Dune: Prophecy stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams on avoiding “feminine hysteria”

As an ardent supporter and admirer of the arts, particularly those that challenge societal norms and delve into rich narratives, I wholeheartedly applaud Emily Watson and Olivia Williams for their commendable approach to portraying strong, complex female characters in Dune: Prophecy. Their commitment to avoiding harmful tropes like “feminine hysteria” is a testament to their maturity, experience, and dedication to promoting positive representations of women on screen.


Approaching the premiere of Dune, actors Emily Watson and Olivia Williams have expressed their sense of obligation to steer clear of harmful stereotypes within the series, particularly those involving the portrayal of “hysterical women”.

In this new series, which takes place 10,000 years after Denis Villeneuve’s films, we focus on the Harkonnen sisters, Valya (portrayed by Watson) and Tula (played by Williams). They are instrumental in founding a group known as the Bene Gesserit, an order of women who have extraordinary powers and abilities due to rigorous physical and mental training over the years. Throughout the series, these sisters encounter an existential challenge that they must confront.

In a particularly chilling moment, Watson labels it so, Tula motivates the novice members of the Sisterhood to explore their inner selves by creating whatever image surfaces in their minds while they draw. However, as they hastily sketch, their expressions turn fearful and they exhibit physical symptoms of dread. It becomes increasingly challenging for her to bring them back to a conscious state.

Dune: Prophecy stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams on avoiding “feminine hysteria”

“But there are some elements that of the power of these women that is still sort of rooted in misconceptions about women. But women do still have to run power from a sequestered place away from men behind a veil. Still, women cannot come out front and centre and be president.”

She clarifies: “I didn’t want it to resemble Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible,’ with women trembling, sensing the devil, and it becoming a state of hysteria. The term ‘hysteria’ derives from the word for uterus, but I aimed for a more robust, non-uterine feel.

Watson reflects on the collaborative vibe on set: “With as much time spent here as we have, you accumulate a lot of wisdom about finding your own space, your moment, and navigating the chaos. The speed at which things happen, and the constant stream of activities can be overwhelming, but remembering that we’re all in this together, united by our shared purpose, was incredibly powerful.

Dune: Prophecy stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams on avoiding “feminine hysteria”

Watson implies that the sisters serve as the core of the series, having come from a deeply troubled past, carrying burdens of trauma, seeking revenge, and harboring numerous hidden mysteries.

Williams adds: “Everything’s concealed behind a convenient curtain, making it impossible to observe the happenings. Moreover, the ability to perform actions secretly while making people believe you can read their thoughts and detect deceit gives immense power, as this is an extremely potent tool.

“For me, a crucial point is that Valya was blessed or chosen by the former leader of the sisterhood,” as Watson puts it.

The girl was fragile and scarred, to which another person responded, ‘I recognize your strength and uniqueness; indeed, you are the chosen one.’ However, such assertion can be hazardous, as it might lead one to believe that any action taken, no matter how questionable, is justified in pursuit of a goal. Consequently, many unfortunate events may ensue.

Regarding the danger the Sisterhood is experiencing, Watson clarifies, “It’s a threat that could lead to our annihilation.” In other words, the nature of this peril remains unknown, making it challenging for us to comprehend or predict. The process of understanding it may ultimately cause discord within our ranks.

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2024-11-15 23:35