Dune feels like an older product in Hollywood history. This movie has the vision and scope of blockbuster movies, but tells a mature, complex story that is usually reserved for independent dramas. Although it is ambitious and not always easy to follow, the movie is accessible and believable in a way that keeps you hooked. Even though there are not as many thrills and chills as some of its predecessors, it's still very enjoyable. This is an old-school blockbuster with new-school visuals.
Dune, based on Frank Herbert's classic novel, was directed by Denis Villeneuve ("Arrival, Blade Runner 2049") with a screenplay written by Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. It is the story of Paul Atreides, played by Timothe Chalamet. He is the son of Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). Paul's father makes him the heir to the Atreides army. His mother, however, gives him a magic, mythical side. The Atredies take control of Arrakis, the planet that contains the galaxyspice's most valuable substance. Paul and his family are forced to confront the evil Harkonnens who once controlled the planet. Paul is forced to confront his dual destiny of being a leader of men and a prophet potential through this conflict.
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Villeneuve's greatest challenge with Dune was to drop us in a new world. While some may have seen Herberts previous adaptations, Villeneuve doesn't rely on this. He instead balances plot and character development with setting the rules for this fictional universe. This is done through careful attention to detail. Dune doesn't leave anything to chance. Every frame, every sound, and every choice in Dune feels deliberated over for months. The filmmaking team proudly takes pride in each detail. The shots that are used as the foundation take a little longer to set up. For maximum beauty, costumes are shown fluttering in wind to make them stand out. If characters aren't on the screen for more than one second, they feel worthy of their own spin-off movie. Even sci-fi props are treated with respect for their design. This allows them to strike a balance between being cool and modern and old and tired. It is a new world, but it is not for the characters.
It is not distracting from the story that all of this filmmaking splendor is. The mise-en-scne all works together to create a grandiose and inspiring canvas for the story. But that's not the point. You will be captivated by the stunning vistas and technology. Your ears will tingle with the Hans Zimmer score and complex sound design, but it all comes back to Paul, a young man who is beginning to explore the universe and also trying to figure out his role in it. This Paul is the perfect vessel to take the audience on a journey. His story is the centre of all the political intrigue surrounding him. But, thanks to Chalamets performance none of it is overwhelming. Paul's Paul is grounded and confident, but he's also playful. We enjoy his curiosity and his reactions as he learns more about the world. We learn from him when he does. The story evolves when he learns.
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Dune can sometimes feel a little too ambitious with its extensive character development and world-building. A little too slow. A little incomplete. It is a huge help that the movie begins with the card Dune: Part One. This helps you to realize that this two-and a half-hour movie, similar to the first and second Lord of the Rings movies, was made in the hope and prayer that we would see another. This seed covers the fact that the first hour of Dune: Part One focuses more on character and planet introductions than action. The film's climax comes with approximately an hour remaining. Villeneuves Dune clearly focuses on Paul's growth and then shows the world in a way that will amaze and mystify. It is a little bit of a narrative challenge to soak up this infinitely beautiful world for more than two hours.
Casting is another thing that helps Dune overcome some of its shortcomings. Villeneuve has cast Dune with many talented, well-known actors that are an absolute pleasure to see. This movie features some great roles, such as Jason Momoa's Atredies soldier Duncan Idaho or Stellan Skarsgrd's evil Baron Harkonnen. Momoa brings a level of excitement and swagger that is unlike anything we have seen before. This installment also features some smaller roles for others, such as Dave Bautista, a Harkonnen leader and Zendaya, and Javier Bardem, as key Fremen members. They are compelling and we can see why. But, we still have to wait to see how the future unfolds.
When critiquing movies, you don't have to think about what might happen in the future. This movie, this story is important. If it doesn't work, then that would be a problem. This is not a problem. Even if there is no sequel, this Dune sets the standard for sci-fi epics. Villeneuve's meticulous attention to detail and his vast vision of multiple worlds make the film feel more majestic than it is.
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It would be a tragedy if we didn't see Part Two of this story. However, Part One is filled with satisfying narrative threads and a logical ending that will leave you wanting more. Although the set pieces are sporadic and not very exciting, the movie is so rich in sci-fi that you could watch it many times and still find something new each time. Yet, this complex, dense world exists only to enrich a personal, relatable and emotional story. A story of a world where a boy grows to be a man with all sorts of unfathomable expectationsexpectations this movie probably has on it too. Don't worry, Dune is amazing in every sense of that word and will be treasured by movie lovers for many years to come.
Dune recently had its world premiere at Venice Film Festival. It will be available in theaters and on HBO Max October 22.
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