FILM JOURNALS & REVIEWS
Giedi Prime is the harsh and inhospitable homeworld of House Harkonnen in the Dune universe. It stands as a direct opposite to the lush Caladan, reflecting the contrasting ideologies of the two houses.
Giedi Prime is a planet ravaged by excessive industrialization under Harkonnen rule. The constant volcanic activity and choked atmosphere create a dark and unpleasant environment. The volcanic activity makes Giedi Prime rich in minerals, perfect for the Harkonnens' greed for resources. However, the constant ash falls, pollution, and volcanic gases make it a dangerous and unhealthy place to live.
(So, actually, in the film Dune Part 1, the story does not explore the Giedi Prime planet)
GIEDI PRIME
The situation unfolds on Caladan, where Duke Leto Atreides rules, and the leading character of the film, Paul Atreides, grapples with mysterious issues such as seeing future events in his dreams. While having breakfast with his mother, she informs him that someone from the Imperial council is coming to see his father, Duke Leto. In response, Paul asks for water, but his mother, Lady Jessica, refuses and instructs him to 'USE THE VOICE.'
The reason behind her instruction lies in Paul and Lady Jessica's connection to the Bene Gesserit, a powerful and mysterious organization. The Bene Gesserit is a matriarchal order exclusively composed of women, led by the Reverend Mother Superior, with members possessing superhuman abilities. These abilities include intense physical and mental conditioning, the manipulation of others through hypnotic techniques known as 'The Voice,' Truthsense to detect deception, Prana-bindu control for bodily functions, and the enhancement of powers through Spice Melange.
When his mother instructs him to 'USE THE VOICE,' Paul complies, demonstrating his latent abilities. Later, he retreats to his room to study about Arrakis, particularly focusing on the sandworms known as 'Shai-Hulud,' revered as the Grandfather of the desert by the Fremens, and the significance of Spice.
The council representatives from the Imperial arrive on Caladan and request Duke Leto Atreides to sign an agreement stating that House Atreides will be responsible for harvesting the spice on Arrakis. Due to the authority of the Emperor over the entire galactic Empire, Duke Leto cannot refuse this order.
Next, we meet Duncan Idaho, a loyal swordmaster and companion to Duke Leto Atreides and his son, Paul. When Paul expresses his desire to accompany them to Arrakis, Duncan refuses, citing that he's not the one to make such decisions. Paul shares a dream where Duncan is killed, but Duncan dismisses it and advises Paul to speak with his father.
Paul approaches Duke Leto, who is standing near his father's tomb. Despite Paul's plea to join them, Duke Leto refuses, citing the dangers and politics involved. He reveals that the Emperor is orchestrating events to create conflict, potentially leading to war. Duke Leto expresses his intention to negotiate with the Fremens for peaceful governance if they acquire control of the spice.
The conversation between father and son continues, with Duke Leto expressing his hopes that Paul will succeed him. Paul, however, doubts his ability to lead. Duke Leto shares a quote from his father, teaching Paul that
'A Great man doesn't seek to lead.'
Finally, they prepare to depart for Arrakis, setting the stage for the unfolding events.
Some women arrive on Caladan, identified as Bene Gesserit, a secretive society known for sharing their bloodlines discreetly across planets. They hold significant influence in political councils, including Lady Jessica, who is part of this community. Lady Jessica wishes for her son to meet the mother who taught her, and they arrive on Caladan alongside other Bene Gesserit.
Jessica urges her son to share his dreams with the mother. Before meeting her, Paul is examined by a doctor and approved for the meeting. The mother commands Paul to sit near her, using her hypnotic 'VOICE' to compel him. She instructs him to place his hands on a box, warning that it contains a poisoned pin and he must not remove his hands or he will die. Inside the box is pain, and Paul must accept it. Paul endures the pain, and as a result, awakens some of his latent powers. Afterward, the mother asks if Paul believes his dreams are real, to which he responds uncertainly. She then leaves, and Jessica questions if Paul is the chosen one. The mother suggests he has potential but needs to progress further.
In the world of Dune, the spice is a precious substance called melange. It's the most valuable commodity in the universe because of its unique properties:
Extends life and enhances health, Unlocks psychic abilities, Addictive and dangerous. Spice is harvested from Arrakis, a harsh desert planet, and its collection is dangerous due to the giant sandworms that live there. The control of spice is a major source of conflict in the Dune universe. The Harkonnens, like everyone else in the Dune universe, need spice for a few key reasons:
Firstly for Interstellar trade, Spice is essential for interstellar travel. The Spacing Guild, which controls spaceships, relies on spice to navigate safely through space. By controlling spice, the Harkonnens could potentially exert influence over trade and travel routes.
Wealth and Power: Spice is the most valuable commodity. Whoever controls the spice harvest controls immense wealth and political influence. House Harkonnen is all about accumulating power, and spice is the ultimate prize.
Personal Gain: The Baron Harkonnen himself enjoys the physical benefits of spice, such as extended life and heightened awareness. Spice is also addictive, and the Baron is likely hooked on its effects.
