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snazzyo · 2 years

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Movie Dune beats Book Dune

Why the Dune Movie is better than the Dune Book

New to Dune? The original book was written in 1965. It’s full of sexism with moments of misogyny, homophobia, interoperability (wrongly) of the white male savior trope, and some difficult to swallow premises even for Science Fiction. So WHY am I a fan? Because the series as a whole has some fascinating concepts, interesting mysteries, and set aside at least some of the highly offensive elements as it progressed. And it’s actually a pretty complex and meaty evaluation of forms of government and human nature. Also note, the last of the “original concept” books was finished by Herbert’s son with a co-author and while still weirdly overconcerned with the mystical powers of sex, it has become significantly less offensive while finishing the story.

But the main reason Movie Dune beats Book Dune is how well the major characters are developed. They are more in keeping with the entire franchise perspective than the original book. In fact, the first book was a bit like a TV pilot. Definitely clunkly at times. It was introducing the Duniverse (Dune universe) with a 1965 understanding of technology and relationships. By the third or fourth book, Herbert had improved some of the more off-putting elements. Further, Herbert made time jumps that leave out critical character development. The series spans 20-30 millennia. But even within the periods he’s writing about, and an overabundance of ‘internal voice’, character development is both convoluted while often unsatisfying. Many of the characters end up as fallen heroes or make decisions difficult to support. That IS a vital element to the story. But we need to see why they do what they do and what options they choose to correct. [Note: I’m avoiding spoilers but will provide a warning — Dune is more complex than a high concept hero’s journey)

Fortunately Denis Villeneuve brings a 2021 perspective and a character development that is both more satisfying and yet consistent with the main beats of the entire franchise. Here’s the rundown of the differences in major elements.

Characters: - Paul: Movie Paul is much more likeable and understandable. Timothee Chalamet shows the transition from teen to manhood with great skill. The trauma he experiences is better expressed, his horror at the future he sees and the decisions he makes are all much more clear with less dialog and less words. Paul as a ‘Chosen One’ is reasonably undermined (appropriately) in the movie but only time will tell what the audience picks up on. - Chani: We see very little in the movie but the few moments of ‘reality’ Chani brings out the warrior elements of the character and less of the simplistic “elfin featured” repetitive characterization. The warrior elements are true to the story, this is an example of how the movie fleshes out so much better than Herbert did. - Leto: There are times in the book series where I pretty much hated Leto and his coldness towards Jessica. The entitlement is grotesque at times. But movie Leto was also a part of the Herbert story. And THAT is the Leto that could motivate the dedication of Thewfir, Gurney and Duncan. - Jessica: Is a badass in both book and movie. But the whole concubine concept is gross despite the Duniverse rationale laid out more clearly in the books. - The warrior trio is a mixed bag compared to the book: Thufir is nearly absent from the movie, which is a pity, but Gurney and Duncan are better developed. The movie fails to have Gurney’s warrior-poet personality (we should have had ONE song on the ballaset), but his toughness is spot on. And Duncan is a full-blown movie hero. Which works well in context of what Herbert ultimately intended. - Stilgar: Movie Stilgar’s intelligence radiates from the screen. There are times that book Stilgar can look naïve. Movie Stilgar is far better developed. Again, in a short span. - The Baron: Movie Baron shows the intelligence that comes across in the books. The David Lynch Dune movie really damaged that character.

The Duniverse Premise: - Nobility and Intrigue: It doesn’t play that well in 2021 but “Science Fiction” and pseudo-dystopian universe covers a lot of questions. The movie does not flesh this out as well as the books but this is where some of the problems lie (especially in sexism) so it’s not a great loss. Conversely, Paul lays out the central feudal-intrigue (the Emperor has no sons) so sexism is still fundamental in the plot. - Technology: No computers is a HARD SELL. Book or movie. If you read all the prequel books you get the concept. But… there is little discussion about Mentats and why they are needed. Probably best to skip that in these first two movies. If there are more, they can delve deeper. - The Guild: the book franchise ultimately improves these characters. They and the court are non-entities in the movie. - The Bene Gesserit: Brilliant casting of Charlotte Ramping as Mohiam in the movie. The gom-jabar scene is vital and she nails it. I prefer the movie version over the book.

