Adapting classic novels to the big screen is an ambitious task which requires the skills of talented filmmakers, who possess extraordinary skill in bringing the story to the screen with the most gratifying results. In the case of Dune, the classic novel received its first film attempt in 1984 with David Lynch's box-office and critical misfire. Fast-forward to 2021, the universe gets a second attempt at initiating a film franchise, this time with acclaimed Blade Runner 2049 filmmaker Denis Villeneuve at the helm of a planned two-part film series like 2017's IT. The results are much more satisfying and groundbreaking for audiences with Dune working as an adaptation that's ambitious in scope along with being visually thrilling and exceptionally well-told despite feeling its slow-pacing.
Based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, Dune's plot revolves around brilliantly gifted Paul Atreides, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to fulfill his destiny in ensuring the future of his family and people as malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of Spice, the most precious resource in existence. Being split into two films, Villeneuve's film only feels like half the story being told, and is intended to be the launching of the next great Sci-Fi universe to compete with Disney's Star Wars. Dune certainly carries with it the visual flare to compete, while also properly developing its characters and overall story. The films slow-building pace will definitely be off-putting for those who aren't accustomed to long films, but Dune excels in creating a world that audiences will want to explore as its not only visually stunning, but draws audiences in with a universe that's absorbing with the film being smartly written and brilliantly directed, ultimately ranking as being one of the years best.
The cast for Dune deliver performances which rank as being terrific with everyone understanding the material and giving stellar work. Timothee Chalamet is perfectly casted as the ducal heir of House Atreides, Paul. Chalamet makes for a strong lead whom audiences can buy as being "The Chosen One". Rebecca Ferguson nails her part as Paul's mother Lady Jessica and consort to Duke Leto. Both actors give fantastic performances along with working well together on screen with the audience becoming engaged with their mother and daughter dynamic. Both Oscar Isaac and Josh Brolin deliver strong performances as Paul's father Leto and Duke of House Atreides with Brolin as weapons master of House Atreides, Gurney Halleck and one of Paul's mentors. Stellar Skarsgard gives a scene-stealing performance as the films disturbing antagonist, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, whose enemy to House Atreides. Other noteworthy performances include Dave Bautista as Baron's nephew Glossu Rabban, Jason Momoa as swaggering swordmaster Duncan, and Zendaya as Paul's love interest and young Fremen woman, Chani. Along with the films breathtaking visual landscape and scope, the casts performances do much in driving the sheer thrills of the story along with holding the audiences interest.
Like Blade Runner 2049, Villeneuve brings the same visual style to Dune that's immersive. To those familiar with Denis' work, he generally runs his films at a slow pace which allows the audience to take in enormous sets such as giant spaceships which look like large dragonflies, in addition to keeping track of the stories key players. The film is shot in a Widescreen frame to show the entirety of the films sets, which are designed and built with the format in mind. Hans Zimmer once again delivers a score that's highly effective in enhancing the mood of the story with the sounds effects working hand-in-hand with the music. Villeneuve's vision is one that carries the right amount of flare in bringing Dune's universe to life. One of the most striking aspects of 2049 was how impressive the film looked on a technological level with Dune's universe pulling the audience in and keeping them at the edge of their seat regardless of the films 155 minutes.
Considering that Dune was written as the beginning of a two-part saga to cover the entire novel, the script by Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, and Eric Roth does a fine job of establishing the characters and stories main narrative. The story essentially revolves around old familiar concepts like "The Chosen One" and everyone basically fighting over a drug known as "spice." Although the film contains the same young boy chosen as the savior narrative that's prevalent in so many other Sci-Fi stories, Villeneuve and the writers do their best to make it feel fresher and less generic. Some of the films key highlights include Chalamet's character Paul dodging a life-threatening hunter-seeker, along with him enduring a painful gom jabbar test, and the revealing of the desserts massive sandworms. There's no denying that the films source material bears an excessively serious tone with the work inspiring other hits including Star Wars and The Matrix, but Denis keeps everything well-balanced without being forceful on the audience. Here he takes old and tired devices revolving around the young savior arc and adds more flavor to the proceedings. It doesn't always work but he does his best to make things feel organic and present a narrative, that feels more straight-forward and focused than David Lynch's misfire.
Unlike the 1984 original, the 2021 remake possesses a more serious tone with an execution that'll blow audiences away with its scope. It's only main fault is that the film runs far too long and could've been trimmed down by 20 minutes. Though it's pacing proves challenging for those who aren't accustomed to enduring long-running films, Dune fans will willingly endure the experience as the film thrills both as a visual piece as well as a vivid form of storytelling. Despite the directors slow-building style, Villeneuve's ambition at getting the story told in the most striking way is on full display with him further establishing himself as being one of modern cinemas strongest filmmakers. Dune delivers an exhilarating experience for audiences that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
Final Verdict: SEE IT
Images Courtesy Of Warner Brothers
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