Dune 2021, yes I know the title is just DUNE, is a beautifully shot film. I will start with that because I want to be as positive as possible. There is nothing wrong with the movie. In some ways it a testament to how films should be made. If you have watched the 1984 version you know what a drug trip that one was. This rendition elevates itself into a very serious film that relies on story, visuals, sound, and characters. There are many things to recognize from the original they are just done, well, better.
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.
On first watch it is easy to walk away thinking that nothing ever really happened. This film – helpful spoiler alert – is part one of two. There are pros and cons to this. Pro is that it doesn’t have to rush through the setup and character introductions in order to get to the meaty parts. Con, it doesn’t rush at all for anything. This is a slow film and if you said that nothing really happens you would not be lying. There is a lot of set up to what is to come.
I was frustrated the first time through with how little action there was. On second viewing I was able to go deeper and appreciate the story more. I am not saying that a film should have to be watched several times to enjoy. But it is worth mentioning. It reminds me of some of my favorite records. When you listen the first time you like a few songs. But the more you listen you get familiar with them and that allows you to explore the lyrics and direction more. That could be what is happening here.
The cast is superb and recognizable. It might seem odd that Poe is against an empire with the help of Aqua-man and Thanos. I could go on but will not. I am a fan of Timothée Chalamet but was concerned with him playing Paul Atreides. He delivers a different Paul than I expected but it fits the story nicely. Paul’s relation ship with both his father (Oscar Isaac) and mother (Rebecca Ferguson) are genuine and powerful parts of the narrative. Chalamet is able to ground both sides with organic emotion.
Are you excited to see Zendaya in this one? Me too. That would have been nice. We do see her. Sort of. Sometimes. Mainly in Paul’s fever dreams, and in the 3rd act. She is going to be vital to the story and film #2. Of that I am sure. Just thought there would be more here.
If you have not watched any of the other Dune films or read the book you should be ok. Just pay attention at the beginning and focus on the dialogue. There are a lot of important nuggets at the start. If you miss them you may feel lost the rest of the way through and wonder what it is all about.
DUNE is rated PG-13 mainly for violence. Director Denis Villeneuve is brilliant and I appreciate what he did with this film regardless of the slow story and lack of adventure. He is an artist and I see elements here that I did in his last film, BLADE RUNNER 2049. He has a knack of taking iconic films from the past and breathing visual and audible life into them. I prefer Blade Runner 2049 to this of for sure. But again, I applaud the effort.
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