The novel ‘Dune’ has been cursed as a dense literary work that is unfilmable. When I heard the French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) was taking on this sci-fi masterwork, I felt if anyone can bring it to the big screen, he can. I walked into the theater with low expectations. Boy, I sure was pleasantly surprised. The new ‘Dune’ blew me away. It is a visually stunning spectacle. This is “Part One” and making the sequel depends on how well it does at the box office. Fans of the novel will not be disappointed. It is what they were waiting for. If a sequel is never made, it will be a tragedy in modern cinema.
The year is 10191. The universe is controlled among noble houses. The Emperor bestows the planet of Arrakis to House Atreides. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is a desert planet. The reason Dune is so valuable is that it is the home of spice, a substance that is critical for interstellar travel. It essentially folds time to allow space travel. Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and his family concubine Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) and their son Paul (Timothee Chalamet) arrive on the planet. It is important to become allies with the native inhabitants, the blue-eyed Fremen. In order to survive the harsh desert conditions, they developed “stillsuits” that recycle the body’s water. There are also the giant sandworms to contend with that swim beneath the desert’s surface.
When we are introduced to the House Harkonnen, it is soon apparent that they are powerful enemies of House Atreides. Leto is hoping that he can prepare a defense before the bad guys try to mess things up for him on Arrakis. As you can see, the plot is complex. This is just the beginning of the epic tale but Villenueve simplifies it enough to make it understandable and suspenseful. He introduces us to key characters but never bogs down the story with too much exposition. Chalamet as Paul is an excellent choice as the reluctant hero. He gives his character a certain degree of vulnerability. Everyone is curious if he is the chosen one. You get to know him in key scenes which makes the audience naturally want to root for him. The supporting cast is superb. Jason Momoa steals the show as Duncan Idaho.
The pacing of the film is amazing. The action sequences are well choreographed with pulsating music from legendary composer Hans Zimmer. The special effects are impressive. The tension is palpable. When they walk on the vast desert landscapes, you are on the edge of your seat never knowing when the massive sand-worms will rear its ugly head. The space ships are striking. They even fly helicopters that look like dragonflies. They got it right. I also admired how the fight scenes used samurai-style swords instead of laser guns. You can tell all of the actors had to train for their fight scenes. It makes for a more believable experience when they face the enemy in battle.
And what about Zendaya? Although her screen time is limited, she establishes the importance of her character, Chani. She is a blue-eyed Fremen. Paul has dreams about her. When they meet for the first time, you feel the chemistry between them. Their relationship will play a major role in the sequel. “Dreams make good stories but everything important happens when we’re awake.” You can say that again, Duncan Idaho. ‘Dune’ is now playing everywhere and needs to be seen on the big screen.
