People clown him for the voice impressions but mimicking Skarsgard’s voice as Feyd was utterly ingenious. He strikes me as someone that really enjoys his craft.
At first I thought it was an attempt to provoke and irritate Paul but if you think about it, after getting to know the character of Feyd it was probably just a phrase that struck him as cool and/or a thing a warrior would say.
That's exactly how I perceived it too. From the moment Paul walked into the room, Feyd was locked in on him and seemed to be very impressed with his strength. The subtext I heard when he repeated the Fremen phrase back to Paul was "Damn, that shit sounds so cool!"
In my opinion the most impressive thing about Austin Butler performance is how he makes Feyd both disgusting and charming at the same time, despicable yet charismatic (in villainous way)
@@veramae4098To even be arguing whether or not Paul is the villain is to engage with a very shallow interpretation of the story. Dune is much more complex than to label characters as heroes or villains.
Austin Butler's choice to make feyd 'imitate' his uncle's raspy voice as a perception of power was simply genius. When an actor disappears in the role is when they have succeeded. This coming from the guy who played Elvis and Tex from OUATIH. Totally stole the screen whenever he was on and can't wait to see what he does next.
It matches the source material where the Baron groomed him to lead the House, down to speech and mannerisms. That's why Glossu is such a brute, he had no such education
I swear that Denis told Josh Brolin “alright let’s just run through the lines really quick for first take” and he comes out with the THEYRE BRUUUUUTAL delivery that went so hard it had to stay in the film.
@@superhillsider Heath had way more than 11 minutes. It was still a relatively small amount compared to the length of the movie. But a lot more than 11 minutes. I would guess the interrogation scene itself is about that. Edit: Google tells me 33 minutes, which feels about right.
We all know that Butler's job was to make Feyd Rautha utterly terrifying. What might not be apparent is that Seydoux's job was to make the Bene Gesserit equally terrifying. She showed us that even with a sadist's knife against her throat, a Bene Gesserit has nothing to fear because she's in total control of herself *and* of *him.* That's what BG training can do for you.
The complete lack of fear also adds something from a story/worldbuilding perspective. So much of Paul’s journey is about overcoming his fear instincts, it’s one of the main purposes of his Bene Gesserit training, yet with Feyd-Rautha, you get the sense that he lost his sense of fear long, long ago (if he ever had it to begin with). You can totally see how this version of the character was meant to be the one who fathered the Kwisatz Haderach, the cumulative effect of Bene Gesserit strategy over millennia all leading to a monster like him.
That's a really good point with Lady Jessica and Paul having to recite the "fear is the mind killer" mantra, where in Feyd it is totally absent. Interesting perspective!
Austin Butler is a real actor- this is all the kind of things that you learn in classical acting training. Thinking about the environment they grew up in, cultural significance, class, dialect, breath, physicality, training body and voice, even down to embodying different energy patterns in the system and training the mind to think as the character. Austin did a beautiful character study and let himself merge.
He’s self taught. I’m sure he did workshops and had mentors but Austin was a child actor. He did an actors round table and to me it seems like this is his love and he soaked up any knowledge he could on set.
He was in a staging of The Iceman Cometh in like 2018 where a critic opened their review with something to the effect of “there are many performers in this production of The Iceman Cometh, but there’s only one true actor, and his name is Austin Butler.” For context, this production was starring Denzel Washington
It’s disappointing that he didn’t shave his head though. You can tell it’s make up if you look closely. A true actor would have shaved it in my opinion.
@@detectiveMM I mean, he was specifically told by the director of his next project (which was beginning filming right after Dune 2) not to shave his head. That wasn't his choice and shouldn't have any bearing on whether he's a "true actor" or not
@@abigailchiesa1337 well there you go. Commerce before art. Just look at the kind of stuff that Christian Bale has put himself through for a role. I suppose, true actor is very subjective, but just saying there are other actors who have been much more willing to sacrifice for a role
He was so captivating to me! I think Austin really made some choices on the fly that elevated the criminally short amount of screen time he got. The man was a sexy nightmare and I loved every second of it. I’m so glad he is booked and busy.
I like to think he gets this intimate closeness to his opponents to have an excuse to feel this perverse sense of affection to cope not being given any as a child.
@@stoicghost4313 afaik its only in the movie that Feyd killed his mom. He was actually "kidnapped" by his brother from his home planet because his uncle wanted another heir. But Feyd was a toddler back then. It actually makes not much sense for Feyd killing his mom, they probably just wanted to make him look more evil. But the Baron is way more evil in the book and Feyd less brutal tbh.
That is one of the things I really appreciate about this movie. Feyd-Rautha is genuinely scary. The Harkonnens are frightening and dangerous. They’ve managed to really bring that to the screen. It is one of the biggest weaknesses of Lynch’s version. In his movie the Harkonnens are campy, ridiculous. They’re never actually frightening.
@@werewolfx51 No I don't agree, and I actually think in many ways Lynch's adaptation is better. Denis was so insistent on his doom and gloom and heavy yellow tones and booming score that it all becomes too oppressive, a tempest in a teapot if you will. The Denis script dialogue is frustratingly either overly simplistic exposition or confusing "what just happened?" stuff. Beyond all else I don't think Chalamet had the chops to lead the cast. In the right movie and the right role Chalamet is a gifted actor, but his twiggy twink childlike vibe detracted from his ability to play the transformation into the Kwisatz Haderach. Denis's adaptation has a lot of problems.
I like the bald cap extending over his brow. The proportions seem off, perfect for house harkenen. Made him seem more alien, freaky and unsettling. You really can’t tell it’s Austin butler from looking at him. I love that.
I was glad this video touched on the single detail of Butler's performance that I thought was the most subtle and had the most to say about the character. The moment when he watches his uncle, the baron, being slain with a knife through the neck (an echo, btw, of the gob jabar), Butler's face spasms through a series of micro-expressions, many being suppressed smiles. It's inexplicable unless you understand that his relationship to violence supersedes even his relationship to the most important figure in his entire life, who he watches being murdered.
