Mr Sandman
It’s ok: we didn’t read the book either. As Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the epic sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert makes its way to the big screen, there’s still time for a little bit of homework – that’s much more manageable, and enjoyable than some 400 pages. In no particular order, here’s what you need to watch to get ready.
There are 412 pages in Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi epic Dune. I would never tell you that a book is not worth reading, but then I would also first encourage you to go to the cinema instead (and maybe get through a couple of chapters before the lights go down?). Denis Villeneuve’s new take on the story they said would never work for the big screen promises to be more ambitious than anything anybody had ever dreamed of – and that starts with the cast.
Timothée Chalamet. Oscar Isaac. Rebecca Ferguson. Zendaya. Jason Momoa. Charlotte Rampling. Javier Bardem. Whichever trooper loaned their body to bring to life that giant worm. There are so many names we already know in a story we do not – and so, if you’re not confident about finishing Herbert’s words in time for the major event of the year, take a chance on our whistle-stop tour of the most enjoyable selections from each actor’s filmography to get you in the mood.
TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET
Role in Dune: Paul Atreides
Relevant homework: Beautiful Boy
No, the 2018 motion picture Beautiful Boy is not widely considered to be “good”, but for a role that will inevitably ask the young actor to scowl harder than ever before as he carries the weight of an entire universe on his shoulders, it only makes sense that the one companion piece should be his heaviest. And that poster’s quite nice, really, isn’t it?
REBECCA FERGUSON
Role in Dune: Lady Jessica
Relevant homework: The Greatest Showman
In Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic, Ferguson is playing Paul’s mother Lady Jessica, who is part of the Bene Gesserit – a major sisterhood with social, religious and political impact. In Michael Gracey’s glittering movie musical, she plays opera singer Jenny Lind, also known as the Swedish nightingale. And what has greater social, religious and political impact than music? (Do not answer that.)
OSCAR ISAAC
Role in Dune: Duke Leo Atreides
Relevant homework: Ex Machina
The only person with greater responsibility on his shoulders than Paul is his dad, Leo. It’s a hard job, being in charge of, well, everything – one Isaac already flirted with as the CEO of a major tech company exploring the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence to change the way humans interact with each other on this here planet. Plus I would like to manifest a very similar dance scene in Dune. I don’t see why not.
ZENDAYA
Role in Dune: Chani
Relevant homework: Malcolm & Marie
Look, there’s not a lot to work with on this one. Chani is described as little more than “Paul’s love interest” and so far Zendaya is given relatively little to do in every glimpse of her performance. But what is Malcolm & Marie if not a film about very intense love interests? Ever so slightly less arguing and a bit more big-picture world-saving would be preferable, if possible please.
CHARLOTTE RAMPLING
Role in Dune: Gaius Helen Mohiam
Relevant homework: 45 Years
Gaius (or Helen? Or Mohiam? Does anybody know which first name she might prefer?) is a Reverend Mother within Bene Gesserit, and has been around the block a fair few times. It is for this reason that 45 Years, a film about many years passing by and the wisdom gleaned from that time. Plus, Paul asks Gaius about what might be in a box and Gaius replies that the answer is “Pain”. If I know one thing about 45 Years, I know it involves “Pain”.
JASON MOMOA
Role in Dune: Duncan Idaho
Relevant homework: Aquaman
Can you remember whether Jason Momoa says “Let’s fight like demons” in Dune, or in Aquaman? Exactly.
JAVIER BARDEM
Role in Dune: Stilgar
Relevant homework: Mother!
Javier Bardem’s job in Dune is to cause chaos. What else would you do as the leader of a tribe? There is no tribe in official terms in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological horror mother! per se, but seas of strangers swarm the home of the character played by Jennifer Lawrence, with Bardem’s character, her husband, somewhat leading the charge. It’s chaos. It may as well be Arrakis. It’s perfect.
STELLAN SKARSGÅRD
Role in Dune: Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
Relevant homework: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
No reason, it’s just nice.
Dune will be released in UK cinemas on October 22.
