Dune II – The Feminist Snake in Frank Herbert’s Garden

This article first appeared in the March issue of the Gold, Goats ‘n Guns Newsletter
Reprinted here with minor edits.

Frank Herbert’s Dune is a work of immense depth and subtlety. I never thought Denis Villeneuve would capture even half of that depth in his 5-plus hour film. After having seen the second part, I can say I was right.

This is not to denigrate what Villeneuve was able to capture. He rightly focused on a linear narrative supporting Paul Atreides’ journey from Duke-in-training, to lea...