Warning: Spoilers for Dune 2.
Adapting Frank Herbert’s 1965 epic science fiction novel was no simple feat for director Denis Villeneuve. With such a large world, together with each side of the Dune universe merely wasn’t possible. Whereas many elements of the movie actually align with the e-book, there are some main parts he altered, and rightfully so. From fully excluding aspect characters that had been within the novel to altering how some characters met their final demise, Villeneuve’s Dune movies comprise many small however vital variations. Probably the most notable one comes on the very finish of Dune 2 with one of many franchise’s principal characters.
As audiences absolutely keep in mind, Dune 2 ended with Paul (Timothée Chalamet) declaring his intention to marry Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) simply after telling Chani (Zendaya) he’ll all the time love her. Strictly a wedding of political means, it nonetheless leaves Chani in utter dismay. She may love him, however she doesn’t help his determination. Due to this, she departs by herself by way of a sandworm within the ultimate shot of the movie. She doesn’t bow to Paul just like the others do.
Chani’s character within the e-book reacts otherwise and in the end stays by Paul’s aspect regardless of his proposal to a different lady. A small however vital change from Herbert’s novel, Villeneuve’s ending works so properly, and arguably higher, for a large number of causes. Not solely is Chani’s response within the movie a greater reflection of present occasions, however it additionally serves as an vital reminder that Paul isn’t the hero many imagine him to be. His acceptance because the Lisan al Gaib and his future ascendancy because the Emperor isn’t one thing to be revered, and Chani appears to be the one one who understands that.
Chani’s Ultimate Alternative Is a Higher Reflection of Present Instances
Dune: Half Two
4.5
/5
- Launch Date
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February 27, 2024
- Runtime
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167 minutes
In Herbert’s novel, Chani in the end embodies the concept of a subservient housewife, which roughly aligns with the time during which her character was created, 60 years in the past. It doesn’t matter what Paul’s selections had been, she remained fiercely loyal to him. Nonetheless, in Villeneuve’s adaptation, Chani has way more company and higher displays the yr Dune 2 hit the massive display screen. She exists past the confines of her relationship and may be very a lot her personal particular person. Sure, she loves Paul, however she doesn’t permit that like to blind her personal decision-making.
Chani is already a completely fashioned character earlier than she meets Paul within the movie. Her allegiance to the Fremen existed properly earlier than he entered the image, and he or she stays steadfast with such devotion no matter her emotions for Paul. At the start, she’s loyal to herself and her folks, which may be very completely different from who she is within the novel. The truth is, the second she realizes Paul has betrayed who he’s, she leaves him simply as she informed him she would if he ever misplaced who he’s earlier within the film.
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That ultimate second in Dune 2 is slightly small, however its affect is critical and higher displays the present century. That isn’t to say it was a simple determination for Chani to make. As Paul embraces his function because the Lisan al Gaib within the latter half of the film, it’s clear Chani is conflicted about the right way to proceed with him. She stays by his aspect, however she’s hesitant about their relationship. Nonetheless, after Paul blindsides her together with his intention to marry Princess Irulan, it is the ultimate nail within the coffin for Chani. In distinction to the novel, that ultimate selection in the end works higher for the character and the general narrative of the film.
Chani Reminds Viewers that Paul Is not a Hero
Regardless of the viewers’s admiration for Paul, it must be famous that Villeneuve’s adaptation doesn’t goal to make him a hero. The truth is, it’s the other. Whereas Herbert’s novel doesn’t search to make him a hero both, having Chani stay so loyal to him despite his actions leaves the door open for such an interpretation. Within the movie, Chani’s determination ultimately reminds viewers that Paul is definitely a villain. If the one that fell in love with him in the end leaves him due to the trail he’s adopted, it is clear he hasn’t made the precise selections.
All through the movie, Chani is outspoken about who the savior of the Fremen must be, and he or she actually doesn’t imagine Paul is the Lisan al Gaib. Moderately, she believes the Fremen are answerable for their very own destiny. Nonetheless, she continues to face by him, albeit with skepticism. When she lastly sees him for what he’s turn into, and when he loses himself within the prophecy, she leaves, even when it means she’s alone. As a result of Villeneuve fully modified how Chani responds to Paul on the finish of Dune 2, there’s no query whether or not or not Paul is a hero. Chani’s ultimate moments assist to remind viewers that he’s not. Dune 2 is at present streaming on Netflix.