After so long of Science-Fiction being a niche prospect, 1968's 2001: A Space Odyssey could've been another one of those types to be shelved in cinephile archives and comic-con conventions. Instead it paved the way for more to come like 1977's Star Wars, Blade Runner, Ex Machina, etc. Even before all of them was a peculiar novel by Frank Herbert. Once considered unfilmable, the closest we had was child's play tampered by studio interference (though it had a worthy director in one David Lynch). What better ambassador to achieve the impossible this 21st century than Denis Villeneuve, who resurrected another 80's Sci-Fi property into the mainstream?
With the award-winning aid of writers Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth, Villeneuve's scope translated the first half of the novel with ease. It manages to not fall victim to what some Part 1/Part 2 adaptations have in the past- Actually be a complete story of its own. Sure it does lean a lot into exposition and character development, but they're the best kind. It's also sharpened by the best world-building of Villeneuve's filmography in visuals, organic dialogue and oppressive scope. Hans Zimmer's score feels like a natural progression from his all-encompassing filmography of the 2010's; electric synth-waves and earth-shattering vibrations juxtaposed to world beats and Gregorian chants.
Dune might have one of the biggest feats for an ensemble cast in a long time, and they're all worth the rave. When people look back at which actors exemplified the hottest talent of the Timothee Chalamet's Paul Atreides has echoes of his 1984 counterpart Kyle MacLachlan, but brings his own spin on the shy warrior. Jason Momoa brings his charisma and sense of humor to Duncan Idaho, Paul's brother. Oscar Issac and Rebecca Ferguson as Paul's parents bring chilling warmth and anxiety alongside Paul. Stellan Skarsgard's villainous Vladimir Harkonnen is one of several stunning evocations of 1979's Apocalypse Now sprinkled throughout. Josh Brolin is a worthy successor to Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck; Dave Bautista and Zendaya are also specialized in their smaller roles, though don't get too excited as they're kept to a minimum.
Denis' prospect here fulfills his promise to strike the right balance between being blockbuster game and being true to his art-house roots, and the packed theater I was in was great proof of that. Here's to hoping that a Part 2 and what streaming series that may come will complete the cycle in making Frank Herberts' legacy as canonized as the most legendary of book adaptations- The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc. Once thought of as unattainable, now only halfway there.
RATING: 3.5 out of 4 stars.
With the award-winning aid of writers Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth, Villeneuve's scope translated the first half of the novel with ease. It manages to not fall victim to what some Part 1/Part 2 adaptations have in the past- Actually be a complete story of its own. Sure it does lean a lot into exposition and character development, but they're the best kind. It's also sharpened by the best world-building of Villeneuve's filmography in visuals, organic dialogue and oppressive scope. Hans Zimmer's score feels like a natural progression from his all-encompassing filmography of the 2010's; electric synth-waves and earth-shattering vibrations juxtaposed to world beats and Gregorian chants.
Dune might have one of the biggest feats for an ensemble cast in a long time, and they're all worth the rave. When people look back at which actors exemplified the hottest talent of the Timothee Chalamet's Paul Atreides has echoes of his 1984 counterpart Kyle MacLachlan, but brings his own spin on the shy warrior. Jason Momoa brings his charisma and sense of humor to Duncan Idaho, Paul's brother. Oscar Issac and Rebecca Ferguson as Paul's parents bring chilling warmth and anxiety alongside Paul. Stellan Skarsgard's villainous Vladimir Harkonnen is one of several stunning evocations of 1979's Apocalypse Now sprinkled throughout. Josh Brolin is a worthy successor to Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck; Dave Bautista and Zendaya are also specialized in their smaller roles, though don't get too excited as they're kept to a minimum.
Denis' prospect here fulfills his promise to strike the right balance between being blockbuster game and being true to his art-house roots, and the packed theater I was in was great proof of that. Here's to hoping that a Part 2 and what streaming series that may come will complete the cycle in making Frank Herberts' legacy as canonized as the most legendary of book adaptations- The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc. Once thought of as unattainable, now only halfway there.
RATING: 3.5 out of 4 stars.