Bottom Line: Taking on Dune as a book series to read requires you tolerate a 1965 mentality in the first book. By the end of the series it’s better and you see the concepts, the storyline, the conflicts as much more fascinating. Movie Dune was interesting right from the start and side-steps most of the unnecessary offensive elements of the book. Movie Dune improves on the characters without actually deviating from the author’s intent. The author’s intent, however, take more than one book to get to. So, if you read for the concepts and conflicts it poses, enjoy but please envision movie characterization as you do.

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snazzyo · 4 years

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Putting this into my digital reference material.

A comma splice walks into a bar, it has a drink and then leaves.

A question mark walks into a bar?

Two quotation marks “Walk into” a bar.

A gerund and an infinitive walk into a bar, drinking to drink.

The bar was walked into by a passive voice.

Three intransitive verbs walk into a bar. They sit. They drink. They leave.

#grammar #not spn

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snazzyo · 5 years

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The Season 15 Title Card - A Selection Of Screencaps

This is the first image that appears in the title card, have a close-up if you can’t see it:

It’s an angel banishing sigil.

A nebula-like, cosmic-y flare…

followed by another with an aquarian star in the middle. Close-up:

Then this happens:

which looks like the shape of the Samulet. Shining bright, like God is close.

The next image also looks like some kind of sigil, it appears to have a hexagonal shape and I’m not exactly sure which one it is but reminds me of a hexagonal devil’s trap, unless I’m forgetting something…?

Then something interesting happens

I see the shape of a skull here…?

Then there’s a flare, allow me to put all the screencaps from it–

and it ends in mostly white with a bluish tint. This sequence, especially at the end, reminds me of a solar flare/the surface of the sun, which is connected to God/Chuck - if that’s a skull-like shape at the beginning, then the death imagery is connected to the God one. On the other hand, so far the title card seems to present an opposition between red and blue (the only screencaps so far I haven’t put in the posts are black with small reddish spots), with some purple (*insert bisexuality reference here*) and obviously between light and dark. (Amara…?)

The Supernatural logo appears and the light takes the shape of a spiral of sorts, that turns from light to something similar to the black goo of the Empty (I’m skipping some screencaps here)–

But then something happens, and the black goo starts to appear as though it’s on fire, or brightened with a reddish tint somehow, almost resembling lava or similar substances (again, I’m only posting a few):

This gives me a sort of Lord of the Rings/Game of Thrones vibe…

Thoughts? Corrections?

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snazzyo · 5 years

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Want the best candidate, vote in the primaries. Want the best option — it’s not Trump.

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snazzyo · 5 years

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THIS is the content I needed on my Tumblr today. Math that matters. Seriously, thank you for the data and presentation in this infograph as well as the exceptions. I love this fandom.

Spn Hiatus Creations 2019 | Week 4 ↳ Hugs & Affection | Brother hug infographic (click for bigger)

#supernatural

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snazzyo · 5 years

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So I now appreciate Supernatural for rarely putting our boys through this. And honestly feel a little ashamed that I didn’t know about how extreme this is.

Finally, a sane celebrity who doesn’t bend the knee to feminist bullshit.

Source

#supernatural

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snazzyo · 5 years

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Maintenance... we all need it. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByGSrAOBrT3/?igshid=1dfrik5mspgth

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snazzyo · 5 years

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J2 panel by Kreespa

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snazzyo · 5 years

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Fantastic gif set! I’m struck by the vulnerability Gwendolyn Christie brings in this moment. And I’m thrilled she places her trust, once more, in Jamie.

You don’t need a king. Any knight can make another knight. I’ll prove it.

#gotbrienneoftarth

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snazzyo · 5 years

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14.18 “Absence” First Thoughts

Well that hurt.

Unlike many, I loved Mary. She pissed me off a great deal but I felt for her.

I’m grateful they gave her a long goodbye in this episode. And I’m so very very glad that Cas was able to peek into her Heaven and see she’s happy and with John. That was kind of Duma to let him see.

I know how much the boys will miss her but I think knowing she’s at peace will really help — eventually.