I had never seen Austin Butler in anything before Dune Part 2, even though I had heard of Elvis. It just didn’t look like it was that interesting. After finishing Dune 2, I immediately went and watched Elvis on Netflix lol. I can’t believe what a good actor Austin is! I can’t wait to see more from him. One of my favorite little details of acting from his role as Feyd is the snakelike twist he gives to his shoulders and neck when he walks. It’s particularly noticeable when he stalks towards the Baron in the tub after the Colosseum scene, and when he approaches the Fremen girl before he torches her. I noticed it even in the theater. It’s a snake like movement, deliberate and intimidating.
@@QuizMastersHQ - YES. _Completely_ different characters, but I was still blown away by his performance as Elvis. And I’m not even that big of an Elvis fan.
The two characters he played - Elvis and Feyd - couldn't be more different. If you didn't let people know who the actor was I guarantee never in a million years would they guess it was the same actor. That has nothing to do with the bald cap. Everything is different. Voice, walk, mannerism's etc. I had Elvis the day before watching Once Upon a time in Hollywood and never guessed that Tex Watson was Elvis was Feyd. Again, the voice was completely different.
@@BellinghamYorkshire - Yes! AND, Austin playing both roles proves he's not _just_ a great mimick. A lot of aspiring singers, artists, and actors are great _mimicks_ of other greats, but far fewer are just as great at creating their _own_ character out of nothing, and embodying _them._
That very last scene in the video gave me the chills. Like legit gave me the chills. I had never seen that scene slowed down. I saw Dune 2 with a fairly large group of friends and after the movie we all went out for drinks. The only thing everyone talked about was Feyd Rautha and Austin Butler. Some in the group didn't know he was Feyd and their minds were blown. I knew him from Elvis and then learned later he played Tex Watson in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I had watched that after watching Elvis and did not recognize him at all. He seems to disappear in his character.
One small moment I haven’t really seen talked about (cause it is a fleeting moment), is when the Baron is kneeling in front of the Emperor, and has his life-support machine cut by a Sardaukur, Feyd whips up to his feet, perhaps his “flight or fight” response kicking in, and for perhaps the only time in the movie, Feud looks uneasy and nervous, perhaps thinking the Sardaukur are going to kill him right alongside his uncle and brother. The moment right after I love as well, with Feyd looking down at the prone Baron in an almost sardonic/bemused way, perhaps saying to himself “this is who I thought was powerful?” I think it partially feeds into how ecstatic he seems to see the Baron’s death, as at that point all he sees is a weak obese man, not the powerful Baron he grew up with.
Yes. I actually posted a comment about this moment as well. It's the utterly psychotic reactions he has to his uncle's murder that truly distinguishes the performance. I doubt it'll happen, but Butler deserves a best supporting actor nod for sure.
Harkonnens overall have survival of strongest mentality, and Baron himself mentioned that Feyd is his successor, which is why he rigged gladiatorial game because if he's true successor then he would have no issue winning. It's a dialogue when Feyd comes to Baron after gladiatorial arena scene and mentions one of the slaves wasn't drugged.
I found his performance to be the most riveting. The intensity. The level of deadly menace combined with his physical beauty. He really brought that character to life!😮
Proud of him he was kinda a Disney & Nick kid appearing in bunch of shows as a recurring character or guest star. He was never a star enough on either channels but you saw him enough that you remember his face. Then he does Shannara Chronicles & Carrie Diaries which weren’t that notable. He finally gets to do some good work in Tarantino Once Upon Time in Hollywood as minor character. I was like good for him!
As a book reader, loved every change that was made to Feyd’s character. Especially they simplifying the arena plot. It was fun that he orchestrated the scheme in the book. But in the movie it’s he dealing with adversity. They made his character less flawed while present in the screen, while Lady Margot explained his underneath weaknesses. Dennis did a good job adapting this.
I read the book too, and watching this video, I noticed a great Easter egg in the arena scene. In the book, Feyd's final opponent had drawn the sign of House Atreides on his arm in his own blood. He did the same in the movie. Look at the scratches on his forearm.
I love your videos. No other comment, man. I just love your content, and as someone who wants to be a film director and screenwriter, it was your videos that made me go out and learn about physical aspects of characters. Everytime I write one now, I always take notes on the physicality and deeper mentality.
It's also worth noting, on the mention of him respecting violence, the line "you fought well Atreides". He says it not only after he's defeated by Paul, but also to the Atreides soldier he fights midway through the movie, which shows that even in victory he respects that he had a fight, and not his usual slaughter. It's especially relevant when you consider that he was quite angry about the Atreides fighter not being drugged, and about doing a real fight, but didn't take that anger out on his opponent.
I love this detail in Feyd and Rabban in Dune 2 in the beginning when the Freman are winning at the beginning with destroying the spice Production machines when Rabban before entering the room of Baron is Terrified but later after the gladitor arena fight Feyd threats to drown his uncle in the bath tub Showing that his uncle doesn't Frightened him. That is one of a sign of a Pyschopath. They have no fear, nor is he an angry person he is calm and collective, unlike Rabban. He also he Inherits his uncle intelligence like with his first command, he strikes to destroy their freman home. He doesn't strike a their limbs he goes for their hearts ❤
Psychopaths are in fact very fearful, because in their view only them matter their self preservation instinct is stronger than normal. They just are incredibly bad at recognizing danger and showing emotion
I just couldn't take Rabban seriously because he felt like Dave Batista with painted face. I don't wanna shit on Dave, he seems to be hardworking dude, but he's always feels like Dave Batista stuck in certain situation, rather then Dave playing some character. Even in some other movies, for example Kickboxer remake, he didn't feel like Tong Po, he felt like Dave Batista stuck in some underground fight.
This is an interesting take. I wasn't there for Star Wars to become defining for me, but I was definitely affected by Lord of the Rings for it to become THE defining movie saga of my time. DUNE is such a different take on a story than LotR (how can I say.. it's such a more pessimistic tone, I feel.. At least from the books, I'd say), but I'm really curious if it could have a similar impact to a generation. I'd love it if that's the case
@@Bubreherro it would be incredible if Dune has that much of an impact. It's central ideas of 'do not blindly trust anything or anyone, always think about what you're doing' and 'a human always controls their impulses' are unique. And they are good lessons too!
