'Dune' Review: Villeneuve's Visionary Sci-Fi Epic is a Cinematic Force
After what feels like an eternity, Sci-Fi cult classic ‘Dune’ finally hits the big screen - and it’s more than worth the wait.
There will undoubtedly be those unfamiliar with the complex world of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece, but even those will not be blinded to the fact that ‘Dune’ is easily one of the best films of the year so far. Brought to you by visionary Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, this epic story is brought to life on such an incomprehensibly grand scale, it becomes completely mesmerizing. There really isn’t anything in recent memory that quite captures the same level of epic, monumental storytelling quite like Dune, with its precise and layered world-building that makes every single frame totally immersive and captivating. It might only be the first instalment in an extensive and boundless saga, but it never feels purposeless or distracted from its goal, which is the intricate development of these characters, their society and the universe itself.
At the heart of Dune’s rich and layered story is Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), the son of Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) - the leaders of House Atreides. When they are called to rule and protect a dangerous planet called Arrakis, Paul is forced to battle with his own destiny and birthright when he begins to experience vivid dreams of a mysterious girl from his family’s newly acquired planet. What follows is a vast and sweeping tale of power, politics and purpose that threatens to tear Paul away from those he loves most - or to unite Arrakis in the face of destruction. What works best about Villeneuve’s adaptation is that he truly understands the sheer magnitude of the story, crafting an endlessly alluring and beautifully overwhelming experience that demands your attention with every moment. Nothing feels irrelevant or inconsequential, instead allowing even the quietest of moments to display their overarching significance through deeply personal character development or intricate exposition to introduce us to this unfamiliar world. This constant engagement mostly owes itself to the perfect symbiosis of Villeneuve’s inspired direction and Greig Fraser’s magnificent cinematography, ensuring that even when the story’s pacing inevitably falls behind, the stunning visuals manage to carry the story forward and offer even more insight into Dune’s many complex themes and ideas. Villeneuve’s precise mastery of the film’s unfathomable scale is crucial to understanding just how immersive and important this experience should be, from the wide establishing shots of foreign landscapes and technology to the intimate, close-up character shots that keep the story grounded in some form of reality.
One of the film’s greatest marketing assets has always been its hugely talented and diverse cast, and it’s safe to say that they all deliver in every aspect. Chalamet charms and intrigues as the film’s darkly burdened protagonist, but Isaac and Ferguson shine even brighter as his powerful parents plagued with dangerous secrets of their own. Jason Mamoa is also an unexpected standout as Duncan Idaho, sword master of House Atriedes and lifelong mentor/friend of Paul’s. Their relationship, although not quite as developed as it could have been given the film’s long runtime, is still crucial in humanizing these characters and keeping the emotional stakes high throughout. There are admittedly some moments when it feels as though the film sacrifices emotion and sentiment for pure spectacle, but it’s really hard to complain when the spectacle is as mesmerizing as it is. Dune features some of the most thrilling and engaging action set pieces I’ve ever seen, but it never relies on these to keep its story interesting and entertaining. It’s often extremely contemplative and thoughtful, using its characters and established backstory to explore lots of relevant questions surrounding power, conflict, and the victims that war leaves behind. This is, of course, a compliment mostly to Herbert’s orignal story, but Villeneuve is mostly successful in translating this depth of commentary to the screen though considered direction and an extremely polished screenplay.
On a technical level, Dune is impossible to fault. Every aspect of production from the set design, costumes, hair and makeup, lighting and stunt choreography is flawless, and represents some of the best big-budget filmmaking of the modern era. It perfectly comes together to create a wholly immersive experience that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go into the credits roll, when you’ll sit and question how such an impressive feat was ever achieved. Much of the film’s enchanting atmosphere comes from the always-reliable Hans Zimmer’s fantastic original score - one that elicits almost as much awe-inspiring wonder as it does thundering intensity, perfectly capturing the spirit of Herbert’s grandiose story. It’s a completely overwhelming experience in the best way possible, and it’s hard to imagine another film that could call so clearly for a return to theatres after such a long period of draught. Villeneuve’s Dune isn’t just the action-blockbuster that some casual audiences may see it as, but rather a considered and layered story told with through the lens of pure cinematic vision. Get your tickets, see it on the biggest screen possible, and most importantly - believe the hype.