Dune: Prophecy can’t match Dune’s epic cinematic universe

although Dune: Prophecy is a (very loosely) literary adaptationThe HBO series ultimately defines itself through its connection to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films. In and of itself, this isn’t a big deal. In 2024, a series of programs that are now standard Star Wars, DCand Miracle Tags (to name a few) – all of which are spin-offs, prequels, sequels, or reboots of the series that originated from the movies. Hell, DC Studios relaunching its cinematic universe and Streaming joint!

However Dune: Prophecy It is fundamentally different from the other small-screen offshoots of the big-screen blockbuster because, unlike them, its cinematic roots are woven into its DNA. Now the dust (or should that be the spice?) has settled Dune: Prophecy During the first season, it became clear that trying to narrow down Dune’s inherently cinematic nature—its sheer grandeur—wasn’t even a task. Lissan Arcane Cult Himself It can be done.

[Ed. note: This post contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy season 1.]

At this time, for a long time dune Believers may shout. “What about the two mini-series? frank herbert’s dunes and “Children of Dune” by Frank Herbertwhich aired on Syfy in the 2000s? these fans asked. “Weren’t those successful?” In fact they were, both critical and commercial;These dune The adaptation has been one of Syfy’s highest-rated originals to date. But here’s the thing: these titles were made from the ground up for the small screen. Of course, they eager The emotions of the movie, but there’s no doubt they were made for television. The acting is uneven, the script is deliberately paced and exposition-heavy, and most importantly, the show is constrained by a basic cable budget.

In this sense, Dune: Prophecy Arguably closer to cinema than these earlier efforts. Of course, the HBO series’ visual effects, costumes and sets are light years ahead of anything Syfy has produced. The performances are more consistent, too; the divide between Hollywood veterans and TV regulars is less stark. Showrunner Alison Schapker and her team have followed the storyline of the Dune trilogy far less closely than the Syfy adaptation has followed the source text (Frank Herbert’s The first three novels) are so blindly described one by one. even so, Dune: Prophecy Season 1 was a claustrophobic, small-scale affair. Varya Harkonnen and her allies and enemies conduct their dealings primarily in the chambers and corridors of the universe. The only major action positioning we get, Flashbacks to Butler’s Jihadare several shots in the prologue. Even the article’s subject matter—a purported deep dive into power, truth, and systems of control—is treated perfunctorily, as if simply to enliven a relatively inconsequential narrative. Everything felt so oppressive; it felt like television.

Contrast this with Villeneuve Dune: Part One and part two. These are two of the biggest movies ever made. The cast are all excellent. Tell stories (especially in part two) The action is briskly paced and expository dialogue is kept to a minimum. With a total price tag of over $350 million, the production values ​​are exactly what you’d expect. The range is fabulous. The themes cover everything from the dangers of superhero leaders to free will and determinism, all painted with vivid, operatic touches. Watching these movies – especially in the super-sized IMAX format – is not just immersive, but a near-religious experience. It’s Frank Herbert’s vision of a sci-fi world firmly geared toward a theatrical experience in the age of smartphones and streaming platforms. “Frankly speaking, just to watch dune On TV, the best way I can compare it is driving a speedboat in a bathtub,” Villeneuve told total movies 2021. This is a film that pays homage to the big screen experience.

in short? Villeneuve’s Dune series isn’t compatible with TV — which might explain why the Canadian filmmaker bail Dune: Prophecy before the camera shoots. (For what it’s worth, official reason Is Villeneuve quitting to focus on Dune: Part 2sequel to dune messiah). The gulf between film and television—even prestige television—is just too wide. Not that one Dune: Prophecy The first season itself has a lot going for it. To his credit, Schapke prophecy tended to take advantage of television as a medium, correctly recognizing that it was impossible to directly map a cinematic blueprint onto a six-hour segment. But the way this rollout was conducted was so low-stakes (and sometimes cheap-feeling) that it undercut duneworld, rather than expanding it.

take Desmond Hart plot clues. The mysterious box was finally (partially) opened in episode six, but its contents — eye-nerve implants and shadowy Bene Gesserit haters — seemed mundane. without any intellectual or emotional charm Dune: Part One and part two Protagonist Paul Atreides Green light for galactic genocide For the greater good. It’s more of a plot-focused season finale, and you’d expect something like this: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or edge. There’s no shade to either show; there’s just no mistaking this for a cinematic epic. Likewise, episode 5’s procedural elements involving Tula Harkonnen, Raquella/Lila, and the generic “science lab” set all took place off-screen in a Villeneuve film scenario, and for good reason; CSI: Wallach Nine Obviously not as eye-catching as the grandeur of Ascension Paul’s subversive hero’s journey. Let’s not forget Season 1’s broader dual-timeline narrative, which made an already busy story even busier (and slower) while filling in gaps in the Dune mythos that arguably worked better, but No explanation was given.

These shortcomings are enough to hold back most shows. But impose them into the Dune universe, and they become even more glaring. Because not only do they tarnish the franchise’s brand, they also undermine its outsized ambitions. Where Dune: Part One and part two Repaying the entire universe, thousands of years of master plan, prophecyThe first season gave us a songame of Thrones conspiracy and A vaguely defined threat Regarding the future of the sororities (which is actually a controversial issue due to the movie), much of it takes place in the same closed venue. Schapke and others make a fuss about the how and why of it all, failing to understand the finer details Dune: Prophecy The further away you get from Villeneuve’s (and Herbert’s) big idea, which is so crucial to this clever sci-fi saga. For all the spaceships, Shai-Hulud guest stars, and stylish footwear, Dune: Prophecy just not Feel like sand dunes.

Again, the likelihood of this happening is any TV shows sit comfortably next to Dune: Part One and part two — always versus HBO. even though Dune: Prophecy Season 1 has nailed down every aspect of the execution, even if it’s one of best show of the yearit’s still not a movie. As a result, the person behind prophecy We always have to scale back the cinematic nature of our big screen counterparts to make something more suitable for television. But here’s the thing: shrinking Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is like trying to preserve a snowflake in the desert world that gives the series its name—a doomed failure from the start.