blockbuster science fiction blockbuster dune 2 It has come under criticism from some quarters for its lack of representation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and its failure to address Western imperialism.
“These critics have expressed a wide range of objections, including blaming the producers for failing to cast more MENA actors in speaking roles.”, As well as leveling objections to story choices that weaken MENA’s influence.” variety report this week.
Original author Frank Herbert dunes The novel on which the film is based mentions multiple times that his influences come from Islamic and North African culture. He also based the part of the main character Paul on his te Lawrence, who became famous in the 1962 David Lean epic. Lawrence of Arabia. Mr. Herbert said of the Freemen, the indigenous people of his fictional planet Arrakis: 1980 interview: “I saw [Fremen] Although Arabic culture has very ancient roots, it has been modified by the upheavals it has undergone over the centuries. ”
Director Denis Villeneuve said this in an interview. color geek upon first release dunes It’s a film he always intended to be true to Herbert’s vision.
“I tried to be as true as possible to the image that I had in my head when I read this book when I was young,” Villeneuve said. “And the idea that the Fremen world was going to be something that was inspired by the culture of North Africa and the Middle East, because it’s a very complex world, and I love this culture by the way. There’s something powerful about it. There was an idea that “that would emerge from Africa in Frank Herbert’s mind.” ”
“And I tried to respect his ideas. That’s why I cast the way I did. And I truly feel it’s right to do it this way. It’s authentic. It feels felt, honest and true to the book,” he added.
In any case, some critics seem to feel that Villeneuve and Warner Bros. didn’t go far enough in terms of representation.
“Despite the filmmakers’ ambition to be faithful to Herbert’s novel and its influences, critics of the film noted that the only actor playing a Fremen with ties to the MENA region was Suheila Yacob. Yacoub, a Swiss-born performer of Tunisian descent, plays Shishakli, the friend and sidekick of Chani, played by Zendaya.” variety.
in works for Cosmopolitan UKHruva Shah lamented that she felt frustrated while watching the movie.
“From the use of beads and prostration in Fremen prayers, to the mostly Arabic language, phrases taken from religious texts, to the wearing of veils, Dune takes heavy inspiration from Islam, the Middle East, and Islam. “It felt like North African culture simultaneously erased us from the screen,” she wrote.
Selina LaSoul, Casting Director and Founder MA castingSaid variety She also said she was disappointed that MENA actors were not featured on screen.
“It was a missed opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of this region,” Rasoul said.
Director Sue Obeidi MPAC Hollywood Officecalled, dune 2 The cast is “mysterious.”
“Given the cultural context of this story, this feels wrong. As such, the film fails to accurately represent the diverse world of Dune.” It weakens it,” she said. variety.
Amani Al-Hatatobeh, Founder muslimgirl.comSaid variety Hollywood too often casts Middle Easterners as villains.
“One of the things we often hear about Middle Eastern and brown performers is that there aren’t enough people,” Al-Hatatbeh said. “Yet there is no hesitation or challenge for the industry to cast actors with backgrounds in classic roles of terrorists and villains. Conveniently, there is a surplus of Middle Eastern actors when it comes to negative portrayals. .”
dune 2 It has grossed approximately $600 million worldwide.
Director Paul Roland Bois Award-winning Christian technology thriller, exampleYou can watch it for free. YouTube or Tubi. “Better than Flower Moon’s killer.” Mark Judge wrote. “I’ve never seen a story like this before.” Christian Toto wrote. High quality, ad-free streams are also available for purchase at: google play or Vimeo On Demand. Follow him on Twitter @prolandfilms or instagram @prolandfilms.
