The mise-en-scene in Dune is stunning and perfectly captures the sci-fi world in which it’s set. In this analysis I will be focusing on the use of costumes.
Lady Jessica’s costumes are the most elaborate and colourful out of all the characters. The use of the colours: blue, gold and red communicate to the audience her status in their society and also how wealthy House Atreides is. Her costumes contrast the otherwise neutral colour scheme. Lady Jessica’s costumes are some of the only to include embroidering, this fine detail also suggests she is an important figure. The film also takes influences from Islam and includes it into their costumes. For example the majority of the women in the film are seen with veils covering their hair which greatly resemble hijabs. I think the director, Denis Villeneuve, made this decision regarding the costume to help the audience relate to the world of ‘Dune’ because even though it is not set on Earth it does bare resemblances to the Middle East and North Africa – where the majority of the Muslim population live.
Islam is not the only thing Villeneuve took influence from for his costumes. The costumes which the Fremen wear when out in the desert bare similarities to costumes from Star Wars, undoubtedly the biggest Sci-Fi series of all time. The character I think most of the influence stems from is Rey from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. The colours like beige and dark grey help build the classic neutral colour scheme. The types of materials are also similar like the sheer mesh-like material and the armour pattern on the suit. In my opinion the film crew made this decision to include some classic tropes from Sci-Fi films.
