Dune (2021)
Denis Villeneuve’s new sci-fi epic Dune is a masterpiece, this adaptation of the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert is sci-fi cinema at it’s peak.
Dune follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), the son of Leto Atreides, played by Oscar Isaac, who is the Duke of the planet Caladan. The story picks up with House Atreides peacefully taking control of one of the most dangerous planets in the universe, Arrakis. Arrakis is desirable because it is home to an invaluable substance called spice which allows for interstellar travel. The House which controls the spice trade inevitably becomes extremely wealthy. Before House Atreides, House Harkkonen ruled over Arrakis with an iron fist. They were oppressors to the native people called the Fremen. When the Harkkonens were removed from the planet by the emperor’s decree, they were unhappy and unwilling to go peacefully.
The plot of this movie is incredibly dense. So many things are going on at a time and there are a lot of moving pieces at any given moment, however, it is never too much to keep up with. Villeneuve creates a layered world with incredibly complex and interesting characters. The world-building in this film is also exceptional. The way the relationships between House Atreides, House Harkkonen and the Fremen develop and are examined is spectacular. The politics and actions of each group/person feels real and just contributes to molding this immersive world.
The best part of this film is the audio/video production quality along with the extraordinary set pieces and designs. This is such a beautiful film to look at and there is so much to take in with each shot. The CGI is really high quality, you can’t even tell that you are looking at a computer generated image. The unbelievable sights and sounds this movie has to offer is the biggest factor as to why this picture is so incredible, I have never seen a film with as good set pieces, design or audio quality as Dune has. I saw this film in an IMAX theater which is what I recommend for first time prospective viewers. Under no circumstances should you watch it at home on HBO Max. Only an IMAX theater does this movie justice.
Another high point of the movie is the acting and the character development, especially with Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. The 25-year-old actor delivers a great performance as the young heir who is being groomed for the post of Duke of House Atreides. He does what Hayden Christensen could not in the Star Wars prequels and that is deliver an outstanding performance as a conflicted, compelling and supremely interesting “young messiah” character in a large-scale sci-fi epic.
Dune is definitely a slower movie that builds over time. Some may see this as a negative I can understand that. It never gains a lot of momentum which could be a bigger issue for others than it is for me. I kind of think that this is a positive though, it allows for really spectacular world building and character development.
I think this film is a must see for all people, no matter what type of movies you prefer there is something for everyone in this glorious sci-fi epic. But do yourself a favor and watch it on the biggest screen available to you with the volume cranked to 11.
Who doesn’t want to see this movie? Awesome review!- Jody