Dune is a gripping and gorgeous spectacle of science fiction. Through Denis Villeneuve’s direction and screenplay penned by Villeneuve and Craig Mazin, it’s not only a magnificent experience, but one I don’t think the audiences will soon forget.
By the film’s credits you’ll be torn: on one hand, you would follow Paul Atredies into any war, any fire, but on the other, you’ll be disturbed in the best way possible by how easily fanatics can be mobilized and manipulated.
Dune’s scale is unmatched as is its unparalleled visual effects. I wasn’t in McMinnville’s Cinema 10, no, I was in the very desert storms of Arrakis. Before it leaves theaters, absolutely go out and watch this film on the biggest screen possible. While the year is young, “Dune Part Two” is the best film of the year.
Back of the DVD Summary: “Dune Part Two” picks up mere moments where the previous film left off. The story can be followed without having seen the first, but you would be missing out on important context. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), both attempt to survive the harsh environment of Arrakis and against all odds stage a dramatic plot at revenge over the slaughter of their family. The Fremen, the native residents of Arraki, reluctantly take them in, all the while Paul learns their ways in hopes of defeating his enemies. Ultimately, what will be the consequences of Paul’s vengeance and the soon to be radicalized Fremen?
Chalamet delivers a complete and commanding performance, selling the transformation from outsider to confident, ruthless messiah. As an audience member, I was in suspense of Paul taking revenge on the people who killed his father, but the lines between vengeance and a desire for power blur by the film’s end. Through the consistency of Paul’s actions, we’re left to consider whether or not the Fremen are being manipulated or not, whether his crusade in the name of justice is warranted or not. The film does not spoon feed these answers, but instead allows the audience to engage with the story on their own terms.
Jessica Chastain as Lady Jessica delivers a haunting and intense performance. While she didn’t have as much screen time as the last film, what time she had was impactful. Her hand in Paul’s ascendancy is ambiguous, it is unclear if she wants revenge too for the death of her partner, or she’s supportive of Paul by any means necessary. Her religious fanaticism becomes equally as dangerous as the Fremen’s.
Another standout is Javier Bardem’s Stilgar. Bardem’s character is a deeply faithful man, an over enthusiastic follower and a genuine source of levity. There is no bigger supporter of Paul than Stilgar and it’s that dedication that I think helps us as audience members be invested too. We, like Stilgar, are in awe of Paul.
Chani is also a standup character brought to life by Zendaya’s eyes – her eyes are always displaying a depth and width of emotion that is unparalleled. Through Chani’s eyes alone I could identify each step Paul took deeper into darkness.
Perhaps the most impressive is the cinematography – each shot filled the entirety of the screen was magnificent in scope and scale and left me in awe. There is a point in “Dune Part Two” when momentum kicks in and does not let up until the end of the film. Pushed forward by Greig Fraser’ outstanding cinematography, Hans Zimmers’ immaculate score and Villeneuve’s direction. The last hour of this film is unforgettable. Do yourself a favor, see this film!
