seedy bars or other low-class environments to add variety, as well as HBO-style intimate scenes that seem out of place compared to the show’s overall theme of revolution – the Rebels versus the Empire. However, these elements don’t necessarily make it less heavy or serious.

From a movie buff’s perspective, I find myself drawn to films like “Prophecy” where seasoned actors, schooled in the art of drama, breathe life into genre-driven narratives. This film, much like a captivating mix of grandiosity and silliness, is reminiscent of the iconic “Star Wars” that conquered the globe. Admittedly, such an odd blend might have contributed to its success.

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2024-11-17 14:31