A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
Frank Herbert’s source novel is so grand in scale and dense in detail (it even has appendices detailing events and terminology), that reading it or watching the film requires a PhD in science fiction, let alone adapting it to the big screen. (NB: if you are looking for a handy primer to the saga, read this Dunesplaining article from Empire). So it is quite the flex for director Denis Villeneuve to helm Blade Runner 2049, one of the greatest sequels of all-time but an initial box office failure like its predecessor, and then double down on making a new version of Dune. Not only that but agreeing to film the first half of the story on the proviso that Part 2 would only be made if it is a success.
It is understandable why people would be nervous about his prospects. Alexander Jodorwsky’s failed attempt in the 70s is now the subject of a documentary. There was also David Lynch’s 1984 critical and commercial failure. Somewhat harshly in retrospect despite Lynch himself calling it “a huge, gigantic sadness in my life.”
One of the main issues with Lynch’s version, was the over-reliance on voiceover to try and explain the plot. Also, despite its 137 minute runtime, once House Atreides falls on Arrakis, the film feels incredibly rushed. Bouncing from one major plot point to the next until an emotionally unsatisfying climax.
There is no such issue here. In fact, the exact opposite. As evidenced by 2049, a film in which one could have spent hours immersing themselves in, Villeneuve is an absolute master at world-building. Part One takes its time to introduce each new character, faction and world in immense detail. Helping to create a deep connection and emotional investment that will continue in the next film.
Lynch’s Dune was unfavourably compared to Star Wars. True, both stories follow the adventures of one family in an intergalactic war for power however this new version only really looks to that galaxy far, far away for inspiration in design. Like the original Lucas trilogy, opting to build gigantic sets and film on location to generate a grounded sense of reality within the fantasy. As the winds blow spice and sand around the characters here, one feels they are right there with them on Arrakis.
Anakin Skywalker may have said “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse, and rough, and irritating, and it gets everywhere.” However there was clearly no Melange on Tatooine as if there were, he might have enjoyed it a bit more. For you don’t even need to physically ingest it in the cinema screen to know you are seeing something truly special.
Paul Atreides may have a destiny similar to the Skywalkers yet so does the actor playing him. Timothee Chalamet has been the internet’s and Film Twitter’s chosen one ever since Call Me By Your Name. There was symbolic passing of the torch from Pattinson to Chalamet in The King. In a way, Pattinson going “you can deal with all the fangirling and memes for a while, I’m off to do more A24 movies”. Having provided supporting turns for the likes of Gerwig and Wes Anderson, here he fulfills his potential as a leading man. Proving himself worthy and capable to lead a major franchise of his own.
Like Luke in A New Hope, he starts from a place of tempestuousness, trepidation and fear. Fear is the mind killer after all. Yet by the end of Part One, he has taken his first steps into a larger world. He grows in confidence, strength and physicality as he progresses. Going from boy to man before our eyes whilst hinting at even greater things ahead.
Chalamet is helped no end by having a Fantasy Film ensemble to spark and bounce off of. Some make strong but fleeting impressions, knowing they will return down the line, such as Brolin, Bautista and Skarsgaard. Of the rest, there is no weak link with Jason Momoa injecting some swagger as Duncan Idaho and Oscar Isaac & Rebecca Ferguson shining the brightest as Paul’s parents.
To be honest, there are no weak links to be found anywhere. No tears in the stillsuits as it were. Hans Zimmer’s industrial score (bagpipes?! Who knew?) and Greig Fraser’s cinematography are simply out of this world.
So people of the world, spice up your life and see Dune. Don’t worry about seeing it on “the biggest screen possible” as some critics would tell you. Just see it. So Villeneuve can conduct the final part of this truly epic space opera.
Dune is in UK cinemas from October 21
Rating: 
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Stars: Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya
Runtime: 155 minutes
Country: USA
