Dune, the novel, and the movie were an experience like none. First things first, I wanted to read Dune, only for Denis Villeneuve. For no other reason, I say. (Sorry, Mr. Frank Herbert) I have been a big fan of Villeneuve’s filmography since I first watched ‘Prisoners’ followed by his other works.
And since I read about how Denis is making a film based on a novel that was released in 1965 and how difficult is it to turn that novel into a visual epic, I just knew I must read this book before I go to the theatres to see this epic. But time flew by soon. I had more than a year and a half to read Dune by Frank Herbert but as things worked out I started reading the book only on October 22, 2021. The date of Dune’s theatrical release in India.
And the novel was a tough nut to crack for a noob reader like me. I literally took 3 days to finish the first 300 pages of the 900-page epic. By the end of the third day, I was on two minds. Shall I abandon the book halfway and go and watch the movie or should I take my own time to read the book completely and bet against missing the chance to watch the movie on big screens? The time was ticking so fast.
But I am the guy who is kinda obsessed about not leaving things halfway. I decided to complete the book within a day and watch the movie the next day. And I did keep a promise I made to myself. Within a span of the next 48 hours, I completed the book and I was already back home after watching the visual extravaganza by Denis and the team, on the big screen.
Now when I think back calmly, about how I helped myself turn a simple movie-watching experience into a short bedtime story that I may narrate to my kids in the future, I am just not able to hide the happiness on my face.
Guess Paul and Lady Jessica have the answer to what happened to me in those adventurous 48 hours.
‘I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.’
And kids, this is my Dune experience! Hope you enjoyed a personal anecdote from my life!
This is Part 3 of the Dune series by Zigarthanda. Do check out Part 1 – Dune: The Novel and Part 2 – Dune: The Movie of this series.
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