I do feel it is happening. Been watching both Dune movies in theaters with my younger brother and his friends, and it feels like they are actually considering it a saga that defined their generation. So cool to witness that actually
I really hope so, but the problem is that Dune is based on novel adaptation, and I heard the next entries aren’t as strong as the first novel so would that be a problem? Or they would just take another path and change the stories?
@@Bubreherro My dad read the books and has told me some of the things that will happen and I believe if Denis Villeneuve manages to pull off the story, I believe it has the potential to become something very great. We have barely even scratched the surface of the depths the books reach, the inevitable conflict the story leads to. Just to give a hint at the grandeur this story will take to, Paul Atreides isn’t the true main character of the story. I will not say who, you may google that if you want to know, but I‘ll say that we already have seen him/her. Edit: grammar
Lots of great remarks on Butler’s work here. I just wanted to throw in a bit of characterization that I don’t believe I’ve seen accomplished in any other film: when Feyd is presented with his combat knives, when he suddenly thrusts the tip of the blade twice into the stomach of one of his consorts, I remember how my own reaction was synced up so clearly with hers, just two quick surprised gasps. The audience doesn’t see it any better than she does. It’s basically off screen, blocked out of frame by the camera angle and Feyd’s upper body. We experience the moment as helplessly shocked as she does. Talk about a villain who sees everyone as prey.
Funny how I thought his screen time was longer, turns out its not. Its just that his role and presence are so damn memorable its giving the illusion that his screen time is equal to Paul.
Butler also uses the makeup to help him out. He almost never has a scene where his head is not tilted forward to emphasize his augmented brow. It enhances his aura of coiled aggression. When he does tilt his head back, it humanizes him briefly - like the scene in Margot Fenrig's quarters - so that when he's back in predator mode you very much notice.
To me, one of the most interesting aspects of the character is the sexual aspect of his relationship to violence as well. It is shown in a way that is subtle yet striking - Feyd is clearly a character who seeks pleasure in every form, yet pleasure is to him always entertwined with violence and suffering. In my opinion, that is the threat of death, and the idea of being killed, excites him - because he loves inflicting pain and enduring it. To me that was very clear in his interaction with the Bene Gesserit woman, with whom he was first menacing, but then quickly became subdued and fascinated when he realized she showed no fear, and instead might be capable of dominating him herself. In that moment Feyd suddenly became boyish and vulnerable, and it gave so much depth to his character. Butler was amazing in his ability to show all those different sides to him.
Good to see you back! I dont think there is anybody who can better analyze movies and series in these psychological terms. You will always get a like from me :)
Thank you for this short clip. To the point and totally descriptive. So exciting to see a young actor come into his own. He has worked hard to get here. True character actor!
@@Gavin48 that's a gross over exaggeration. In the first few minutes of this video the author lays out Austin Butler's resume. In fact, his co-stars have quite the resumes' themselves. Zendaya has been in several movies this year alone, going back nearly a decade. Same with Timothee Chalamette. His first movie was Nolan's Interstellar, and since then has been in quite a few huge movies. Ladybird, Don't Look Up, both Dunes. I would encourage you to do some research. Because, for example, the roles that Daniel is best known for in our generation are only his most recent. His first Academy award was My Left Foot, which came out around the time you were born, I reckon. Since then, he's immortalized his legacy with Films like Sins of the Father, Gangs of New York, and There Will Be Blood
@@qjames0077 Well said. The Dune trilogy currently has just about the top five of most promising young actors and actresses with Chalamet, Butler, Zendaya, Taylor-Joy, and Florence Pugh.
For sure great video . Must say the best 16 minutes of Dune 2 was when Austin was on screen !!!! He is genius in his craft ! Gives every bit of himself in his roles as w Elvis ! 😊
I was impressed the actor was actually able to put his own spin on Feyd and show a different “take” on the character with one action: grabbing his uncle’s face and re-initiating the kiss. In the book, Feyd puts up with his uncle’s sexual appetites because he wants to be the next baron. He doesn’t show particular loyalty to his family nor any real positive feelings for his uncle. But in the movie that one action seems to imply a greater depth of feeling (gratitude maybe) way beyond book Feyd’s baseline of sociopathic avarice. The actor is to be commended for such a nuanced and detailed performance for a villain that comes across as a believable psychotic. Bravo!
I really enjoyed this performance. I read the books a few years ago, but certain characters I blurred together a bit or never fully visualised. I found these films really helped me focus on the characters with new appreciation on my reread.
Great video. I have a little better appreciation of the performance after this video essay. It didn’t leave a noteworthy impression on me, despite loving the movie overall. I didn’t hate his performance, of course. I just wasn’t blown away, as a lot of people seemed to be. But that could be largely due to his lack of screen time. I thought the duel scene at the end was beautifully done, especially with the lack of music. And perhaps subconsciously, the intensity I felt was because Feyd was more frightening a character than I would’ve admitted at the time.
Hopefully this pushes him into more leading roles. He went from the goofy side character with literally no voice lines to dominating every scene he was in.
I really wish they'd done some more with the whole 'messiah making' aspect that both Feyd and Paul were going through (one more artificially than the other), I felt like there weren't that many meaningful parallels (or any developed relationship between them) that could've made their final confrontation far fore visceral than it ended up being. Great performance though, in any case.
I found this video to be very compelling. Butler did a remarkable job with ~16 minutes on screen. P.S: I love how the head-shaking growl he did in the arena has been turned into a meme.
Many brilliant performances in these movies and then Feyd just emerges halfway through instantly evoking so much fear and embodying such a chilling force of dominance and superiority I found myself praying that he and Paul would not cross paths for as long as possible.
