An adaptation of Frank Herbert’s ‘unfilmable’ science fiction book, Dune, falls into the capable hands of director Denis Villeneuve this time. And what a film it has become! A visual and auditory spectacle that can be compared to grand sagas like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Yet it manages to give its unique twist to the science fiction genre. A true masterpiece!
In the year 10191, the most precious commodity is spice. It can only be harvested on the planet Arrakis, where House Harkonnen has free rein. However, when the Emperor judges that the Harkonnens have mishandled things, House Atreides is given Arrakis to govern. This displeases Baron Harkonnen, as was intended by the Emperor. A war between the great Houses is unstoppable.
Paul Atreides, the son and heir of the Duke, moves to Arrakis with his family. But Paul is no ordinary heir. His mother has taught him the ways of the Bene Gesserit, a religious organization with prescient, almost magical, powers. There is a rumor that Paul might be the Kwisatz Haderach, a mythical Messiah. So, he and his family have garnered many enemies for various reasons. With a journey to Arrakis ahead, it remains to be seen how this will unfold.
Dune: Spectacular Masterpiece
Frank Herbert’s story laid the foundation for many science fiction narratives. George Lucas incorporated much of Dune when creating Star Wars. However, a film adaptation of the book itself was inevitable. In the 1970s, ambitious plans were already in place for a film with Alejandro Jodorowsky at the helm, but these plans ultimately fell through. The first adaptation took place ten years later in 1984, with David Lynch as the director. Unfortunately, fans of the book, including Denis Villeneuve, were not satisfied with the film at the time.
As a devoted fan of the story, Villeneuve meticulously prepared for his own adaptation. Starting with experimenting in the science fiction genre with Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, he went on to fully develop the script for this ‘unfilmable’ tale. During this process, he also concluded that one film wouldn’t be enough to cover the entire story. With a runtime of a whopping 2 hours and 35 minutes, we find ourselves only in the middle of the narrative. Now, we wait for Dune: Part Two.
It is evident that this is just the first part. Many concepts and characters from Herbert’s work need introduction, and this requires time. After the necessary story setup, Villeneuve and his visual effects team go all out! Beautiful planets, large spaceships, and immense sandworms grace the screen. It’s a shame not to see this film on the big screen!
From the very first second, you get drawn into the film. Besides Villeneuve, this is the work of Hans Zimmer who is responsible for the fantastic film score he created for Dune. To work on this film, he delayed his seventh collaboration with Christopher Nolan and turned down Tenet. Dune would have been a completely different experience without his music. A very wise choice!
This is just the beginning
There is no shortage of big names. Young stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are joined by Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. Certainly, not the least of names. And Villeneuve has perfectly cast them all.
The Dune cast is strong, but that’s almost a given with such a script. The numerous visual effects are everywhere, but they certainly do not overwhelm. All in all, it’s a magnificent masterpiece. An epic story brought to the big screen in a bombastic way that never disappoints. And good news, ‘This is just the beginning’ as Dune – Part Two is in the works and set to release in 2024.
Dune: Part One
A noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy’s most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, e.a.
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Score: Hans Zimmer
Studios: Warner Bros & Legendary Pictures