SPICE
The mother departs from Arrakis, leaving on her ship. However, Paul overhears a conversation between Jessica and the mother. He confronts his mother, questioning the meaning of their actions. Jessica cryptically explains their lineage and expresses hope for the future, though Paul struggles to comprehend her words.
Preparations are underway on Caladan as everyone gets ready to depart for Arrakis. Upon landing on Arrakis, they are greeted by an advanced team. Paul and Jessica are transported to the palace, where a massive crowd of native Arakkians has gathered. They loudly proclaim Paul as their savior, believing him to be the chosen one destined to save their planet. Paul remains skeptical of these beliefs, dismissing them as political maneuvers. However, the natives' reverence for him is evident in their fervent declarations
The urgency to leave the desert arises from the need for shelter, as survival without suits is limited to just two hours in the harsh environment. Upon arrival, Jessica is approached by a group of women offering assistance. One of them presents a weapon crafted from the teeth of sandworms, a sacred item to the natives. They gift it to Lady Jessica as a token of respect.
Paul approaches Duke Leto, who is standing near his father's tomb. Despite Paul's plea to join them, Duke Leto refuses, citing the dangers and politics involved. He reveals that the Emperor is orchestrating events to create conflict, potentially leading to war. Duke Leto expresses his intention to negotiate with the Fremens for peaceful governance if they acquire control of the spice.
The conversation between father and son continues, with Duke Leto expressing his hopes that Paul will succeed him. Paul, however, doubts his ability to lead. Duke Leto shares a quote from his father, teaching Paul that
'A Great man doesn't seek to lead.'
The situation unfolds on Caladan, where Duke Leto Atreides rules, and the leading character of the film, Paul Atreides, grapples with mysterious issues such as seeing future events in his dreams. While having breakfast with his mother, she informs him that someone from the Imperial council is coming to see his father, Duke Leto. In response, Paul asks for water, but his mother, Lady Jessica, refuses and instructs him to 'USE THE VOICE.'
The reason behind her instruction lies in Paul and Lady Jessica's connection to the Bene Gesserit, a powerful and mysterious organization. The Bene Gesserit is a matriarchal order exclusively composed of women, led by the Reverend Mother Superior, with members possessing superhuman abilities. These abilities include intense physical and mental conditioning, the manipulation of others through hypnotic techniques known as 'The Voice,' Truthsense to detect deception, Prana-bindu control for bodily functions, and the enhancement of powers through Spice Melange.
When his mother instructs him to 'USE THE VOICE,' Paul complies, demonstrating his latent abilities. Later, he retreats to his room to study about Arrakis, particularly focusing on the sandworms known as 'Shai-Hulud,' revered as the Grandfather of the desert by the Fremens, and the significance of Spice.
The council representatives from the Imperial arrive on Caladan and request Duke Leto Atreides to sign an agreement stating that House Atreides will be responsible for harvesting the spice on Arrakis. Due to the authority of the Emperor over the entire galactic Empire, Duke Leto cannot refuse this order.
Next, we meet Duncan Idaho, a loyal swordmaster and companion to Duke Leto Atreides and his son, Paul. When Paul expresses his desire to accompany them to Arrakis, Duncan refuses, citing that he's not the one to make such decisions. Paul shares a dream where Duncan is killed, but Duncan dismisses it and advises Paul to speak with his father.
Finally, they prepare to depart for Arrakis, setting the stage for the unfolding events.
Some women arrive on Caladan, identified as Bene Gesserit, a secretive society known for sharing their bloodlines discreetly across planets. They hold significant influence in political councils, including Lady Jessica, who is part of this community. Lady Jessica wishes for her son to meet the mother who taught her, and they arrive on Caladan alongside other Bene Gesserit.
Jessica urges her son to share his dreams with the mother. Before meeting her, Paul is examined by a doctor and approved for the meeting. The mother commands Paul to sit near her, using her hypnotic 'VOICE' to compel him. She instructs him to place his hands on a box, warning that it contains a poisoned pin and he must not remove his hands or he will die. Inside the box is pain, and Paul must accept it. Paul endures the pain, and as a result, awakens some of his latent powers. Afterward, the mother asks if Paul believes his dreams are real, to which he responds uncertainly. She then leaves, and Jessica questions if Paul is the chosen one. The mother suggests he has potential but needs to progress further.
The mother departs from Arrakis, leaving on her ship. However, Paul overhears a conversation between Jessica and the mother. He confronts his mother, questioning the meaning of their actions. Jessica cryptically explains their lineage and expresses hope for the future, though Paul struggles to comprehend her words.
Preparations are underway on Caladan as everyone gets ready to depart for Arrakis. Upon landing on Arrakis, they are greeted by an advanced team. Paul and Jessica are transported to the palace, where a massive crowd of native Arakkians has gathered. They loudly proclaim Paul as their savior, believing him to be the chosen one destined to save their planet. Paul remains skeptical of these beliefs, dismissing them as political maneuvers. However, the natives' reverence for him is evident in their fervent declarations.
The urgency to leave the desert arises from the need for shelter, as survival without suits is limited to just two hours in the harsh environment. Upon arrival, Jessica is approached by a group of women offering assistance. One of them presents a weapon crafted from the teeth of sandworms, a sacred item to the natives. They gift it to Lady Jessica as a token of respect.