It would never take much rebooting of Frank Herbert’s beloved “Dune” to be better than its 1984 disappointment helmed by David Lynch. Like “The Lord of the Rings” or Comic Book adaptions, the technology needed to be invented to match the imagination and world-building in the science fiction epic, long hailed the greatest of all time. Denis Villeneuve is one of the most articulate directors working today, and there has always been meditative thoughtfulness in every picture he has directed. “Prisoners” (2013) still ranks as one of the most brooding crime mysteries, with a star-studded ensemble. You won’t find a more riveting suspense thriller than “Sicario” (2015), another all-star cast. Then Villeneuve moved us in ways we couldn’t have imagined in “Arrival” (2016). These films have prepared the French Canadian filmmaker for the enormous task of adapting “Dune,” and his ambition pays off in unexpected ways.
Arrakis is a planet much like our Middle East, dangerous and barren, and whoever controls it holds great power due to its resources. Instead of oil, the future of the human race revolves around “melange,” otherwise known as spice. Its value is great; its effects on human life are invaluable. Duke Leto Atreides (Isaac) has just been handed the reins of Arrakis. Smart enough to understand it’s likely a trap, why else would Atreides long-standing enemy and ruler of Arrakis, The Harkonnens, just abandon their fortune? Paul Atreides (Chalamet) accompanies his father to their new home along with his mother, Lady Jessica (Ferguson). Paul has visions about an indigenous woman on Arrakis; in the past, the young heir’s visions typically came true. The Atreides rule over Arrakis barely begins before chaos cascades from the sky, sending Paul on a journey to fulfill a prophecy and fulfill his destiny.
As far as performances in part one, it’s Rebecca Ferguson an anchoring presence in her versatility, who steals the show.
It’s important to signify that this is Part One, so audiences can manage expectations rather than exiting cinemas in frustration like they did in 2001 with “The Fellowship of the Ring.” With major scenes shot with IMAX cameras, the few extra miles and dollars to see it as the filmmakers intended make the experience more substantial. Epic is a cliché for these types of world-building films, and even that overused word doesn’t describe the vast scale Villeneuve and his team have conceived. Like his previous work, Villeneuve takes his time, yet the two-hour-and-a-half running time speeds by. The script carefully escapes the audience into this world of names, races, planets, and kingdoms, always keeping the narrative focused and clear.
Hans Zimmer’s score is another instant classic to add to his repertoire of iconic creations that will forever allow us to visually recall what we have seen just by hearing that gut-vibrating melody. Scenes of Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet trudging through the desert with sand-swept hair and flowing garments on his way to a destiny he doesn’t yet understand feels like the “Call Me By Your Name” star has arrived at inevitable global stardom. Villeneuve has explained that the iconic scene referred to by fans as “the box scene” was when he knew he had cast the right actor for Paul. However, as far as performances in part one, it’s Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible Fallout,” “The Greatest Showman”), an anchoring presence in her versatility, who steals the show. A beardless Jason Momoa (“Aquaman)” and the ever-steadfast Isaac are also duly impressive.
Final Thought
Even in all its glory, Dune is an appetizer, a warm up to what will likely define both the director and his star.