Haha, I fell in love too! But I told my bf about this much later) because I needed time to accept this fact. Because I never, NEVER liked anti-heroes and villains. Feyd is exceptional)
Great analysis, even greater actor. I watched Masters of The Air recently and was like, "who the hell is that, I know him". Watching the David Flincher Dune, back in the day, Sting felt out of character. Well, its a weird movie anyway; but Austin Butler, (me) never knowing who he was in the early career stage, certainly mastered this role with finesse to a surprising degree. Where you begin to question and analize your own anima; "Am I evil when unhinged?"... where does the definition of evil even begin (for you) if you are convinced of your cause! To elaborate more, since I mentioned Sting and my generation knows him best from the movie Leon and the song Shape of my heart at the end of that movie, would you say Leon the Professional is evil? I wish they gave more screen time to Feyd-Rautha to evolve a more enticing character development. Give us a reason to emphatize with the character, let us root for both outcomes. **Having read (not all) the books, I know Harkonnen were discredited by Atriedies for cowardice in the AI war. That angle here could have or should have been played out more to make the showdown more epic.
This was such a masterful performance. Im a clinical sociopath and watching the way he acts and moves in this role was interesting. He is a walking collection, even a personification, of all of the things about myself I had to change or hide just to be able to fit in. He wasnt wearing a mask, he didnt need to fit in. Usually this type of character ends up being pretty shit because the actor doesnt understand the core concept of the character or the author didnt know how to convey his idea on-screen. I love when the stars align and we get a complex yet understandable villain. This is one of those times. I wasnt looking forward to the Feyd scenes because I didnt like his portrayal in the 80's and I never read the books (I like Herbert's stories and ideas but his style of writing does not hold my attention at all), but after Butler breathed life into Feyd he became my favorite part of the entire movie. Also using infrared cameras for the Geidi Prime scenes (especially the fireworks) was such an insanely amazing idea.
It’s a shame you don’t see more of him in action as overseer of arrakis. I’ve said before that the second film should’ve been two separate and longer films, one covering the several years of guerrilla warfare by Paul and then the third for the battle of arrakeen and the aftermath. Would’ve given him far more screen time….
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
People clown him for the voice impressions but mimicking Skarsgard’s voice as Feyd was utterly ingenious. He strikes me as someone that really enjoys his craft.
It genuinely made all the Elvis stuff totally justified for me. He was so wildly good in this movie
Yes he is actually good actor. But he did not shave his head. Not fully engaged. It will cost him career.
@@pawegraczyk6050hilariously bad take. I hope that’s a joke lol
His head is too big! It has ruined the part for me.
@@pawegraczyk6050they’re are people riding giant sand worms bro, suspect ur disbelief for a second
I loved when he said “may thy knife chip and shatter” as if it was the coolest thing he’s ever heard.
He was pretty awkward about it like he didn't know what was going on and just went with it.
At first I thought it was an attempt to provoke and irritate Paul but if you think about it, after getting to know the character of Feyd it was probably just a phrase that struck him as cool and/or a thing a warrior would say.
You should note his emphasis: "may THY knife chip and shatter"
It's basically a "no, you"
That's exactly how I perceived it too. From the moment Paul walked into the room, Feyd was locked in on him and seemed to be very impressed with his strength. The subtext I heard when he repeated the Fremen phrase back to Paul was "Damn, that shit sounds so cool!"
@IloveGorgeousGeorge when the wildcard cousin shows up to Thanksgiving dinner
In my opinion the most impressive thing about Austin Butler performance is how he makes Feyd both disgusting and charming at the same time, despicable yet charismatic (in villainous way)
Remember: Frank Herbert, author, says Paul is the real villian.
Paul is the "real villain", but Herbert inexplicably goes out of his way to justify all of his and Leto II's tyranny.
@@ulyx9804 You just proved Herbert's idea on messianc tyranny to be true
@@veramae4098To even be arguing whether or not Paul is the villain is to engage with a very shallow interpretation of the story. Dune is much more complex than to label characters as heroes or villains.
@@duvetboa
Some people are undeniably villains. They have no other motivations than selfish ones.
Austin Butler's choice to make feyd 'imitate' his uncle's raspy voice as a perception of power was simply genius. When an actor disappears in the role is when they have succeeded. This coming from the guy who played Elvis and Tex from OUATIH. Totally stole the screen whenever he was on and can't wait to see what he does next.
He's been on a run of great projects too. Masters of the Air, Elvis, Dune Part Two, and The Bikeriders has praise as well.
As amazing and memorable as that character is, he only had 16 min of screen time!
It matches the source material where the Baron groomed him to lead the House, down to speech and mannerisms. That's why Glossu is such a brute, he had no such education
Feyd heard Gurney say Harkonnen are BRUTTTAAALLL and understood the assignment
i always thought that was a hilarious moment
I swear that Denis told Josh Brolin “alright let’s just run through the lines really quick for first take” and he comes out with the THEYRE BRUUUUUTAL delivery that went so hard it had to stay in the film.
That delivery always gets me😂
16 MINUTES OF SCREEN TIME IS INSANE!!!!
Making such an impression on such a short amount of time is really impressive. I believe Anthony Hopkins in SOTL has a similar amount of screen time
@@superhillsider Heath had way more than 11 minutes. It was still a relatively small amount compared to the length of the movie. But a lot more than 11 minutes. I would guess the interrogation scene itself is about that.
Edit: Google tells me 33 minutes, which feels about right.
Same amount as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars if I’m not mistaken. Very fitting.
Darth Maul, less than 6min.
He has slightly more screen time than 16 minutes. He has a total of 23 minutes.
his feyd-rautha and lea seydoux's margot fenring's interaction, in such a brief moment in an almost 3-hour film, was electric.
Lea nailed it - turning on the jesuit charm. An impressive scene
We all know that Butler's job was to make Feyd Rautha utterly terrifying. What might not be apparent is that Seydoux's job was to make the Bene Gesserit equally terrifying. She showed us that even with a sadist's knife against her throat, a Bene Gesserit has nothing to fear because she's in total control of herself *and* of *him.* That's what BG training can do for you.
