Oscar Isaac talks Dune.

The greatest science fiction stories aren’t just stories for story’s sake. They are stories that convey some sort of message. Classic stories like 1984 warn against totalitarianism, Brave New World against complacency, and Frank Herbert’s Dune has messages of its own. Speaking to that, actor Oscar Isaac had a lot to say about the overall message of the story.

“It’s about the destiny of a people, and the different way that cultures have dominated other ones,” Isaac said. “How do a people respond when it’s at the tipping point, when enough is enough, when they’re exploited? All those things are things we’re seeing around the world right now.”

In the story, the Fremen natives have spent thousands of years being subjugated, so it’s easy to see the story bearing anti-capitalist and environmentalist themes. 

RELATED – Two New Dune Covers Give Us A First Look At House Atreides And The Fremen

Director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune sees the Fremen home of Arrakis as a haven of “spice.” Oscar Isaac’s Duke Leto is the new governor, but faces Fremen opposition. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to see the inherent conflict in such a scenario. It also doesn’t take a lot of effort to draw parallels around the world of indigenous people having their land taken from them for the sake of profit.

But, of course, every piece of literature has its controversial side. For decades, many have wondered if Dune fell into the white savior trope. In today’s world, it’s one I’m sure Denis Villeneuve is keenly aware of. Regardless, it does seem clear that the intent of the novel is one that speaks to specific ideological perspectives, and I can’t wait to see how Villeneuve interprets them. 

What do you think of Oscar Isaac speaking about Dune and its specific messaging? Sound off down below!

Continue the LRM Online conversation on Discord by CLICKING HERE!

—–

Have you checked out LRM Online’s official podcast feed yet The LRM Online Podcast Network? This includes our flagship podcast Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, GeekScholars Movie News, and our morning show LRMornings. Check it out by listening below. It’s also available on all your favorite podcast apps!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts |  Spotify  |  SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play

SOURCE: Empire