Dune ★★★★★
Denis Villeneuve
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Zendaya
It’s been over 20 years since we experienced a trilogy that changed the blockbuster landscape forever. Those curious Hobbits heralded the new decade while defining what a popular cinematic masterpiece could be in the 21st century. It was pure cinema; loud, proud and unashamedly nerdy.
And so it is that at the beginning of the 20’s we are again treated to a movie that could define the subsequent years to come with enough back story and countless characters to shake a stick at. Based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, Dune is the first part of the story where Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) travels to the most dangerous planet in the universe to secure the future of his family and people.
This film can be ultimately summed up in a single word: Epic. Everything about this movie from the plot, to the score, the CGI to the performances, are all epic.
As you sit there being rattled by the deep bass and high screeches of the score by Hans Zimmer (if you remember The Dark Knight and Dunkirk, you can understand how affecting the score might be here too), you are invited to sink your teeth in to a universe that is so often given a TV series these days. Giving this a movie run time though means it has a better pace and would likely hold up better to multiple views.
To go along with the fast pace and detailed story is some luscious cinematography and set pieces that keep you engaged in the extremely long run time. The direction and sound design are best in show for the year so far as well, although you can tell that they had plenty of budget to go at.
Chalamet puts in another iconic performance here, with Rebecca Ferguson playing his mother really well too; she will be an intriguing addition in the possible sequel. The, now iconic Zendaya is peppered throughout the movie with great effect and although she’s not in it a lot, she definitely leaves her mark. The whole cast is full of surprises and it’s great to see such a medley of stars pulling together with clear passion for the project.
The best thing you can do with this movie is to sit back and soak it in. If you can afford to see this at the cinema, you’ll not regret it. If you’re watching this at home, turn the volume up and turn the lights out. This is pure cinema, pure sci-fi. Not since we saw Gandalf arrive precisely when he meant to have I been so excited to head back to the cinema for a sequel.
Dune available in cinemas now and on HBO MAX in the US