Josh welcomes guest Dr. Patrick D’Silva, PhD, to discuss the expansive universe of 'Dune' spanning books, movies, and TV shows.
Patrick J. D’Silva writes about spaceships and dragons (among other things) at Worlds Beyond Worlds. An Islamicist specializing in Persian Sufism by training, he has taught in Philosophy and Religious Studies departments at several universities in Colorado. He lives in Boulder, CO, with his family.
Patrick, an expert in religious studies and a lifelong science fiction enthusiast, offers insights into themes such as religion, colonization, and environmentalism in 'Dune.' The discussion covers the adaptation process for the Denis Villeneuve films, their casting choices, and the visual depiction of key elements such as desert landscapes and the iconic sandworms.
The conversation concludes with a critical look at the portrayal of characters and themes, touching on cultural appropriation and Orientalism. Patrick also shares information about his new Substack, 'Worlds Beyond Worlds,' where he'll continue exploring connections between speculative fiction and real-world issues.
Subscribe to Patrick’s Substack: Worlds Beyond Worlds
Links to Patrick’s essays mentioned in this episode:
Desert Warriors and White Saviors: The Shared Destinies of Rand al’Thor and Paul Atreides
Timestamps for the episode:
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:41 Patrick De Silva's Background and Expertise
03:25 Dune: A Deep Dive into Themes and Context
07:05 Patrick's Journey and Translation Work
10:23 The Medium Project: Exploring Dune Adaptations
36:57 Cultural Significance and Appropriation in Dune
53:15 Humor and Choices in Dune
56:51 Books vs. Movies: Visualizing Worlds
01:01:01 Northern vs. Southern Fremen
01:05:27 Adapting Dune: Changes and Expectations
01:06:56 Anticipating Dune Part Three
01:15:45 Best Adaptation
01:19:51 Worst Adaptation
01:26:49 Best Cast
01:30:42 Worst Cast
01:34:49 Final Thoughts and Future Projects
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