Every few years, a film arrives that changes the landscape of cinema. Back in 2008, Iron Man was released and, in turn, began the creation of the most profitable franchise of this generation – the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since then, the blueprint for significant studios was to release any intellectual property with potential box office value. But what if a studio decided to release intellectual property without much-beloved success? Warner Bros. answered that question with Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and, in turn, may have laid the foundation for the beginning of a new expanded universe not seen since a galaxy far, far away.
Dune was first tackled in 1984 by the legendary David Lynch to unsatisfactory results for those unfamiliar with the property. Lynch was given a tall order as he attempted to complete the entire story in less run-time than Denis’s epic first part. Ultimately, the property was left dormant until Denis was allowed to take a swing. Dune was left motionless primarily for failing the tall task of telling its story on the big screen, as many have viewed the Frank Herbert novel as unadaptable. Denis not only steps up to the challenge but ignites a level of cinematic nirvana unseen in quite some time.
Dune is quite significant in scale, but its most grounded basic premise tells the story of the House of Atreides and their leader, Duke Leto, as he is assigned to rule the planet of Arrakis by the Emperor. However, while taking over Arrakis, many factions are not fond of this new appointment and attempt to take down the family. During this, Duke’s son, Paul, has visions that ultimately will force him to decide whether or not to accept his destiny.
Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, and Erich Roth honor Herbert’s novel in their screenplay as they fully immerse the viewer in this world. Rather than hand-holding and explaining every ongoing event, their script lets the film breathe and enables you to discover all the elements in this world. In comparison, Dune’s world-building falls in line with the early seasons of Game of Thrones. Yes, there are a lot of characters, and yes, a lot is going on, but patience pays off as, by the film’s conclusion, stakes are elevated, and you can draw a line on who to root for and against?
Bringing the screenplay to life is one of the best cast ensembles of the year. While Lynch’s Dune gave us the gift of Kyle Mclaughlin, Timothée Chalamet’s Paul is perfection. But, of course, there are roles that some actors are meant to play, and Chalamet was destined to bring Paul to life as he runs through an array of emotions that bring to light whether or not Paul is meant to fulfill his destiny. Complementing Chalamet is the always reliable Rebecca Ferguson. While first coming off as a throwaway character, her impact on the film’s second half stands out with some of my favorite moments. While some of the cast gets minimal screen time, they each lay the groundwork for what is expected to be further expanded roles in the second entry in the series.
The sheer scale of Villeneuve’s vision is aided by the brilliant work of cinematographer Greig Fraser. Point blank, it’s the most beautiful looking film of the year. Fraser’s work creates a world that surpasses the sci-fi world and enters the stratosphere of the old Hollywood epic. Throughout, I began to think of Dune in the same cinematographic space of Lawrence of Arabia and how Fraser’s work is that good.
Hans Zimmer’s score elevates the technical marvel of Fraser’s cinematography. While always reliable, it felt that Zimmer attempted to replicate his scores from The Dark Knight and Inception for the past 13 years. This time around, Hans-y shifts the sounds of these scores and creates an epic sound that matches the sheer magnitude of Dune. It’s the best score of the year, and there’s little question as to whether Hans is worthy of an Oscar nomination and a second win.
Fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune will be delighted that Villeneuve treated his acclaimed novel with care and respect. While the film is dependent on a second part being greenlit, it does not take away from the accomplishment Denis and the company created with this film. Hypnotizing and emotional, this spectacle is set to immerse cinephiles into Villeneuve’s Magnum Opus and one that is set to redefine the theatrical experience.