The complete lack of fear also adds something from a story/worldbuilding perspective. So much of Paul’s journey is about overcoming his fear instincts, it’s one of the main purposes of his Bene Gesserit training, yet with Feyd-Rautha, you get the sense that he lost his sense of fear long, long ago (if he ever had it to begin with). You can totally see how this version of the character was meant to be the one who fathered the Kwisatz Haderach, the cumulative effect of Bene Gesserit strategy over millennia all leading to a monster like him.
That's a really good point with Lady Jessica and Paul having to recite the "fear is the mind killer" mantra, where in Feyd it is totally absent. Interesting perspective!
Austin Butler is a real actor- this is all the kind of things that you learn in classical acting training. Thinking about the environment they grew up in, cultural significance, class, dialect, breath, physicality, training body and voice, even down to embodying different energy patterns in the system and training the mind to think as the character. Austin did a beautiful character study and let himself merge.
He’s self taught. I’m sure he did workshops and had mentors but Austin was a child actor. He did an actors round table and to me it seems like this is his love and he soaked up any knowledge he could on set.
He was in a staging of The Iceman Cometh in like 2018 where a critic opened their review with something to the effect of “there are many performers in this production of The Iceman Cometh, but there’s only one true actor, and his name is Austin Butler.” For context, this production was starring Denzel Washington
It’s disappointing that he didn’t shave his head though. You can tell it’s make up if you look closely. A true actor would have shaved it in my opinion.
@@detectiveMM I mean, he was specifically told by the director of his next project (which was beginning filming right after Dune 2) not to shave his head. That wasn't his choice and shouldn't have any bearing on whether he's a "true actor" or not
@@abigailchiesa1337 well there you go. Commerce before art. Just look at the kind of stuff that Christian Bale has put himself through for a role. I suppose, true actor is very subjective, but just saying there are other actors who have been much more willing to sacrifice for a role
"You fought well, Atreides."
Hes such an acting nerd. I love that he is getting opportunity to showcase his hard work and genuine passion for acting.
He really nailed Feyd-Rautha. Stole the show in Part 2.
Antony Hopkins had only 20 minutes of screentime as Hannibal Lector. And gave one of the greatest performances.
“If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.”
Actually the same - 16 min. Weird
And Dame Judi Dench won Best Supporting Actress with just 8 minutes onscreen in Shakespeare in Love.
@@IntotheBangtanUniverseWormhole wow I did not know that.
@@cynthiasantos4093 She was pretty amazing in those eight minutes!
He was so captivating to me! I think Austin really made some choices on the fly that elevated the criminally short amount of screen time he got. The man was a sexy nightmare and I loved every second of it. I’m so glad he is booked and busy.
I truly hope he gets an oscar nomination for this role. He was just absolutly fantastic
I like to think he gets this intimate closeness to his opponents to have an excuse to feel this perverse sense of affection to cope not being given any as a child.
I fear he got A LOT affection by his uncle as a child.
@@6Kubik well considering he killed his mom, if his uncle did anything to him, I doubt he'd keep him alive for long but that is possible 😱
@@stoicghost4313 afaik its only in the movie that Feyd killed his mom. He was actually "kidnapped" by his brother from his home planet because his uncle wanted another heir. But Feyd was a toddler back then. It actually makes not much sense for Feyd killing his mom, they probably just wanted to make him look more evil. But the Baron is way more evil in the book and Feyd less brutal tbh.
To quote the ghoul from the fallout show in regards of feyd to Paul:
"I'm you. Just give it a little time."
That is one of the things I really appreciate about this movie. Feyd-Rautha is genuinely scary. The Harkonnens are frightening and dangerous. They’ve managed to really bring that to the screen.
It is one of the biggest weaknesses of Lynch’s version. In his movie the Harkonnens are campy, ridiculous. They’re never actually frightening.
At this point, we can agree Lynch's version is a parody.
@@werewolfx51 No I don't agree, and I actually think in many ways Lynch's adaptation is better. Denis was so insistent on his doom and gloom and heavy yellow tones and booming score that it all becomes too oppressive, a tempest in a teapot if you will. The Denis script dialogue is frustratingly either overly simplistic exposition or confusing "what just happened?" stuff. Beyond all else I don't think Chalamet had the chops to lead the cast. In the right movie and the right role Chalamet is a gifted actor, but his twiggy twink childlike vibe detracted from his ability to play the transformation into the Kwisatz Haderach. Denis's adaptation has a lot of problems.
The no teeth smiles he does is so unsettling. Love it
He seems to have a black colouring on his teeth too
I like the bald cap extending over his brow. The proportions seem off, perfect for house harkenen. Made him seem more alien, freaky and unsettling. You really can’t tell it’s Austin butler from looking at him. I love that.
I was glad this video touched on the single detail of Butler's performance that I thought was the most subtle and had the most to say about the character. The moment when he watches his uncle, the baron, being slain with a knife through the neck (an echo, btw, of the gob jabar), Butler's face spasms through a series of micro-expressions, many being suppressed smiles. It's inexplicable unless you understand that his relationship to violence supersedes even his relationship to the most important figure in his entire life, who he watches being murdered.
Nothing to add, but I noticed that too! Brilliant stuff.
6:18 I love this wink. He’s having so much fun in this moment
I had never seen Austin Butler in anything before Dune Part 2, even though I had heard of Elvis. It just didn’t look like it was that interesting. After finishing Dune 2, I immediately went and watched Elvis on Netflix lol. I can’t believe what a good actor Austin is! I can’t wait to see more from him.
One of my favorite little details of acting from his role as Feyd is the snakelike twist he gives to his shoulders and neck when he walks. It’s particularly noticeable when he stalks towards the Baron in the tub after the Colosseum scene, and when he approaches the Fremen girl before he torches her.
I noticed it even in the theater. It’s a snake like movement, deliberate and intimidating.
Ok…so I need to watch Elvis & compare performances then
@@QuizMastersHQ - YES. _Completely_ different characters, but I was still blown away by his performance as Elvis. And I’m not even that big of an Elvis fan.
