Dunes (2021)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve | 156 minutes | adventure, drama | Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Chen Chang, Dave Bautista, David Dastmalchian, Charlotte Rampling, Babs Olusanmokun, Benjamin Clémentine, Souad Faress, Oliver Ryan, Stephen Collins, Charlie Rawes, Richard Carter, Gloria Obianyo

Directors David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky had big plans when they got the opportunity to film the legendary sci-fi bestseller ‘Dune’. Lynch’s film flopped and Jodorowsky’s version is only a storyboard and documentary. There seemed to be a curse on ‘Dune’; the book was simply unfilmable. After his successful science fiction films ‘Arrival’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’, Denis Villeneuve was allowed to give it a try. Almost a year after the original release date, the long-awaited, epic film adaptation can finally be seen in cinemas.

‘Dune’ takes place in the year 10191 on the desert planet Arrakis, the only planet where the raw material spice can be found. Spice is extremely important for the entire universe. It makes space travel at great distances possible and has a mind-altering effect when consumed. The Emperor of the Universe assigns the popular Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) to rule Arrakis and keep spice production high. Although the Duke has an important function, it is his son who gets all the attention. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is a gifted boy who is rumored to be the Kwisatz Haderach; the messiah who will take humanity to the next step of evolution and lead the universe. Paul’s mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) is a member of the Bene Gesserit, a women’s order that masters special powers and carefully crosses bloodlines to produce the Kwisatz Haderach. Jessica gives birth to her son Paul instead of a daughter, a development that does not please the head of her order. The arrival of the Kwisatz Haderach is too early according to Gaius Helen Mohaim (Charlotte Rampling), one of the leaders of the Bene Gesserit. Paul becomes more and more powerful over the years and that does not go unnoticed. Both the leaders of the Bene Gesserit and the arch-enemies of the Atreides family, the Harkonnen, want to have Paul cleaned up as soon as possible.

Like ‘Arrival’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’, ‘Dune’ is an impressive film when it comes to production. The music of composer Hans Zimmer is overwhelming because of the bombastic sounds. The spaceships and palaces are gigantic. Yet the grandeur of the ‘Dune’ universe is missing from the story. It is not entirely clear what the motives behind the actions of major characters are. A small missed opportunity, since the film lasts more than two and a half hours and that should be enough time to give the characters more depth. ‘Dune’ is presented as ‘Dune: Part One’. Villeneuve wants to make two films from the first book to do justice to the extended story. That means the movie ends with a cliffhanger. Villeneuve might have moved part of the first half to part two, in order to better introduce the characters. ‘Dune’ feels like an introduction to the world of writer Frank Herbert, but could have paid even more attention to the main characters.

Nevertheless, ‘Dune’ succeeded. It is a spectacle that absolutely must be seen in the cinema because of the breathtaking atmosphere images and sets. The costumes and make-up are made with great attention to detail, which shows that Villeneuve has a lot of passion for the book. ‘Dune’ is not just a standard science fiction action spectacle between good and evil. Villeneuve brings out the religious and psychedelic sides of the book by slowly building the story to a climax. He pays a lot of attention to colorful atmospheric shots of the lonely and ferocious planet Arrakis. As a result, the tension increases with every minute and Villeneuve gives the viewer time to get used to the complex world. ‘Dune’ throws you in at the deep end by immediately using difficult terms without explanation. Normally this could be experienced as annoying and overwhelming, but Villeneuve takes the time to take the viewer through the story at a good pace.

It would be a great shame if there was no ‘Dune: Part Two’. The tone has been set for a new epic sci-fi saga. Despite it being a long sit, after the film is over you’ll beg to learn even more about this new world. Denis Villeneuve says he is already ready to film part two. It remains to be seen whether the film will raise enough money for a sequel. In any case, it will not be the quality.