Quick character thoughts:

-Sam’s POV. Loved his remembering Mary talked about how difficult parenting was. And I think his immediate assumption of guilt is Sam 101. I also loved that he simultaneously supported Dean (who is having the greatest freak out) and Cas. That last moment when he held back Cas from going to Dean was spot on. Dean is not ready to unpack everything yet. And he’s no where ready to hug anyone or hear a comment of sympathy. Sam understands his brother so well. And he’s letting Dean come to terms in his own way.

- Cas’s little memory was sweet. I’m glad they gave us that insight. And Cas is just one big ball of pain right now. So glad he got the closure information on Mary’s Heaven.

- Dean. Ouch. Jensen makes Dean’s pain/anger/confusion/horror so very real. That little moment of joy they shared is exactly what I needed to see. It’s not words, it’s actions. And Mary sleeping on his shoulder was awesome and heartrending for me. But at the end of the day, it kinda feels like the biggest ‘threat’ in the room is Dean’s reaction. Yes, Jack can burn up the planet, but what matters to TFW 2.0 is Dean’s reaction. Jack is fleeing from it. Cas keeps wanting to make it better. Sam is standing by his side, following his lead and simultaneously providing support and space. And Winchester 101, when Sam started blaming himself, THAT’s when Dean could coherently acknowledge that they ALL knew there was a problem and ALL wanted Jack to be okay. Ultimately this will help them come to terms. But Sam’s instincts are right — not just yet.

- Jack. Alex did a great job of showing panic and remorse and horror and delusion all at once. He’s so f*cked up right now. It’s telling that ‘the devil on his shoulder’ is ... the devil. Lucifer’s running commentary was both harsh and damaging. This is only driving Jack to worse mistakes. And he KNOWS he can’t fix it now. Jack has been a sponge, like any child, absorbing all the feelings and ethos of TFW. Even if he is dead inside, he’s rightly panicked about what happens next.

-Lucifer delusion- well, I am glad Nick is dead and rotting in a cabin somewhere. Boys need to salt and burn that and spread the ashes into sewers all around the US. Just to be sure.

-Rowena my Queen! Smart, direct, helpful, sympathetic and unambiguously ‘Rowena’ the whole time. Bless her for saying ‘No’ to Jack when presented with the ash pile. Even though she thinks Sam is going to kill her, she was risking Jack turning her into ash in that moment. I tell ‘ya, Sam & Dean’s superpower is the impact they have on others.

- Mary. I’m glad they let Mary show her softer side in flashbacks. I don’t give a shit if that pisses others off, it totally worked for me. This was how I saw Mary and I appreciated that this is what Berens gave us. Individual moments showing how much Mary meant to each member of TFW. And she got her ‘happy ever after’ soul-mate Heaven. Good wrap up for the character. I’ll miss the softness and vulnerability she brought out in Sam and Dean but I think it’s a good character end.

Plot points I liked:

-That they immediately went for the resurrection and that the circumstances were unambiguous— no coming back for Mary.

- Everyone turns to Rowena. She’s become quite the ally.

- Nick and Lucifer are most sincerely dead. So yes, we wil still get Hellucination!Lucifer but at least he’s not an active threat.

Expectations:

- Well, I think Dean will live up to his original commitment and take Jack out.

#Supernatural

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snazzyo · 5 years

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Additional thoughts: - Have you seen the pictures of the boys with crew members at the wrap party? THIS is leadership. This is respect and appreciation for the crew. They invested the time in these people with personal 1-on-1 interactions. Sharing stories and hugs and love. - Clarification on Misha involvement: Yes, I think the decision rested with J2. But I think they told their families first and Misha BEFORE they went final and informed Andrew or the studio. I think they have that kind of respect for him. So before they started letting other work-related people know their thinking, they at least told Misha and IMO were open to his feedback.

In praise of J2M’s handling of the decision to end Supernatural

Supernatural has always been special. And the way that they managed the news of the shows ending is another example of the care and skill they bring to the Supernatural experience. This decision could have rolled out in so many different ways or different times that would have been much more devastating. But it’s clear from start to finish, the boys deftly managed this announcement in expert fashion. Long ass post - skim the bold for the gist.

