The film sensation certainly has noteworthy benchmarks.
Since the release of the second part of the film Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve, featuring Western cinema stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Austin Butler, as well as Léa Seydoux, many internet users have reacted by recognizing similarities between the film and the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa. Let’s have a closer look at this film that has sparked so much discussion.
The film is inspired by the science fiction novel Dune written by American author Frank Herbert and published in 1965. It is the first book in the series of the same name, which includes several sequels written by Herbert himself as well as by his son, Brian Herbert, with the assistance of writer Kevin J. Anderson. The story of Dune takes place in a distant future where humanity has colonized numerous planets throughout the galaxy. The main plot focuses on the desert planet of Arrakis, also known as Dune, which is the sole of spice, a highly prized and essential substance for space travel, longevity, and psychic abilities.
The narrative follows members of House Atreides, led by Duke Leto Atreides, who are tasked with managing spice production on Arrakis. The plot is rich in politics, intrigue, power struggles, and explores themes such as religion, ecology, and destiny. Dune is widely hailed as one of the greatest classics of science fiction literature. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1965 and the Hugo Award in 1966, making it one of the few novels to have won both of these major distinctions. The novel has also inspired numerous films, television adaptations, comic books, and video games, and its influence on popular culture is immense.
Did Frank Herbert draw inspiration from the Middle Eastern and North African cultures for his narrative? Although the American author never explicitly confirmed this hypothesis, there are many elements that would suggest he did indeed draw inspiration from the Arab world.
The Desert Landscapes of Arrakis
The action takes place on the planet Arrakis, a vast expanse of desert punctuated by immense sand dunes. The dunes can reach impressive heights and stretch as far as the eye can see. On Arrakis, the climate is extremely arid and hostile. Water is a very precious resource, and it should not be wasted, not even a drop. The fauna and flora of Arrakis are adapted to its desert environment. The living creatures on the planet often have unique adaptations to survive the extreme conditions, such as the ability to store water or move quickly in the sand. In Denis Villeneuve’s film, stunning shots depict this hot desert and its fiery moon. A landscape that quickly brings to mind the Sahara Desert or the Middle East.
The Fremen, inspired by the Tuaregs?
Despite this harsh environment, the Fremen, an indigenous people, have managed to adapt and develop a rich and complex culture. The Fremen are desert nomads who have mastered the art of survival in the deadly dunes of Arrakis. They have developed special techniques for collecting water, such as “still-suits” that recycle body sweat into drinkable water. The Fremen also worship the planet itself, considering it sacred.
These people may thus bring to mind the Tuaregs, a nomadic Amazigh ethnic group that primarily inhabits the desert regions of the Sahara in Africa, notably in Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. They travel by camel, this animal capable of enduring long periods without water. What could be the equivalent, minus the science fiction, of the famous desert worms of Arrakis, aiding them in navigating the desert. The Fremen in Dune and the Tuaregs place great importance on water in their respective cultures due to its scarcity in the desert. The Tuaregs have developed sophisticated methods for collecting, storing, and conserving water, much like the Fremen with their “still-suits” that recycle bodily water.
Both groups have a deep and spiritual connection with the desert. The Tuaregs consider the desert their home and venerate it as a sacred place, just as the Fremen view Arrakis as a holy planet. In both cultures, the desert is both a place of challenges and dangers, but also a source of strength and spirituality. The Fremen and the Tuaregs have similar tribal social structures, with values such as honour, loyalty to family, and respect for elders.
The Desire for Independence and the Struggle Against External Domination
Both the Fremen and the Tuaregs place great importance on autonomy and independence, and they have a history of resistance against external influences and attempts at domination. The Tuaregs have historically played a significant role in trans-Saharan trade and have often been involved in conflicts with colonial empires and national governments to preserve their autonomy and nomadic way of life. Today, the Tuaregs continue to maintain their traditions and cultural identity while adapting to social, economic, and political changes in the Sahel region.
The politics of the great noble houses on Arrakis, as well as the political intrigues and tribal alliances, may evoke parallels with the history of empires and dynasties in the region, marked by power struggles, family rivalries, and shifting alliances. Of course, one can draw connections to the numerous struggles for independence in African countries colonized by Europeans.
The Prophecy and Destiny
This struggle for independence is clearly evident in Dune, especially after Paul Atreides becomes the leader among the Fremen and adopts their cause for independence. After being trained by the Fremen and adopting their culture, Paul utilizes his skills and powers to unite the Fremen tribes and lead a rebellion against the empire and House Harkonnen. His quest to liberate Arrakis from imperial occupation and to fulfill his own destiny as the messiah of the Fremen is a central element of the story. One can draw parallels with the Muslim religion, notably since Muhammad is considered in Islam as a prophet sent by God to guide people to truth; similarly, Paul Atreides is also perceived by the Fremen as a messianic prophet predestined to lead their people to freedom and prosperity.
Although religion plays a significant role in the universe of Dune, particularly through the worship of the prophetess Mahdi, who heralds the arrival of the messiah, references from various religions are addressed. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that the story is solely inspired by Islam.
Amazigh Costumes and Accessories Inspirations?
In Denis Villeneuve’s film, it is particularly striking to discover that the costumes and set designs exhibit certain similarities with an aesthetic reminiscent of Middle Eastern and North African cultures. The clothing, jewellery, and decorations worn by the characters, as well as the architecture of the settings, may contain elements inspired by these cultures.
One can notably think of the azure blue eyes of the Fremen, which could echo the azure blue veils of the Tuareg people. Similarly, the tattoos adorning the faces of certain female characters recall the ancestral tattoos of Amazigh women in North Africa. The clothing also appears heavily influenced by Arab and Amazigh cultures, with the attire of members of House Atreides and the Fremen featuring cuts, fabrics, and patterns reminiscent of the traditional clothing of certain cultures in the region, such as djellabas, long robes, and harem pants.
In the end, Dune is a rich and multifaceted work that can be interpreted in different ways by different audiences. Similarities with specific cultures can enrich the reading or viewing experience, but it is important to recognize that the work transcends any attempt at classification or reduction to a single cultural or political interpretation.
