Dune (2021)
A (94%)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya Synopsis: Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert's science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of strong violence, some disturbing images and suggestive material) Runtime: 2 hr 35 min Release Date: October 22, 2021 There's something about the epic arthouse film that is extremely exciting. It's epic, yes, but it's also different. Ah, yes, that word that is continually becoming harder and harder to come by in a cinema world flooded with comic book multiverses, remakes, reboots, and sequels. And with countless books (great ones, I might add) out there, it'd be nice to see more film adaptations. Thankfully, director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) has just given us another one that'll leave a lasting impression for a long time.
Dune is Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic, influential sci-fi novel about political rival noble houses and the destiny of a young man named Paul (Timothee Chalamet). The film smartly covers half of the first novel, since the source material is famously dense and complex to translate to the big screen. As such, it's a film with half a story--one that leaves you wanting more, and we can only hope we get it (pending how the film performs at the box office). Villeneuve has proven himself time and time again to be one of the best directors in Hollywood, and one who excels in the art house genre of sci-fi. His previous two efforts, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, while masterful sci-fi films, aren't as appealing to mainstream audiences due to their slower pacing, lack of conventional action sequences, and philosophical material, and Dune is no exception. The film certainly has more action than those, and even with covering just half of the first book the pacing is surprisingly steady (it doesn't feel like a 2 hr 35 min movie) but Villeneuve still lingers on those wide landscape shots, gives scenes time to breathe, and the subject matter still revolves around abstract elements and themes that tend to bore less demanding viewers. Furthermore, the film follows the novel's example of not explaining background information on certain characters or concepts like the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. Despite this, Villeneuve has crafted a film that doesn't alienate those who haven't read the source material, which is incredibly impressive considering the complexity of the novel. The film also sports a great ensemble cast, with Chalamet giving a particularly strong performance as Paul, and Stellan Skarsgard giving a standout performance as the hugely intimidating, villainous Baron Harkonnen. We also get another great score from Hans Zimmer, who turned down frequent collaborator Christopher Nolan's Tenet due to him loving the novel so much. Zimmer's score evokes the epic vastness of the Arrakis landscape and the galaxy around it, while also bringing in themes that communicate the mysteriousness of Paul's character, and the destiny that awaits him. But perhaps above all else, Dune is a visual feast. Villeneuve masterfully showcases the scale of Arrakis, the sandworms, and the world itself through techniques that he's employed in his previous two films. We once again get beautifully long, sweeping aerial shots, low, wide angles that showcase scale (like the enormous sandworms), great production design populated with practical sets (which goes a long way instead of using CGI), and an absorbing atmosphere. You actually feel like you're on Arrakis, just like how in Blade Runner 2049 you felt like you were actually living in that world. This is a film that absolutely needs to be seen on the big screen (if possible, see it in IMAX), not on streaming. Villeneuve has been very vocal about his support of the theatrical experience, and it's very evident in what he brought to the table here. Dune is another epic, cerebral, visually stunning art house film from Villeneuve, one that remains faithful to the novel despite (like all adaptations) having to cut certain scenes (most notably, the famous tension-laced dinner scene). That was my biggest complaint, considering the film was just a touch over two and a half hours and could've managed to be squeezed in. At any rate, the film's visual splendor, coupled with a strong cast and performances, incredible production design, an immersive world, and an intriguing story dealing with destiny, purpose, and political wars, all leads to yet another great film from Villeneuve. Now all we have to do is anxiously wait and hope Part II comes to fruition. Written by Anthony Watkins, October 25, 2021 |