The Dune film series, adapted from Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction novel, unfolds in a distant future where humanity has colonized the galaxy, establishing a feudal empire. The plot centers on the Atreides family, who are assigned control of the desert planet Arrakis, a valuable resource for the empire. However, a conspiracy orchestrated by the Harkonnen family seeks to undermine the Atreides, resulting in the loss of family, status, and power for the heir, Paul Atreides. Paul’s journey through loss, awakening, and leadership culminates in his challenge to the imperial regime. The Dune franchise, with Dune II earning high praise and significant box office success, has garnered extensive attention for its cinematographic and narrative achievements. While recent scholarship on science fiction films often focuses on visual effects, narrative themes, and technological innovations, few studies explore the deeper aesthetic experience of the genre. This paper shifts the focus to the concept of the sublime, examining how the Dune films construct a sense of awe and transcendence through both visual and narrative techniques. The sublime in Dune goes beyond surface-level spectacle, prompting reflection on human existence, destiny, and the cosmos. Through a textual analysis of Dune and Dune II, this study explores how these films create an emotional experience rooted in the sublime, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the aesthetics of science fiction cinema.

Authors:
Boyu Zhang, Beijing Film Academy, China

About the Presenter(s)
Zhang Boyu is a graduate student at the Graduate School of Beijing Film Academy, where he specializes in film image studies, with an emphasis on the intersection of film and the humanities and social sciences. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Zhang spent his early and middle school years in Whitehorse, a remote town known for its extreme -30°C winters. It was there, amidst the awe-inspiring display of the Northern Lights, that he developed a passion for photography. This early exposure to the natural world's breathtaking beauty sparked his interest in visual storytelling, and he began capturing the landscapes around him. This formative experience laid the foundation for his academic and creative pursuits. Today, as a graduate student in China, Zhang continues to explore the role of imagery in film, combining his Canadian background with a deepening understanding of the cultural and theoretical dimensions of cinema.

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