The two characters he played - Elvis and Feyd - couldn't be more different. If you didn't let people know who the actor was I guarantee never in a million years would they guess it was the same actor. That has nothing to do with the bald cap. Everything is different. Voice, walk, mannerism's etc. I had Elvis the day before watching Once Upon a time in Hollywood and never guessed that Tex Watson was Elvis was Feyd. Again, the voice was completely different.
@@BellinghamYorkshire - Yes! AND, Austin playing both roles proves he's not _just_ a great mimick. A lot of aspiring singers, artists, and actors are great _mimicks_ of other greats, but far fewer are just as great at creating their _own_ character out of nothing, and embodying _them._
He always seems to disappear until Elvis. I even can’t recognize that it was him as Tex in OUATIH
That very last scene in the video gave me the chills. Like legit gave me the chills. I had never seen that scene slowed down. I saw Dune 2 with a fairly large group of friends and after the movie we all went out for drinks. The only thing everyone talked about was Feyd Rautha and Austin Butler. Some in the group didn't know he was Feyd and their minds were blown. I knew him from Elvis and then learned later he played Tex Watson in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I had watched that after watching Elvis and did not recognize him at all. He seems to disappear in his character.
One small moment I haven’t really seen talked about (cause it is a fleeting moment), is when the Baron is kneeling in front of the Emperor, and has his life-support machine cut by a Sardaukur, Feyd whips up to his feet, perhaps his “flight or fight” response kicking in, and for perhaps the only time in the movie, Feud looks uneasy and nervous, perhaps thinking the Sardaukur are going to kill him right alongside his uncle and brother.
The moment right after I love as well, with Feyd looking down at the prone Baron in an almost sardonic/bemused way, perhaps saying to himself “this is who I thought was powerful?” I think it partially feeds into how ecstatic he seems to see the Baron’s death, as at that point all he sees is a weak obese man, not the powerful Baron he grew up with.
Great point.
Yes. I actually posted a comment about this moment as well. It's the utterly psychotic reactions he has to his uncle's murder that truly distinguishes the performance. I doubt it'll happen, but Butler deserves a best supporting actor nod for sure.
Harkonnens overall have survival of strongest mentality, and Baron himself mentioned that Feyd is his successor, which is why he rigged gladiatorial game because if he's true successor then he would have no issue winning. It's a dialogue when Feyd comes to Baron after gladiatorial arena scene and mentions one of the slaves wasn't drugged.
I love your videos! They make me realize WHY I loved the performance of an actor instinctively, and give me the words to explain it.
I found his performance to be the most riveting. The intensity. The level of deadly menace combined with his physical beauty. He really brought that character to life!😮
Your analysis has enhanced my experience of Feyd, brilliant.
Proud of him he was kinda a Disney & Nick kid appearing in bunch of shows as a recurring character or guest star. He was never a star enough on either channels but you saw him enough that you remember his face. Then he does Shannara Chronicles & Carrie Diaries which weren’t that notable. He finally gets to do some good work in Tarantino Once Upon Time in Hollywood as minor character. I was like good for him!
As a book reader, loved every change that was made to Feyd’s character. Especially they simplifying the arena plot. It was fun that he orchestrated the scheme in the book. But in the movie it’s he dealing with adversity. They made his character less flawed while present in the screen, while Lady Margot explained his underneath weaknesses. Dennis did a good job adapting this.
I read the book too, and watching this video, I noticed a great Easter egg in the arena scene. In the book, Feyd's final opponent had drawn the sign of House Atreides on his arm in his own blood. He did the same in the movie. Look at the scratches on his forearm.
@@IntotheBangtanUniverseWormhole lol thanks for that! Didn’t realize
I love your videos. No other comment, man. I just love your content, and as someone who wants to be a film director and screenwriter, it was your videos that made me go out and learn about physical aspects of characters. Everytime I write one now, I always take notes on the physicality and deeper mentality.
Thank you, that’s lovely to hear!
It's also worth noting, on the mention of him respecting violence, the line "you fought well Atreides". He says it not only after he's defeated by Paul, but also to the Atreides soldier he fights midway through the movie, which shows that even in victory he respects that he had a fight, and not his usual slaughter. It's especially relevant when you consider that he was quite angry about the Atreides fighter not being drugged, and about doing a real fight, but didn't take that anger out on his opponent.
I love this detail in Feyd and Rabban in Dune 2 in the beginning when the Freman are winning at the beginning with destroying the spice Production machines when Rabban before entering the room of Baron is Terrified but later after the gladitor arena fight Feyd threats to drown his uncle in the bath tub Showing that his uncle doesn't Frightened him.
That is one of a sign of a Pyschopath. They have no fear, nor is he an angry person he is calm and collective, unlike Rabban. He also he Inherits his uncle intelligence like with his first command, he strikes to destroy their freman home. He doesn't strike a their limbs he goes for their hearts ❤
Psychopaths are in fact very fearful, because in their view only them matter their self preservation instinct is stronger than normal. They just are incredibly bad at recognizing danger and showing emotion
I just couldn't take Rabban seriously because he felt like Dave Batista with painted face. I don't wanna shit on Dave, he seems to be hardworking dude, but he's always feels like Dave Batista stuck in certain situation, rather then Dave playing some character.
Even in some other movies, for example Kickboxer remake, he didn't feel like Tong Po, he felt like Dave Batista stuck in some underground fight.
No lie, I thought Austin Bulter was Bill Skarsgård when I watched the movie. His performance gave me IT vibes
I thought I was the only one lol. He really did remind me of Pennywise
Me too
Austin killed the role. He was perfect. But I always wonder why they didn’t just cast Bill for the sake of the Harkonen relations.
Funny thing is how they almost cast Bill for that exact role, and turns into a father-son dynamic since the Baron is literally played by Bill’s dad
@@acinemalens And as hard as it is not to imagine such a duo, Austin's performance was such an achievement that it's barely worth doing so.
A very thorough explanation of the technical aspects of this role. Thank you! I always love a well researched back story !
We need an entire playlist on this movie please. It's our generation's Lord of The Rings movies.
