Every few years, a film arrives that becomes the cinematic event of the calendar year. In 2008, Iron Man was released, and the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe began. Since then, the blueprint for studios has included a known intellectual property that guaranteed box office success. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there has been a change in the types of generational films attracting cinephiles. There is no better example than 2023 and Barbenheimer, as it was not just the cinematic event of the year but also one of the most critical events in cinema history.
While Barbie is a known entity, the film was a fresh and inspired story. At the same time, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was the crowning achievement of the year as it not only became the highest-grossing biopic of all time but showed that if a great filmmaker builds it, cinephiles will come. With that being said, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune laid the foundation for the beginning of a new expanded universe not seen since a galaxy far, far away, and with Dune: Part Two finally here, it was impossible not to be excited for a return trip to Arrakis.
While Dune was first tackled in 1984 by the icon David Lynch and has become a cult classic, it was not until Denis Villeneuve adapted the unadaptable Frank Herbert novel that cinephiles were greeted by a new world of characters and locations that were nothing short of intoxicating.
Dune: Part Two is Denis Villeneuve’s Empire Strikes Back & Lawrence of Arabia. It is a sci-fi opera that is grand in scale with a hypnotizing and emotionally devastating story. Austin Butler will be a talking point for many, but Timothée Chalamet left my jaw on the floor. Villeneuve’s immersive cinematic nirvana is a sci-fi masterpiece.
Dune: Part Two picks up where its predecessor left off as Paul Atreides continues on his journey of self-discovery. As Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen, he seeks revenge against those who wronged him and eliminated his family and, along the way, accepts his rightful place as the Muad’Dib.
Writer/director Denis Villeneuve and his co-writer Jon Spaihts’ screenplay follow suit with the first entry as the duo honors Herbert’s novel with a fully immersive experience into the world of Dune. While the first entry was quite a reflective piece, Dune: Part Two rewards a cinephile’s patience with a grandiose exodus into war, corruption, and sandworms.
Another award-worthy work by cinematographer and Academy Award winner, Greig Fraser, aids Villeneuve’s vision. Fraser’s Oscar-winning work on the first entry was followed up with a mesmerizing lens on The Batman, and with Dune Part Two, Fraser offers another masterclass as his cinematic eye mirrors the cinematographic space of Lawrence of Arabia. Has sand ever looked better than when Fraser shoots it? I think not.
After winning the Academy Award for Best Original Score, Hans Zimmer returns with a score that creates an epic sound that matches the technical marvel and magnitude of a film like Dune Part Two requires. His work on the first film was one of my favorites of the legend’s career, and there’s little question that this score will not only be on repeat but should land the award-winning composer another Oscar nomination at the 97th Academy Awards.
Timothée Chalamet continues to cement himself as one of this generation’s best actors. His iteration of Paul Atreides is not just haunting, but it screams “movie star.” His charisma and charm are infectious, and by the film’s conclusion, Chalamet embraces Paul’s journey to perfection! It may be my favorite Chalamet performance thus far.
Complementing Chalamet is the rich supporting ensemble that may be the year’s best. The always-reliable Rebecca Ferguson is excellent, while Zendaya is given much more to work with. In turn, she shows how immensely talented she is. With her Emmy-winning work on Euphoria and Dune Part Two, Zendaya continues to carve out a place as one of Hollywood’s best young actresses.
While Academy Award winner Javier Bardem was provided a stoic and quiet take in the first film, he gives the film some surprising light-hearted moments that are sure to evoke some laughs from cinephiles. Along with laughs, Bardem’s performance can also be viewed as the most fear inducing. Why? Bardem channels a very real look at an ideology in today’s current society and by the films conclusion, it will be both hard to ignore or not discussed. As a fan of Lynch’s Dune. There’s no denying that Sting’s Feyd was one of the talking points of that film. Denis’ Dune is no different as Academy Award nominee Austin Butler carves up a delicious villainous treat for all cinephiles to devour. There’s not a moment where Butler is on screen where he’s not offering a tour de force take that steals the film.
Dune Part Two acquired what would seem impossible expectations over the past three years. Leave it to Denis Villeneuve to surpass expectations with a film that is a blueprint of successful and impactful adaptations. While only February, it’s impossible not to gaze into the future where the Oscar Chariot awaits Dune Part Two and its incredible team.
