Messianic Figures and Eschatological Visions in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part One Movie

Anggama, Rizal Dri and , Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum, M.Ed. (2026) Messianic Figures and Eschatological Visions in Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part One Movie. Skripsi thesis, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta.

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Abstract

This article examines the interwoven themes of Messianism and eschatology in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One, emphasizing how the film constructs a complex narrative about prophecy, destiny, and the cyclical nature of history. In Dune, Paul Atreides emerges as a messianic figure foretold by both religious prophecy and political strategy. The intricate interplay between his perceived destiny and his personal agency forms the crux of the story. Drawing from various religious and philosophical traditions, the concept of a savior figure is critically explored, with Paul embodying the archetype of the "chosen one," whose rise is not merely a product of fate but also a manipulation of belief systems, particularly through the Bene Gesserit’s Missionaria Protectiva program. This manipulation of prophecy raises questions about authenticity, power, and the creation of religious myths. This paper employs a sociological approach to analyze the construction and manipulation of messianic figures within Dune: Part One, using Max Weber’s theory of Social Authority and Émile Durkheim’s theory of Collective Consciousness. Weber’s work on how societies produce and consume religious prophecy provides a valuable lens for understanding the Fremen’s belief in Paul as their savior. The Missionaria Protectiva’s deliberate seeding of prophecy into Fremen culture serves as an example of what de Weber describes as the cultural manipulation of messianic expectation to control social outcomes. Additionally, the eschatological visions that Paul experiences, particularly his glimpses of a future jihad carried out in his name, reflect de Weber’s ideas about the interplay between prophecy, time, and societal change. Through this framework, the film’s portrayal of Paul Atreides highlights the dangers of messianic expectations, showing how such beliefs can be both politically exploited and existentially burdensome. The sociological analysis emphasizes how the film critiques blind faith in messianic figures and questions the ethical responsibilities of those placed in such roles, reflecting both de Weber’s theoretical insights and Herbert’s cautionary narrative about messianism and eschatology. This paper analyzes how Villeneuve’s Dune explores the tension between predestination and free will, reflecting broader themes of salvation, apocalypse, and the role of the individual in shaping the future. By dissecting Paul’s journey, the film offers a nuanced reflection on the construction of religious myths, the socio-political use of prophecy, and the inevitability of eschatological transformation. Ultimately, Dune serves as a cinematic meditation on the delicate balance between human agency and cosmic destiny, making it a rich text for examining the intersection of Messianism and eschatology in modern storytelling.

Item Type:	Thesis (Skripsi)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Messianism, Eschatology, Prophecy, Paul Atreides, Dune Part one, Denis Villeneuve, Bene Gesserit, Religious Myth, Apocalypse, Fremen, Destiny, Salvation
Subjects:	E Education > Education (General) E Education > Special aspects of education E Education > Special aspects of education > English Language Education E Education > Textbooks
Divisions:	Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan > S1 Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris
Depositing User:	RIZAL DRI ANGGAMA
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2026 03:11
Last Modified:	30 Jan 2026 03:11
URI:	http://eprints.ums.ac.id/id/eprint/129958

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