Keep reading

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snazzyo · 5 years

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In praise of J2M’s handling of the decision to end Supernatural

Ways that showed careful attention to managing o this decision:

They unambiguously ending it versus the CW or the WB. This is a victory for the show, for fandom, and for the boys. And J2M didn’t just randomly make a decision. At some point this past year, they started to believe it was time to end. But in order to make it a #SPNFamily choice they had to have some things fall in place and they had to time when they let people know in order for this to be a ‘choice’ rather than ‘cancellation’. Specifically:

They had to be renewed. And renewed for 20 episodes. This means the CW was prepared to continue at the ratings level they had achieved. Once that happened, then J2M could take over the narrative. Timing: renewal followed the traditional timeline of late January - which would give TPTB enough time to rewrite the last 4 episodes into a series finale if they needed to. This has been a consistent pattern since S4. The last time they totally flew off the cliff without a net was S3 (bless them!).

They needed to time when they told Dabb & Singer. I’m pretty sure they told Andrew around the 31st of January - when CW made the renewal announcement. Some have made a case that this decision happened earlier and Andrew’s absence on Nov 16th (300th party) was related to him hearing S15 was ‘the end’ news. BUT I'm thinking they did not share - or maybe hadn't even cemented the idea yet. First, it would really dampen the mood. Second, they wanted renewal. Any hint of hanging it up at that party would have been hard to keep quiet. Too much press. Too much alcohol. So, I can't totally get on board with a final decision at that point. Even if the boys were seriously talking about the remotely sad -- so they weren’t certain they were going to end at that time. These guys are good actors but not robots. I think it would have shown. BUT Andrew had to know how to shape the last 4 episodes of S14 (again end of January). Which means the boys would have provided him the information that they were going to wrap in S15 and he should target the last 24 episodes as supporting that eventuality about that time.

Either the CW was prepared to let the boys decide on duration or they waited til relatively the last minute so that the CW didn't restructure a shorter season. I'm torn on this one. Pedowitz has been respectful of the boys BUT there's definite bad blood on not picking up Wayward Sisters -- and the fan backlash. If Pedowitz did know early enough to weigh in on duration, he only did it for the boys. Not the CW and not the fans. He was visibly pissed at the fans backlash on Wayward Sisters. And I'm 100% certain that him sticking the knife in the back of any other spin-off (which he did last fall by saying Supernatural is just the boys and he doesn't see another spin-off) is because Warner Brothers financial deal was not what he wanted. Never underestimate the grudges that develop after failed negotiations (which is what the Wayward Sisters was -- it was all about the money). So, I'm inclined to believe that Pedowitz knew before the announcement but not as quickly as Dabb and Singer did. The boys were more likely to hedge their bet here. THEY controlled the narrative by how they informed key players.

They strategically timed the public announcement - literally the DAY of the wrap party. This accomplishes two important things for the crew.

One, the crew WILL get new jobs but this gives them a full year to line up something new. Some will jump early, some will jump no later than pilot season. Others will go sporadically based on their intent. The point is that they have a rich portfolio to show and time to show it off to prospective bosses.

Second, they gave the cast and crew to have one big happy cry-off/celebration. The boys both stayed this year - which hasn't been the case in a while. The party was immediately after the announcement - which meant they could have the bulk of the crew there before they headed off to various summer activities. And some now won't come back (as they leap to other jobs). So it was a maximum crew party. If there's one thing I'm confident of, it's that J2 understands they hold the livelihoods of so many in their hands. You really couldn't have asked for a better handling of the end announcement from a crew perspective.

They clearly informed key recurring cast members before they made the announcement. This is a fitting professional courtesy to a trusted few. Especially the ones that were likely to come back on the show. So Speight, Benedict, Rhodes, Buckmaster, Connell, Smith. Those guys knew for sure. And knew no later than SPNNash. But maybe not much earlier. If these people were going to get a pilot during pilot season, their recurring role wouldn't have stopped them.

Unambiguously, Misha was always part of the discussions IMO right from the jump. He would have been engaged in the actual debate about what to do with J2 and when. Because while it may be J2's show, Misha is IN that circle of trust. He has a large dedicated fandom, he's got a huge international charity. And they just love him dearly. Seriously, they ran a marathon cause he asked them to. IMO if Misha needed more time, they would have given it to him. But that's not Misha. He has zero sense of entitlement.