This is an interesting take. I wasn't there for Star Wars to become defining for me, but I was definitely affected by Lord of the Rings for it to become THE defining movie saga of my time. DUNE is such a different take on a story than LotR (how can I say.. it's such a more pessimistic tone, I feel.. At least from the books, I'd say), but I'm really curious if it could have a similar impact to a generation. I'd love it if that's the case
@@Bubreherro it would be incredible if Dune has that much of an impact. It's central ideas of 'do not blindly trust anything or anyone, always think about what you're doing' and 'a human always controls their impulses' are unique. And they are good lessons too!
I do feel it is happening. Been watching both Dune movies in theaters with my younger brother and his friends, and it feels like they are actually considering it a saga that defined their generation. So cool to witness that actually
I really hope so, but the problem is that Dune is based on novel adaptation, and I heard the next entries aren’t as strong as the first novel so would that be a problem? Or they would just take another path and change the stories?
@@Bubreherro My dad read the books and has told me some of the things that will happen and I believe if Denis Villeneuve manages to pull off the story, I believe it has the potential to become something very great. We have barely even scratched the surface of the depths the books reach, the inevitable conflict the story leads to. Just to give a hint at the grandeur this story will take to, Paul Atreides isn’t the true main character of the story. I will not say who, you may google that if you want to know, but I‘ll say that we already have seen him/her.
Edit: grammar
Lots of great remarks on Butler’s work here. I just wanted to throw in a bit of characterization that I don’t believe I’ve seen accomplished in any other film: when Feyd is presented with his combat knives, when he suddenly thrusts the tip of the blade twice into the stomach of one of his consorts, I remember how my own reaction was synced up so clearly with hers, just two quick surprised gasps. The audience doesn’t see it any better than she does. It’s basically off screen, blocked out of frame by the camera angle and Feyd’s upper body. We experience the moment as helplessly shocked as she does. Talk about a villain who sees everyone as prey.
Actors are usually unimpressive, and you feel like they're an actor. Feyd felt like the real thing, and that's something to be proud of for him.
He was the most overacted character in the movie. I have no idea how so many of you people convinced themselves otherwise.
@@cm9241 maybe you're right. I sort of feel like you can overact in a way that gives the character a very unique personality though
Funny how I thought his screen time was longer, turns out its not. Its just that his role and presence are so damn memorable its giving the illusion that his screen time is equal to Paul.
Good analysis. He was so brilliant in this role hopefully he'll get a best supporting act nomination
One of the coolest characters in the history of cinema
Yes, he totally stole the movie. I can't wait for his next roles. He is really talented.
Butler also uses the makeup to help him out. He almost never has a scene where his head is not tilted forward to emphasize his augmented brow. It enhances his aura of coiled aggression. When he does tilt his head back, it humanizes him briefly - like the scene in Margot Fenrig's quarters - so that when he's back in predator mode you very much notice.
This performance was incredible. Fantastic job.
Certainly the best & most nuanced of the three Rautha's so far. When I saw the film, I couldn't believe that voice was coming out of that frame.
Austin Butler is the next Austin Butler. Legend in the making
I did truly believe he was the Barons nephew. The accent thing was genius.
To me, one of the most interesting aspects of the character is the sexual aspect of his relationship to violence as well. It is shown in a way that is subtle yet striking - Feyd is clearly a character who seeks pleasure in every form, yet pleasure is to him always entertwined with violence and suffering. In my opinion, that is the threat of death, and the idea of being killed, excites him - because he loves inflicting pain and enduring it. To me that was very clear in his interaction with the Bene Gesserit woman, with whom he was first menacing, but then quickly became subdued and fascinated when he realized she showed no fear, and instead might be capable of dominating him herself. In that moment Feyd suddenly became boyish and vulnerable, and it gave so much depth to his character. Butler was amazing in his ability to show all those different sides to him.
Good to see you back! I dont think there is anybody who can better analyze movies and series in these psychological terms. You will always get a like from me :)
Thank you for this short clip. To the point and totally descriptive. So exciting to see a young actor come into his own. He has worked hard to get here. True character actor!
Love to see him win best supporting actor
That last shot.. What an actor!
I agree. That last shot was incredible. First time I saw it slowed down where you can really see all the micro expressions
Austin Butler may very well be the next Daniel Day-Lewis
Wow let's not get ahead of ourselves. The actors today are flash in the pans
Definitely has crazy potential
@@Gavin48 turue but standing out in this film with all those actors proves he isnt a flash in the pan maybe not DDL
@@Gavin48 that's a gross over exaggeration. In the first few minutes of this video the author lays out Austin Butler's resume. In fact, his co-stars have quite the resumes' themselves. Zendaya has been in several movies this year alone, going back nearly a decade. Same with Timothee Chalamette. His first movie was Nolan's Interstellar, and since then has been in quite a few huge movies. Ladybird, Don't Look Up, both Dunes.
I would encourage you to do some research. Because, for example, the roles that Daniel is best known for in our generation are only his most recent. His first Academy award was My Left Foot, which came out around the time you were born, I reckon. Since then, he's immortalized his legacy with Films like Sins of the Father, Gangs of New York, and There Will Be Blood
@@qjames0077 Well said. The Dune trilogy currently has just about the top five of most promising young actors and actresses with Chalamet, Butler, Zendaya, Taylor-Joy, and Florence Pugh.
THE SHINING NEW STAR!! His performance was GENIUS!! His stance, his observations on each scene as a well trained actor. Butler now reigns.
For sure great video . Must say the best 16 minutes of Dune 2 was when Austin was on screen !!!! He is genius in his craft ! Gives every bit of himself in his roles as w Elvis ! 😊
Such a great performance, thanks for the beautiful video
That man is an amazing actor. He will be a superstar. Already is
I was impressed the actor was actually able to put his own spin on Feyd and show a different “take” on the character with one action: grabbing his uncle’s face and re-initiating the kiss. In the book, Feyd puts up with his uncle’s sexual appetites because he wants to be the next baron. He doesn’t show particular loyalty to his family nor any real positive feelings for his uncle. But in the movie that one action seems to imply a greater depth of feeling (gratitude maybe) way beyond book Feyd’s baseline of sociopathic avarice. The actor is to be commended for such a nuanced and detailed performance for a villain that comes across as a believable psychotic. Bravo!
