Gom Jabbar: Dune Podcast - Episode Summary

Title: Dune: Part One Script Reveals What Got Cut From the Movie
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Hosts: Abu Zafar and Leo
Guest: Luna, Producer at Gom Jabbar Media

Introduction

In this episode of Gom Jabbar: A Dune Podcast, hosts Abu Zafar and Leo delve into the intricate details of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune, specifically focusing on the differences between the original shooting script and the final cut of Dune: Part One. Joined by their producer Luna, the trio explores various scenes and elements that were altered or omitted, discussing the implications of these changes on the film's narrative, character development, and overall tone.

Housekeeping and Spoiler Warning

[00:00 - 04:02]
Before diving into the main content, Abu and Leo issue a spoiler warning for listeners who haven't read Frank Herbert's Dune or watched Villeneuve's adaptation. They also acknowledge their patrons and briefly discuss the podcast's support channels.

Overview of the Episode

[04:02 - 06:24]
Leo introduces the episode's focus: comparing the final movie with the original shooting script. Luna, the producer, shares her enthusiasm for dissecting the script changes, highlighting her meticulous notes on what was cut or altered in the transition from script to screen.

Major Script Changes and Their Impact

1. Party Scene with Duke Leto

[08:25 - 12:41]
One of the notable cuts discussed is the farewell party scene for Duncan Idaho. In the original script, Duke Leto delivers a motivational speech to his lieutenants and a light-hearted moment where Duncan is humorously shaved. This scene was omitted to maintain pacing and focus on the core narrative.

• Leo: "This doesn't feel like a plot critical scene that we absolutely needed to have to understand Paul's journey and the themes of the story." [09:55]

Luna expressed a bittersweet sentiment, wishing for more normal interactions among the Atreides soldiers to showcase their camaraderie.

• Luna: "Maybe this party scene would have been the chance to show just the normalness of being a soldier on this planet." [12:32]

2. The Depraved Baron Harkonnen Scene

[14:03 - 21:00]
Another significant cut involved a dark scene where Duke Leto receives a chest filled with severed fingers from Baron Harkonnen. This scene aimed to portray the Baron's cruelty more explicitly but was removed to preserve the film's subtlety and tone.

• Leo: "I think this feels heavy handed. It doesn't feel in line with the tone of the rest of the movie." [19:52]

Abu appreciated the decision, aligning with previous critiques of over-the-top portrayals of Baron Harkonnen in other adaptations.

• Abu: "This feels tonally very out of place in the movie given the rest of the vibe." [21:00]

3. Paul and Duke Leto's Philosophical Dialogue

[22:51 - 31:16]
The script originally included a profound conversation between Paul and Duke Leto about destiny and free will. This scene was cut to avoid redundancy and maintain narrative flow.

• Luna: "I would, actually. I imagine the dozens of actors who would have used this for their audition, and we were robbed as a society." [26:18]

Leo acknowledged the scene's value but understood its removal due to pacing considerations.

• Leo: "I do think that the first third of it drags. And all of the stuff leading up to the attack on Arrakeen is the place where it's either gonna make or break the movie." [25:08]

Tone Adjustments: Reducing Exposition and Humor

1. Minimizing Expository Dialogue

[31:16 - 40:19]
The hosts discuss the film's shift away from heavy exposition present in the script. They cite examples like Chani's opening monologue and Gurney's sparring lines, which were streamlined to enhance viewer immersion.

• Abu: "It's just a voiceover you have Zendaya do in the booth later at some point." [32:52]

Leo praised the decision to cut unnecessary exposition, comparing it to avoiding the pitfalls of the 1984 Dune adaptation's narration.

• Leo: "I completely agree. I think this feels heavy handed." [36:02]

2. Reduction of Comedic Elements

[46:49 - 54:14]
Originally, the script featured more light-hearted banter between Duncan Idaho and Paul, which was significantly trimmed to preserve the film's serious tone. The hosts appreciated this restraint, noting that excessive humor could undermine Duncan's character gravitas.

• Abu: "I really appreciated the restraint that we're seeing here to say, yeah, Duncan can be a bit of a goofball." [50:06]

Luna agreed, emphasizing that subtle, unforced humor aligned better with the film's overall ambiance.

