As a seasoned movie reviewer with a penchant for delving into the depths of characters and their backstories, I must say that “Dune: Prophecy” has left me utterly captivated. The complexities of Valya, portrayed brilliantly by Emily Watson, are a testament to the actor’s versatility and the show’s intricate narrative.
To ready herself for her main part in the “Dune Prophecy,” a future-set sci-fi series, Emily Watson delved into the Tudor era. She spent numerous hours examining portraits of queens like Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Anne Boleyn at London’s National Portrait Gallery. These women, for a while, managed to thrive in a male-dominated society, providing Watson valuable insights.
During a recent interview at HBO’s Hudson Yards offices, Watson expresses her awe at these portraits of women who exude quiet power and terrifying presence. They are enigmatic, almost like codes, which lends them an air of control. It’s fascinating to ponder their lives, lived amidst intrigue in such a ruthless, paranoid police state. Everyone around them either sought to eliminate or marry them.
Often, these characters faced twin destinies: marriage or execution. The women depicted in Watson’s paintings were forced into matrimony, while, after being outsmarted in a perpetual power struggle, they met the grim reaper’s axe. Despite the stark physical differences between the world of “Dune” with its intergalactic travel and advanced weaponry, and the realm where Henry VIII and his kin, wives and descendants, engaged in conflict, there are striking parallels. For instance, Watson’s character Valya Harkonnen, a leader within the religious order called the Sisterhood, must cater to the egos and manipulate the aspirations and apprehensions of the male rulers who command the royal factions and territories that control this futuristic cosmos.
Emily Watson remarks that the women depicted in the play aren’t modern feminist role models. Instead, they are flawed characters, shaped by a harmful system. They learned, much like Elizabeth or Mary, to wield power through mystery and secrecy. The narrative, though set in science fiction, carries an air of antiquity throughout.
In order to achieve this, Watson utilized her background as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company to shape Valya’s speaking mannerism. She felt that this particular form of acting would aid her in portraying the military precision with which Valya issues threats or makes declarations. “There’s an element of theatricality to this kind of acting,” Watson explained.
Besides contemplating her own acting approach for a fantasy setting like “Star Wars,” she considered the strategy employed by Alec Guinness, a classically trained actor, in his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi. He imbued the dialogue with a Shakespearean quality, which gave him an understated yet powerful presence. She felt that this method was her key to success as well; if she didn’t treat the lines with careful attention, they could prove elusive.
In the vast cast of “Dune: Prophecy,” Oscar-nominated actor Watson, known for roles in films such as “Breaking the Waves” and “Punch Drunk Love,” stands out prominently. However, it’s important to note that with projects like these, the intellectual property (IP) is often the true leading role. The enduring popularity of Frank Herbert’s novels, first published in the 1960s and set in an interstellar society, has resulted in millions of copies sold, numerous adaptations for television and video games, and two successful movies. Interestingly, Watson admits that she wasn’t overly acquainted with the world of Arrakis prior to accepting this role.
She mentions a world that was previously unknown to her, but oh, it’s full of opportunities for performance!” said she. “There’s so much depth to explore.
In contrast to the typical roles Watson is accustomed to, Valya deviates significantly. Her repertoire spans from dreamers in “Breaking the Waves,” working-class heroines in “Angela’s Ashes,” artists in “Hillary and Jackie,” and scientists in “Chernobyl.” These characters often adhere to a moral compass, but one that likely wouldn’t propel Valya towards the influence and authority she aspires to attain.
Watson finds it quite different from her usual roles to portray such a tough character,” she explains, relaxing in her chair and enjoying the shift in gears. “Valya is powerful, ambitious, manipulative, cunning, and always one step ahead. She makes others believe they are the puppet masters when actually she controls the storyline. It’s almost like a secret art she practices.
“Dune: Prophecy” is a prequel series, occurring far before the two Dune movies, providing an origin tale for the Bene Gesserit, a powerful religious order in the universe. The Sisterhood, led by Valya and her sister Tula (portrayed by Olivia Williams), are attempting to influence the dominant galactic families through their supernatural abilities. However, they have not yet gained the prestige they hold in the films. As the story begins, their precarious position is challenged by Desmond Hart (played by Travis Fimmel), a captivating soldier with his own magical talents, who holds sway over Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong). In order to reclaim power and fortify the Sisterhood’s grip on Corrino, Valya and Tula are prepared to deceive, kill, and employ any means necessary. “Dune: Prophecy” carries the grandeur of a comic book adventure or action epic, but unfolds within a much more morally ambiguous landscape.
Watson remarks, ‘No one emerges unscathed; it’s a highly intricate, morally ambiguous environment where everyone pursues their own interests.’
The extravagant publicity tour leading up to “Dune: Prophecy” premiering on HBO and Max on Nov 17, a departure from her usual independent film roles for Watson, has been an unprecedented experience. She’s now prominently featured in city billboards across places like New York and is the main attraction in a wave of trailers signaling its upcoming release. Even making her first appearance at Comic-Con left her astounded by the vastness and fervor of the audiences.
Watson shares that many projects he has worked on gained significant attention after initially starting off small. They were well-received and grew as a result. However, this project seems to have been popular from the beginning, which can be attributed to numerous passionate individuals who are contributing to its success. He often finds himself reminding himself that it’s alright to remain true to oneself amidst all the attention.
If “Dune: Prophecy” turns out to be successful, there’s a possibility that Watson might be asked to continue her role beyond the initial six episodes. However, she appears reluctant to discuss any potential future seasons, fearing that speaking about them could negatively impact its chances of success.
She expresses that the aim is clearly to continue with everything, as she’s enjoyed this experience immensely and yearns for more. However, she notes that predicting the future is tricky until things are almost at a critical point. That’s what being an actor involves – a good dose of uncertainty.
Currently, Watson has completed her tasks. The outcome from hereon is beyond her influence. “Robert Altman once explained to me that creating a movie is similar to building a sandcastle on the beach,” she remarks. “You relax in a chair and enjoy a drink while watching the tide wash it away. One must embrace tranquility about it.
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2024-11-14 17:48