Genre: Science Fiction, Epic Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Written by: Screenplay by Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, and Eric Roth, Based on Dune by Frank Herbert Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem Critical Reception: RottenTomatoes - 83% from Critics, 91% from Audiences || IMDB Average 8.3 out of 10 || Letterboxd Average 4.1 out of 5
The Movie Summed Up in a Tweet
"Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part One is a gorgeous and sprawling sci-fi epic that's is equal parts spectacle and singular artistic vision. Heavy with rich world-building, light on pathos and lacking any real character payoff."
Thoughts on the Movie?
I think context plays a central part in any critical discussion surrounding art. Of course, there are times when the art needs no context in order to perfectly communicate its value and/or theming, speaking entirely for itself. There are also then, times in which context is absolutely necessary in order to obtain a better appreciation of the art. Likewise, in relation to the art critic - by providing the added context of a critic's specific biases, the reader can better understand how to more accurately use that criticism to inform their choice in whether to watch a movie or through finding critics with similar thoughts on a particular movie, can validate their own personal takeaways. In all scenarios, added context ultimately benefits the reader and better informs the criticism.
A headline in September 2016 did grab my full attention, however. An announcement signaling the start of production on a new adaptation of Dune. Well, that didn't necessarily interest me. No, the interesting takeaway was that Warner Bros. was in talks to be bringing in visionary director, Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) to oversee the project. With his filmography already providing a solid showcase of his artistic and singular eye as director, in addition to Dune being a longstanding dream of his to adapt - Villeneuve seemed to be the ideal choice to direct Dune. A choice that left me open to hopping back into the world of Dune once more, hopeful and ready to finally take in the brilliance of Dune.
Taking place in the far off future - the year 10191, to be exact - Dune tells the tale of a pivotal moment in the House Atreides. Specifically, this newer adaptation focuses its story around Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). It's through young Paul's eyes that we see House Atreides thrust into a dangerous game of power and politics after the inciting incident of Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) replacing House Harkonnen as ruler of Arrakis - an inhospitable desert planet whose sole output is the miraculous drug/fuel "spice". The deadly game that Paul and his family find themselves in is one that will take personal tolls on and promises to have wide-reaching consequences for the universe at large...once Part Two's released.
That's right, don't led the misleading marketing fool you, this is actually Dune: Part One, confirmed in the opening's title. Although Villeneuve has been vocal about Dune being split into two parts as early as April 2020 in a Vanity Fair interview, stating "I would not agree to make this adaptation of the book with one single movie. The world is too complex," this doesn't excuse Warner Bros. for withholding any reference to this being Part One on any of the posters, trailers, or advertising material released in advance of the movie. Without any confirmation of a sequel until the week following the movie's opening, this feels like a questionably unethical move from Warner Bros. that comes off to me as if the studio didn't have faith in the movie resonating with mainstream audiences (Blade Runner 2049 struggled to, so there's good reasoning for this thought process on their end). With its high budget, lengthy runtime, and similarities to Blade Runner 2049, it makes sense that Warner Bros. would panic and try to do something desperate. Maybe something as desperate as tricking as many uninitiated audience members as they could into seeing this movie opening weekend with the assumption that this was a complete and full experience.
Or maybe it's as simple as Warner Bros. being petty due to Villeneuve's very public roasting of their handling of theatrical and streaming releases at the end of 2020. Who could for say sure?
One thing Villeneuve is known for is his use of longer takes, use of natural light, and a minimalistic and clean aesthetic all of which are brought over to Dune: Part One. Each scene is deliberately paced, allowing for Villeneuve to elaborate on the finer details of the many locales and cultures of Dune. From the briefest of time spent on the ocean planet of Caladan, to the mining operations on a sand-worm infested Arrakis, to the stark and nightmarish Harkonnen sets - everything here feels vividly realized, fully lived-in, and most importantly - authentic. The world building in Dune: Part One is so strong that at times it feels as if Villeneuve and cinematographer Greg Fraser were actually able to document these far-off civilizations. The world building in Villeneuve's Dune: Part One is second-to-none, truly masterful work, and I think that's largely thanks to the luxurious two and a half hour runtime afforded to the film. It's masterful work, creating a believable world offering blockbuster scale and arthouse vision in equal measure.
