Dune: Part Two is quickly being called one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. On top of that, both Dune and Dune: Part Two have been praised for how they have adapted the classic and beloved Frank Herbert book. The Lord of the Rings is another trilogy that changed the landscape for film adaptation. When Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings came out, it became the standard that all other fantasy movies and adaptations were measured against. Dune can easily become the modern version of The Lord of the Rings and change the sci-fi film genre for the better.
The Lord of the Rings was considered to be a set of books that was almost impossible to adapt faithfully. There had been multiple animated films and other live-action movies, like John Boorman’s movie, that never got off the ground. The Lord of the Rings is dense with visual details, complicated cultures, and an unending pool of lore. Peter Jackson captured lightning in a bottle with The Lord of the Rings. While there are some aspects, like Tom Bombadil, that were left out of the movies, it is almost universally agreed that it is the best adaptation of the series that could be done. Dune has a similar path to the silver screen and is equally complicated to bring to life.
How Many Movies Will Dune Have?
The trilogy format is a tried and true system that has allowed countless incredible stories to come to the screen. Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and even The Godfather have all used a trilogy of films and have changed the landscape of their respective genres. The first two Dune films have laid the groundwork for a stunning finale, making it easy to close out a trilogy with an event that can be on par with the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
What Do Dune and Lord of the Rings Have in Common?
Both Frodo and Paul suffer from an evil burden that no one else can carry.
Lord of the Rings and Dune examine the concept of the effects of absolute power on an individual.
Besides both of the book series being considered must-read literature, the stories of Dune and The Lord of the Rings share quite a few similarities. Paul Atredies is an innocent man whose life is forever altered by the actions of evil rulers. He is forced to travel across an unforgiving world and shoulder a burden that will ultimately be his downfall. Despite being surrounded by allies and supporters, Paul’s burdens are his alone, he has to make choices that no one else has the power to make. When he is faced with the decision to be a hero or become what he has always hated, Paul seizes power and chooses to serve the prophecy that has burdened his life.
Frodo lives an idyllic life, but that is also uprooted by the actions of evil people and evil forces beyond his control. When he sets out to bring the One Ring to Mordor, it is something that only he can do. The Ring corrupts everyone he touches, but because of the actions of Bilbo, Frodo feels obligated to carry this terrible burden. Even with the races of Men, Elves, and Dwarves behind him, Frodo felt alone and isolated. Samwise Gamgee supported Frodo and tried to guide him on a righteous path, much like Chani with Paul, but even he couldn’t break through the corruption of absolute power. When Frodo finally traveled across Middle-earth, surviving death at every turn, he failed to surrender his burden. Fate interceded on his behalf, but Frodo was fully prepared to keep the One Ring and let darkness rule.
Frank Herbert and J.R.R. Tolkien created beautiful works of literature that have changed how people view their respective genres. The Lord of the Rings comes alive due to Tolkien’s intense details and powerful worldbuilding. Dune has its characters leaping off the page as readers are consumed by their quest for Spice and the prophecy of the Lisan al Gaib. The themes of power, good versus evil, and freedom are not exclusive to these movies, but the Lord of the Rings and Dune use these themes to the best effect.
Dune Will Change Sci-Fi Like Lord of the Rings Changed Fantasy
Lord of the Rings is widely considered a timeless masterpiece and a blueprint for how to do an adaptation.
Dune is not only a strong adaptation, but a masterful cinematic achievement, setting a new standard for all sci-fi films.
Sci-fi is an ever-changing genre thanks to the evolution of technology in the real world. While many genres are locked into a certain style or aesthetic, sci-fi is free from many of those constraints. Despite the impact of Star Wars or Star Trek and even non-franchise films like Interstellar or Blade Runner, some people still think of sci-fi as being campy and less cinematic than other genres. The Lord of the Rings changed how people thought about fantasy films. The story of the book is emotional, beautiful, and full of depth. Jackson used practical effects, sweeping landscapes, and an incredible score by Howard Shore to prove that fantasy films were more than just fun adventures for children, but they were true epics, on par with any other great works of cinema. Dune can follow in these footsteps. For years to come, Dune will likely remain the standard that everything else is compared to, it will be what filmmakers and studios will be desperate to replicate. When other sci-fi novels are brought to life, fans will be expecting Dune to be the blueprint for how books should be adapted.
The Lord of the Rings movies defined the era of the early 2000s. It consumed the hearts and minds of moviegoers and dominated the award season when it was released. The Lord of the Rings was a cultural moment that connected audiences everywhere. Dune is replicating that effect in the modern era. With Dune: Part Two’s releases, everyone is sharing the experience of this event and it is creating an unforgettable moment in pop culture history. The Lord of the Rings and Dune share many common story elements and their respective impacts on cinema cannot be undersold.
