Dune Part Two: A Mirror to Our World

Thanks to the visionary filmmaking of Denis Villeneuve, "Dune" is poised to become the defining sci-fi saga of our era. Drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert's six-book series, Villeneuve's masterful adaptation condenses the epic tale of the House of Atreides into three films that are set to make cinematic history. The first chapter, which premiered in 2021, plunged audiences into Herbert's intricate universe, while the currently showing second chapter compels us to view our own reality through a new lens.

Despite the ten-thousand-year gap between the story of "Dune" and our present day, the themes of the saga resonate now more than ever, even more so than at the time of the first film's release. "Dune Part Two" depicts the onset of a global conflict, sparked not just by the events surrounding the Atreides but also by deeper, universal tensions. Over the course of this nearly three-hour epic, we follow Paul Atreides (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet) as he allies with the Fremen and steps into his role as a messianic liberator, against the backdrop of a universe on the brink of collapse.

The saga's themes render "Dune" more dystopian than fantastical, as the conflicts Herbert envisioned are profoundly human. The audience might wish to dismiss the dire challenges faced by Paul Atreides as mere figments of fiction. However, the brilliance of "Dune" lies in its hypothetical extreme of our current generational dilemmas and conflicts. From the monopolization and exploitation of natural resources (such as the Spice and Arrakis' drought) and genocide (the oppression of the Fremen by the Harkonnens), to philosophical inquiries into the role of religious ideology within societies, the story's foundations mirror the contemporary human condition as if they were a news broadcast from the year 2024.

Villeneuve's genius extends beyond narrative, capturing the grim realities of today through tangible filmic elements like costumes and locations. Remarkably, these aspects are achieved with an essential yet minimal reliance on CGI, grounding the film's fantastical elements in a tangible reality.

The Costume Design

Drawing from an insightful interview with the Dune costume designer Jacqueline West featured in Vogue, the sequel's futuristic yet tangible costumes are revealed to be the result of meticulous research and diverse inspirations. West's innovative approach to costume design in Dune Part Two incorporates influences from modern fashion runways, traditional religious attire, tarot cards, and even elements of bondage. This blend of sources ensures the wardrobe not only looks forward but also deeply resonates with our current sartorial expressions.

In Dune Part Two, West expands her vision significantly, facing the challenge of dressing an ever-growing universe with a globe-spanning team. The sequel continues the story of Paul Atreides and introduces new layers to the saga, with the Bene Gesserit sisterhood receiving particular attention. West's designs for the sisterhood are inspired by the Tarot's Queen of Swords, Medieval religious iconography, and a personal childhood memory of nuns, creating a unified yet distinct look for the characters.

The Bene Gesserit costumes signify their power and place within the narrative, mixing religious and cultural elements to imagine a future where past influences converge. Lady Jessica's transformation is especially notable, evolving from Duke Leto's concubine to a Reverend Mother, her garments reflecting this journey through both grandeur and simplicity. Princess Irulan, portrayed by Florence Pugh, serves as the film's moral compass, with her costume subtly distancing her from the traditional Bene Gesserit style while maintaining its essence.

Additionally, the Harkonnen's aesthetic in the new film emphasizes their sinister nature, with black leather and spandex underscoring their villainous role. West's approach to the costumes of Dune: Part Two is deeply rooted in the idea that understanding the future requires an examination of the past, a philosophy that aligns with Frank Herbert's original vision for the Dune universe. Through West's creative lens, the film's costumes not only enrich the visual experience but also deepen the connection between the saga's world and our own.

The Locations

Far from relying solely on green screen technology for its cinematic magic, "Dune" captivates its audience with the authenticity of its settings, featuring an array of real and stunning filming locations across the globe. The movie's diverse landscapes were captured in locations ranging from Abu Dhabi and Jordan to Hungary and Italy, providing a tangible backdrop that enhances the realism of its narrative.

Specifically, the desert scenes set on the fictional planet of Arrakis were filmed in two real-world deserts: the Rub al-Khali, or Empty Quarter, in Saudi Arabia, and Wadi Rum in Jordan. The Rub al-Khali, one of the most famous and expansive deserts globally, spans approximately 650,000 km² across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen, and is renowned for its vast sand dunes. Meanwhile, Wadi Rum, also known as the "Valley of the Moon" for its lunar-like landscape and natural beauty, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provided the setting for many scenes involving the Fremen and the character Chani, played by Zendaya.

A highlight among the film's varied locations is the setting used for the interiors of the imperial palace, which was filmed in Italy. The chosen site is the Brion Tomb, a funeral complex in San Vito di Altivole, Treviso, known for its striking futuristic architecture. The Brion Tomb, also referred to as the Brion Sanctuary, was commissioned by Onorina Tomasin-Brion in memory of her husband, entrepreneur Giuseppe Brion. Designed by the Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, the complex was constructed between 1970 and 1978, marking it as one of the architectural gems within the Italian Environment Fund (FAI). This selection of filming locations underscores "Dune's" commitment to grounding its expansive sci-fi saga in real-world beauty and architectural marvels.

Dune Part Two is not just a film; it's a lens through which we can examine our own world. Villeneuve's masterpiece, with its rich themes, groundbreaking costume design, and breathtaking locations, invites us to reflect on our societal dilemmas, environmental challenges, and the very essence of human nature. Through its portrayal of a distant future, "Dune" encourages us to confront the realities of our present, making it a truly timeless piece of cinema.

Article by @lluciamarinelli

Images courtesy of @wbpictures

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