I really enjoyed this performance.
I read the books a few years ago, but certain characters I blurred together a bit or never fully visualised. I found these films really helped me focus on the characters with new appreciation on my reread.
Wow, only 16 minutes of screen time? It felt more. Like almost as long as Paul Atreites. Just shows how good he was.
Austin did amazing.
i freaking love your channel. keep going on with this treasure
love this type videos, analyzing what makes a great performance great.
I love breakdowns like this. Showing how talented and skilled actors like this are. How much effort they put into something that looks effortless.
great analysis of such an iconic performance....thank you!!
It’s made even more terrifying when they reveal that this version of Feyd murdered his own mother and the implication that he’s a cannibal.
Great video. I have a little better appreciation of the performance after this video essay. It didn’t leave a noteworthy impression on me, despite loving the movie overall. I didn’t hate his performance, of course. I just wasn’t blown away, as a lot of people seemed to be. But that could be largely due to his lack of screen time. I thought the duel scene at the end was beautifully done, especially with the lack of music. And perhaps subconsciously, the intensity I felt was because Feyd was more frightening a character than I would’ve admitted at the time.
I was pleasantly surprised by Butler's performance. There were a lot of ways it could have gone wrong, but he legit understood the assignment.
He was certainly a villain but he was an honourable villain.
Best Supporting Actor nom!
It was an absolutely phenomenal performance. He played in a masterpiece of a movie and still managed to distinguish himself.
The only bad thing about Butler's Feyd-Rautha was that he wasn't in the first movie.
Listen to this video while I was moving, No other youtube or keeps me focused and locked in with high quality analysis like this🎉🎉🎉
Hopefully this pushes him into more leading roles. He went from the goofy side character with literally no voice lines to dominating every scene he was in.
That "eye-blinking" stuff is great.....thanks!
He absolutely killed it.
The minute I saw Austins character on the big screen I was hooked
He is an amazing actor ❤
He was so good. It was hard to admit because I loved the original and thought Sting was evil personified. Austin nailed it.
Wonderful video. I never understood why he was laughing when Bartor was getting killed, now I get it. Austin Butler did a get job.
Fantastic overview of a truly remarkable performance! Thank you!
Yep he's definitely a talent, awesome performance.
Elvis and Fade such a huge contrast
He's a fantastic actor I love hisbwork
Thank you for this great documentary!❤
I really wish they'd done some more with the whole 'messiah making' aspect that both Feyd and Paul were going through (one more artificially than the other), I felt like there weren't that many meaningful parallels (or any developed relationship between them) that could've made their final confrontation far fore visceral than it ended up being. Great performance though, in any case.
Austin Butler...Oscar nomination best supporting actor 2025? I think so
I found this video to be very compelling. Butler did a remarkable job with ~16 minutes on screen.
P.S: I love how the head-shaking growl he did in the arena has been turned into a meme.
Couldn't articulate the words when explaining it to a friend but your video hits the nail on the head of what I felt about this character
we could have had more of Feyd Rautha for everything Austin did to play him.
I had no idea that was him in once upon a time in Hollywood! He's a great character actor.
Many brilliant performances in these movies and then Feyd just emerges halfway through instantly evoking so much fear and embodying such a chilling force of dominance and superiority I found myself praying that he and Paul would not cross paths for as long as possible.
Reading the comment section here made me realize Im not the only one admiring Austin as Feyd
Very nice analysis of his portrayal of Feyd. This is cool!
This was an exceptional job of being both understated and being unhinged.
the choice to use saint seans's aquarium was so tasteful, kudos
My gf fell in love with him.. wtf man. When we got out of the theatre she wouldnt stop talking about Feyd.
Haha, I fell in love too! But I told my bf about this much later) because I needed time to accept this fact. Because I never, NEVER liked anti-heroes and villains. Feyd is exceptional)
Great analysis, even greater actor. I watched Masters of The Air recently and was like, "who the hell is that, I know him". Watching the David Flincher Dune, back in the day, Sting felt out of character. Well, its a weird movie anyway; but Austin Butler, (me) never knowing who he was in the early career stage, certainly mastered this role with finesse to a surprising degree. Where you begin to question and analize your own anima;
"Am I evil when unhinged?"... where does the definition of evil even begin (for you) if you are convinced of your cause! To elaborate more, since I mentioned Sting and my generation knows him best from the movie Leon and the song Shape of my heart at the end of that movie, would you say Leon the Professional is evil? I wish they gave more screen time to Feyd-Rautha to evolve a more enticing character development. Give us a reason to emphatize with the character, let us root for both outcomes.
**Having read (not all) the books, I know Harkonnen were discredited by Atriedies for cowardice in the AI war. That angle here could have or should have been played out more to make the showdown more epic.
This was such a masterful performance. Im a clinical sociopath and watching the way he acts and moves in this role was interesting. He is a walking collection, even a personification, of all of the things about myself I had to change or hide just to be able to fit in. He wasnt wearing a mask, he didnt need to fit in. Usually this type of character ends up being pretty shit because the actor doesnt understand the core concept of the character or the author didnt know how to convey his idea on-screen. I love when the stars align and we get a complex yet understandable villain. This is one of those times. I wasnt looking forward to the Feyd scenes because I didnt like his portrayal in the 80's and I never read the books (I like Herbert's stories and ideas but his style of writing does not hold my attention at all), but after Butler breathed life into Feyd he became my favorite part of the entire movie. Also using infrared cameras for the Geidi Prime scenes (especially the fireworks) was such an insanely amazing idea.
Thanks for the insight. It was a genius performance by the actor. The best part of the movie for me too.
That wink is just perfect at 6:18
It’s a shame you don’t see more of him in action as overseer of arrakis. I’ve said before that the second film should’ve been two separate and longer films, one covering the several years of guerrilla warfare by Paul and then the third for the battle of arrakeen and the aftermath. Would’ve given him far more screen time….
Butler has an energy that reminds me to James Dean.