• Luna: "Some of the jokes that land the best in Dune are the ones that don't have this sort of intentional joke built in." [53:08]

Emotional and Sentimental Cuts

1. Gurney Halleck’s Singing Montage

[54:14 - 60:30]
A poignant scene where Gurney sings on the baliset to lull the troops to sleep was cut. The hosts lament that this emotional buildup would have enhanced the subsequent brutality of the attack on Arrakeen.

• Leo: "I think having a scene to your point earlier, Luna, to have this normalcy, to have this, like, this is something that Gurney does sometimes." [58:29]

Abu speculated on possible reasons for the cut, including technical challenges or performance issues.

• Abu: "Maybe Josh Brolin just doesn't have the pipes to sustain a two minute montage sequence of singing non stop." [60:03]

2. Jessica and Paul's Emotional Connection

[60:30 - 67:14]
An additional heartfelt moment between Jessica and Paul, where they share a hug in a foggy scene, was removed. The hosts discussed how this alteration altered the mother-son dynamic, making the scene feel less impactful.

• Leo: "What a crazy difference. That's so wild to me." [62:51]

Luna reflected on the emotional weight omitted by cutting their embrace, questioning the necessity of such a gesture in the film's context.

• Luna: "It begs the question, who am I supposed to feel for in that scene?" [62:57]

Miscellaneous Notable Cuts

1. Shai Hulud’s Wisdom Lines

[68:03 - 71:28]
The script included additional wisdom delivered by Fremen characters like Shai Hulud, which was excised to prevent the overuse of proverbial statements that could detract from character development.

• Luna: "I think, Luna, your point about like having a whole scene, is not good filmmaking. This felt like a whole scene just so Shadout could deliver this line and so just cut it." [71:28]

2. Piter de Vries and Thufir Hawat’s Interaction

[73:08 - 75:36]
A scene showcasing Piter de Vries gloating over a captured Thufir Hawat was removed, reflecting a broader decision to minimize Hawat's role in both parts of the film.

• Abu: "He even says, 'checkmate, old friend.'" [74:02]

Leo criticized the plausibility of multiple Sardaukar assassins silently attacking Liet Kynes, favoring a more streamlined approach with a single assassin.

• Leo: "Kyle would never get snuck up on." [80:12]

3. Paul’s Internal Monologues

[75:36 - 78:12]
The inclusion of Paul Atreides' internal thoughts via voiceover in the script was entirely removed. The hosts strongly supported this decision, emphasizing that internal monologues can hinder the visual and performative aspects of filmmaking.

• Abu: "Filmmaking is a visual medium. Say it on the screen. Filmmaking is a performative medium. Have your character perform it, but do not have voiceover thought bubbles happening." [75:49]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[81:37 - 85:41]
Abu and Leo wrap up the episode by appreciating the thoughtful cuts made in Villeneuve's adaptation, which preserved the film's immersive and serious tone. They express gratitude to Luna for her research and insights, and encourage listeners to support the podcast through Patreon and merchandise purchases.

• Leo: "I really appreciate that he puts the thing in the theaters and he goes, that's the artwork. Don't worry about, you know, I really respect his integrity." [60:30]

They also engage in a humorous rapid-fire segment, imagining additional cuts they would apply to other films, showcasing their deep understanding and passion for cinematic storytelling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Abu Zafar: "It's just the way the actor chose to deliver it in that instance." [00:25]

• Leo: "They're not human. They're brutal. They're brutal." [35:06]

• Luna: "Don't be afraid to see." [37:08]

• Leo: "I think voiceover thought bubbles happening is an utter failure of filmmaking." [75:49]

Final Remarks

In this insightful episode, Abu, Leo, and Luna meticulously dissect the creative decisions behind Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part One. By examining the scenes and elements that were trimmed or removed, they offer listeners a deeper appreciation for the film's direction and storytelling approach. The discussion underscores the delicate balance between maintaining narrative pace, preserving character depth, and ensuring thematic coherence in large-scale adaptations.

Support the Podcast:
Become a patron at patreon.com/gomjabarpodcast or visit the Gom Jabbar Merchandise Store to purchase Dune-themed swag.

Contact:
Share your thoughts and feedback at gomjabarpodcastmail.com

Remember, whoever controls the podcast controls the universe. See you on the golden path!