Dune is supposed to be one of those unfilmable sci-fi epics, like Foundation. While both franchises are being adapted to different mediums this year, Dune is much more faithful to its source material, and also manages to be an enthralling (but incomplete) experience. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, who has rapidly gained a reputation as a prestige filmmaker on a string of critically acclaimed films, It is perhaps the closest thing to a true cinematic spectacle since the days of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings films.
Set thousands of years into the future, where a crucial hallucinogen named Spice is required for deep space travel, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) accepts the Emperor’s summons to take control of the spice production in Arrakis, the only planet that produces spice. Paul (Timothée Chalamet), Leto’s son, has been trained by his mentors Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) and Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) since birth for combat, while his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) has trained him in the ways of the Bene Gesserit, an intriguing and powerful religious order. Once on Arrakis, the Atreides quickly learn that they have been set up to fail, and a confrontation with their rivals from House Harkonnen may be inevitable.
As expected, Villeneuve does a great job in bringing the world of Dune to life.
His expertise on sweeping vistas are on full display, and everything from cinematography to the art direction is top notch. The spaceships look awe-inspiring, and the futuristic combat with personal shields (which can be penetrated by ‘slow-moving’ vibrating bullets) is fraught with tension. The infamous sandworms are done justice. They are built up ominously and when one of them is finally shown on the surface, we see how it easily dwarfs the tiny Paul beneath it. Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack is also a vital part of the film, creating a distinct sound with surprising flourishes, such as the use of bagpipes during certain scenes.
The star-studded cast also put in great performances throughout. Jason Momoa is perhaps the standout of the film. If you weren’t already on the Timothée Chalamet train, then his performance as Paul will definitely win you over. His character is understated, much in the way Ryan Gosling’s K was in Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049. Other than the characters already mentioned, Stellan Starsgaard’s Baron Harkonnen is suitably disgusting and scary at the same time, and Dave Bautista’s Glossu Rabban evokes menace even with his small screen time.
Because Dune only adapts part of the first book, the film seems to climax in its second act and the rest of the movie is a comedown from that, although there are some spectacular scenes such as Paul piloting a futuristic, grass-hopper inspired ‘thopter’ in the middle of a violent storm. In fact, some characters like Chani (Zendaya) are barely in the film. When it ends, it can feel oddly deflating, though the film does a good job of setting up the sequel.
Although Dune is not without flaws, it’s an exciting beginning for a new franchise.
The sequel has already been announced, and hopefully, we will see an exciting conclusion to the story of the first book. Dune’s universe is every bit as sprawling and engaging as Star Wars– in some ways, even more so, dealing with more complex themes such as environmentalism through the lens of a seemingly simple story of a Chosen One’s journey. In fact, if we are fortunate enough to get an adaptation of the second book, we will soon see how Frank Herbert subverted that particular trope and gave it new life. Until then, Dune is spectacular enough to whet our appetites for the next two years.