But this also lets the recurring cast have a private freak-out because the show IS likely their primary professional income stream. Veterans like Benedict & Rhodes have already been taking other gigs but the conventions mean big dollars too. It's a nice testament to their friendship that they told them personally and early.

I think JDM was the exception. I think Jensen told him that this was a real possibility before he signed onto the 300th. I don't think they had made the final decision that early (pre-Christmas) but they were leaning that way.

The timing and approach of the public announcement ALSO massively helps the the fandom - They truly care about fandom. They understand this is going to be actually life-changing hard for some. But with this timing/approach they optimized it as best they could with a staggered process.

We get four more episodes this year while we are 'actively engaged'. Versus some announcement during Hellatus when there's less folks on line. It shifts our view of the last four episodes.

It's done right before a massive con (SPNLV) where Jensen will sing (always a treat). So it's really good pacing for us. We get to react to the news and then hear MORE detail from them. This is also the con that is broadcast via Stage-It. Could be coincidence. Maybe not.

It keeps Comic Con a celebration not a bummer. We'll start to 'wind up' versus be crushed.

The announcement was a 1+1+2 strategy. I don't know if they realized that. They said one positive (yay! S15), they got immediately to the bad news (it's the end), and then followed up with at least two positive statement (we're excited, this family doesn't go away). Maybe it's instinct but it's a tried and true method. (Full disclosure: 2+1+1 is the classic method, but I think they knew the jig would be up as soon as they started talking on the video so they ripped off the Band-Aid quickly).

All which leads me to the following speculation:

When they signed the S14/S15 contracts, they were prepared to walk away then. It wasn't how they would want to end it, but they were going to prioritize family time. Note: the timing of when they were 'asked back' was much later than I think they were hoping. Based on things both Jared and Jensen said, I get the impression they were hoping to orchestrate the next two contracts earlier than Nov 17 (when they were 'asked back'). They had been talking 'mini-series' or other event-like content. I think understanding when/how they have leverage was informed by this relatively traditional November 'ask back' and this shaped how they went about the end announcement strategy. But the 20 episode contracts with clearly more time off was both a necessity and a bit of a test -- would it hold up with that level of involvement?

I think they really expected Wayward Sisters to be picked up. They thought crossovers with Wayward would help make a two-year transition smooth. That they didn't get picked up, that Pedowitz crushed any spin-off hopes was significant in how they played the S15 decision. Without Wayward, a S15 was necessary to give the crew time to land elsewhere IMO. That also includes writers, producers, and recurring guests. But the unexpected failure to pick up Wayward DID shift some storylines early in the season. I think there is literally NOTHING left of Wayward tie-in after mid-season. Except for a general "they exist in offscreenville' commitment. As mentioned elsewhere Kathryn Newton was gonzo right away. Yadira is on an Apple show with Jason Mamoa. Kim has had guest appearances on other shows. Briana has music going and probably actively looking for work for the last year. The other 3 are back in the hopper, looking for acting gigs as far as I can tell. And I honestly think Berens still has a gaping chest wound from the loss of his hopes and dreams. I think Dabb has moved on but also feels the loss. But without Wayward, the boys lost their structured soft ending for Supernatural. Maybe something pops up later (a special or movie) but that's dependent on how they end the series. We won't know if it's even viable until 2020.

They are truly ready to move on. They've been prepared since Nov 2017. I think they were open to more (under the 20 episode, less time contract terms) but they sense "now" is the time. It could be the storylines, it could be the fan reaction to their less involvement (which has been understanding but generally unhappy), and it could be a variety of things. Unless they say something specifically about the ' why now', I think it's fair to say they didn't see enough momentum to make it extend. Hence the 'go out on a high note'. I'll be shocked if they ever criticize anyone or any story specifically.

Bottom Line: They brilliantly played the hand they were dealt. It's so nice to be part of a fandom where the stars put such a priority on taking care of others. It's why I buy in, completely, on the #SPNFamily concept.

#supernatural #spn ending

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