Film Review

DUNE 2

todayMarch 8, 2024 68

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By – Nick Adrian

For fans of legendary sci-fi, big IMAX screens, and Denis Villeneuve

Ever since its publication in 1965, filmmakers have dreamed, tried, and (for the most part) failed to adapt Frank Herbert’s massively influential science fiction novel, Dune. Alejandro Jodorowsky’s attempt to tackle the project in the 1970s never came to fruition, David Lynch’s 1984 version was a disappointment for many, and Sci-Fi Channel’s 2000 miniseries still could not quite capture the novel’s grand scope. Enter Denis Villeneuve, acclaimed director of Sicario, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049, who had opted to split the original novel in two – releasing the first part back in 2021. Reviews were almost overwhelmingly positive, but the question still remained as to whether the auteur could stick the landing with the second half. In short…he did, as Dune: Part Two has not only been hailed as a worthy adaptation of an “unfilmable” book, but could very well be ranked within the greatest movie sequels of all time.

Dune: Part One ends at a crucial part of the novel when protagonist Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), son to a fallen Duke, escapes an attack on his new home planet Arrakis (the sole planet harvesting spice, an ingredient the galaxy covets) by the evil Harkonnen. Part Two resumes with him and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), wandering the desert and quickly gaining the trust of Arrakis’ native people, the Fremen. As Paul seeks revenge on the Harkonnen for murdering his family, his power over the Fremen – who view him as a messiah – gradually begins to consume him and his intention of being their leader is soon questioned.

Dune is a novel that has been considered impossible to adapt for a number of reasons: missing technology, budgets, etc. It’s proven a hard task for even the most seasoned filmmaker to get right, but Villeneuve handles it with care, love, and passion. Everything from its scope, its “hero’s journey” (or “descent”), its vast cinematography, and its booming sound effects and score are on a level of their own. Being a fan of the book or a fan of science fiction in general isn’t necessary, as Dune: Part Two is more than just a long-awaited adaptation. It is a cinematic epic that we don’t seem to get very often anymore – one whose importance should be respected and seen on the biggest screen possible (it might just be one of the best IMAX experiences you’ll ever have).

Dune: Part Two is now in theaters (and IMAX!)

Written by: Nick Adrian

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