Accessible, research-based analysis of Frank Herbert's science fiction series
My review of the Dune: Imperium Uprising board game from Dire Wolf is up at Dune News Net. This updated version of the original Dune: Imperium game adds new elements such as sandworms and spies and incorporates visuals from the Dune: Part Two film. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the Dune universe and its politics and intrigue through gameplay.
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My analysis of Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two film has been published on Dune News Net as Chani and the Empowered Woman Stereotype in ‘Dune: Part Two’: No Family, No Faith, Just Fight. Chani’s portrayal in the ‘Dune’ movies eliminates key roles she held in the book, reducing her agency and depth as a character. This piece continues my analysis of the women in the film, begun in Dune: Part Two’s Treatment of Women is an Abomination, which focuses on Jessica and the Bene Gesserit. It draws from my prior scholarship on Chani’s character and my discussion of
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I had a great discussion with Maggie Freeman, PhD candidate at the Nomads, Past and Present Podcast, about the depiction of the Fremen in Dune: Part Two compared to the book, including the term ‘jinn’, the Fremen’s diet, and the historical influence of Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Revolt. Find the episode “Dune, Part Two” on the New Books Network.
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Despite stated intentions to focus on women and expand their roles, the new Dune film adaptations disappointingly fall back on stereotypes for the Bene Gesserit and undermine the political, religious, and maternal agency of Jessica in particular. Cast and Crew Intentions Director Denis Villeneuve has discussed in numerous interviews that he wanted to focus on the women in his adaptation. Before Dune: Part One, he said: “For me, it was important to bring more femininity to the story. I am fascinated by the relationship of femininity and power, the place of women in society…. [Lady Jessica]’s a fascinating character, one
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⏺️ The recording of this panel is now available on Dune News Net’s YouTube channel. Join me for a virtual panel with women scholars who have written about Frank Herbert’s Dune as we discuss this science fiction classic and what we find interesting and relevant about its epic story. Each writer will bring their own angle of research to the table and explore what keeps fans and scholars alike coming back to this decades-old book and its adaptations. Just in time for the release of the new Dune: Part Two film! Meet the Panelists! Yosr Dridi, PhD (@YosrDridi8 on Twitter/X, @Dridi_Yosr
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My audiobook version of Adaptations of Dune has released on Audible and other platforms. If you want to listen to me read you my book, this is the way to do it.
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