That deliberate pacing proves to be a bit of a double-edged sword, however, as the narrative feels directionless without any actual resolution or pay off to be had in this chapter. All movies build to a moment of catharsis, and whether that moment comes from the audience, or from a character's arc, or even a dramatic turn of events, whether it is pulled off successfully or not - that moment is there in all movies. A moment that usually occurs at the perfect time in the story when everything begins to start clicking in place, tying together all the pieces previously laid out for you. Sometimes the moment will ask you to reexamine everything you've just witnessed. Movies live or die on that singular moment, and Dune: Part One is oddly devoid of any such moment. There are climaxes or resolutions to be found here. That its leisurely paced, asking patience from the audience, but withholding any real payoff until a proposed sequel that has yet to begin production...well, it's easy to see how this could turn off several audience members. Though I was able to watch Dune: Part One and appreciate the true artistry and care given to the world building, I would be lying if I said say I wasn't left a little unsatisfied as the credits rolled.
I realized around two hours into Dune: Part One that I wasn't really interested in what happened to any of the characters the film was following. I didn't care about the fate of House Atreides or young Paul Atreides, nor of the House Harkonnen, or the Fremen. I was only interested in whatever piece of gorgeous costuming or visually stunning production detail was awaiting in the following scene. For all of its technical and visual prowess, Dune: Part One struggles to evoke any real pathos at any point - with one small exception in Jason Momoa, who brings more humanity and emotion to his role of Duncan Idaho. The rest of the talented cast is very strong and all do admirably, but there's arguably not enough to their characters at this point to make them stand out from the rather generic roles they have been given.
It should be mentioned that the sound design are top-notch, right alongside the visuals, all across the board. The sound effects of the various explosions, the vibration-swords and shields, the mechanical whirring of the dragonfly-like ornithopters - it's all aurally impressive and adds to the authenticity of the world-building. The haunting and ethereal score provided by Hans Zimmer is equally exceptional, imbuing Dune with an other worldly and wholly original soundscape. Zimmer has created an instantly iconic arrangement that fully embodies the tone and spirit of the universe of Dune in the way that Howard Shore was able to do for Middle Earth with his score for The Lord of the Rings.
Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part One is a gorgeous and sprawling sci-fi epic that's as expansive as it is singularly imagined. It is equal parts blockbuster spectacle and artistry usually only afforded to independent films. Villeneuve's passionate vision comes across in every image and sound presented, creating a richly detailed universe that feels perfectly realized. That it is only the first half of a story, at least according to the director, leaves Dune: Part One feeling like a really strong setup to a truly epic story still to come. Once Dune: Part Two has been released, I might have different feelings on this first part, but as of right now, the lack of any tangible, emotional core or substantive character/story payoff has honestly left me wanting more...but not in the good way.
Standout Scene
Although I could easily pick any scene for it's sheer aesthetic value, the standout scene is a tease of something that lies ahead in the sequel - showing a future Paul in the middle of a grand battle between the Fremen and the Harkonnen. Though this might seem like a spoiler, no worry is needed - this vision reveals nothing more than the imagery glimpsed at in the trailer did. What the trailer doesn't show is that this extended glimpse into this future melee is shot with an uninterpreted long take that perfectly captures Paul gracefully maneuvering through the battlefield, dispatching any enemy in his way. If this scene is any indication of the sheer scope and magnitude of Dune: Part Two, then the best of what Dune has to offer might just be yet to come.
Standout Performance
Jason Momoa is my favorite performance and his character, Duncan Idaho, was able to elicit something out of me that none of the other characters were able to do. But I'm not going to talk about him here.
No, I'm going to use this section to bring out a performance that stood out to me for different reasons. Stellan Skarsgård and his Baron Harkonnen is a perfect microcosm that showcases my conflicted feelings with Dune: Part One and his performance is the one I'll be discussing. He is for all intents and purposes the villain of the narrative, and if you didn't know get that he was bad, corrupt, and greedy from the dialogue, he just so happens to be portrayed as a morbidly obese creature, barely resembling a person. Due to his filtered voice, cybernetic augments, and an unnatural, yet visually arresting way of traversing, the visual symbolism is clear as crystal - the Baron has no humanity. It's easy and anything but subtle. On the same hand, I absolutely love how Villeneuve and his team of costume designers and makeup effect artists have created such a unique and striking look for the Baron.
Standout Quote
Duke Leto Atreides: "Your grandfather said, "A great man doesn't seek to lead. He's called to it. And he answers." And if your answer is no, you'll still be the only thing I ever needed you to be...my son. I found my own way to it. Maybe you'll find yours."
Pairs Well With...
Lawrence of Arabia [1962]
Dune [1984]
Starship Troopers [1997]
Blade Runner 2049 [2017]
Film-FTW Rating || 7 Stars - “Very Good / Compelling”
More from the Author
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