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Breaking Down The Most Confusing Moments In Denis Villeneuve’s Dune
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
Those who had not read Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel “Dune” may have found it difficult to fully understand what happened in “Part One” of Denis Villeneuve’s adaption.
Understanding some key points of the story can help break down the massive mythology of “Dune” and the more confusing elements of “Part One.”
Factions
The primary factions in this era of the “Dune” mythology are House Atreides, House Harkonnen, House Corrino, the Fremen, and the Bene Gesserit.
Small factions, such as the Mentats — human computers who do calculations for others like House Atreides, play minor roles.
Arrakis
The major factions are struggling against one another for control of the desert planet Arrakis, or Dune, the only place that produces a spice called melange.
Spice is a drug that expands consciousness and can grant the user mild psychic powers. Due to its mind-expanding capabilities, it's necessary for space travel.
Beginning
The events of “Dune” begin with Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV of House Corrino ordering Duke Leto of House Atreides to assume control of Arrakis from House Harkonnen.
Leto is joined by his son Paul, the protagonist of the story, Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica, the Duchess of House Atreides, and a formerly trained Bene Gesserit.
Betrayal
Although House Atreides was ordered to take over Arrakis, the Harkonnens plotted with the Emperor to reclaim the planet and destroy their rival house.
The Emperor fears the popularity of Duke Leto and wants House Atreides assassinated. While their plot is mostly successful, Paul and Jessica escape the desert.
Prophecy
After avoiding capture and the enormous sandworms of Arrakis, Paul and Jessica join with the planet's native people, the Freman, after defeating one in combat.
The Fremen have a prophecy of a Messiah-like figure — likely the same one the Bene Gesserit believes in called the Kwisatz Haderach — and think it's Paul.