Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures
Dune is the latest film from acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve. It is an awe inspiring film that leaves you speechless at moments. The visuals are something you've never seen before and immerses you in this world. It makes for an epic scope like film that cinema hasn't seen for a long time.
Dune the film is an adaption from the classic novel from Frank Herbert. A previous attempt at the franchise was done by David Lynch in 1984. The reviews from that film were mixed and a reboot was widely considered for a long time. This time, acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve takes over the franchise and brings a new and creative energy.
Dune is a political film inside of a sci-fi film. It is about the Atreides family as they take over the planet Arrakis. They have been awarded this power by the mysterious emperor. Their task is to suppress the indigenous people, the Fremen and to get the "Spice". The Spice gives people superhuman powers. The Atriedes took over Arrakis from the Harkonnen family. The Harkonnen family does not like this and are eager for revenge. The story revolves main character Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet). He is the son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). Paul has this special power from his mother called "The Voice." "The Voice" is kind of like "The Force" from Star Wars but works in different ways. This power allows Paul to influence people to do whatever he wants them to do.
Paul starts dreaming of events happening in Arrakis. He sees a war is coming with the Harkonnen family. He also dreams about a girl. We find out it's about a Fremen girl named Chani (Zendaya). Chani plays an integral part in his dreams. The story is incomplete if you know the book but that is okay in terms of the film. The film relies on the visuals which are magnificent and its actors, which are also magnificent. Timothee Chalamet gives a great performance as Paul. You feel for him as he is being anointed the chosen one. His struggles of finding and using "The Voice" are intriguing to see. There's a scene where he has to prove himself to the Bene Gesserit. The emotional range Chalamet goes through in that scene is astonishing. Rebecca Ferguson is great as Lady Jessica. The character has a struggle throughout the film of being part of the Bene Gesserit and being the mother to Paul.
Zendaya's role in the film is very limited. Most of the film she is used as a dream for Paul. If there is a part two (which there should definitely be), she will be a main part of that story. The story counts on a part two happening. Denis Villeneuve's vision deserves a part two because if it's like part one, he will have made two great movies.
Dune is a good but incomplete story that leaves viewers wanting more. The acting, direction from Denis Villeneuve, cinematography, and the use of practical effects with CGI make this one of the best movies of 2021.
Rating: 4.5/5
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