Film: Dune: Part 2
Distributor: Warner Bros
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh and Dave Bautista
It’s amazing to think that it has almost taken half a century to finally get a version of the Dune saga that not only pleases fans of Frank Herbert’s books but film and sci-fi fans alike.
From Alejandro Jodorowsky’s very bizarre attempt back in the ’70s with HR Giger (Alien), providing concept designs to David Lynch’s 1984 film that certainly has its unique history. To even a mid-two-thousands Sci-fi channel series starring a young James McAvoy. Like the old adage it can certainly be said that “If you don’t succeed. Try, try again”!
And to put it simply Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part 2 doesn’t in any way come across as a try it succeeds on all levels. It puts a lot of current cinema to shame. The reason is that Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), is a master storyteller whose agenda is to tell a good story.
For Dune: Part 2 furthers the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), who now is living with the Fremen on Arrakis and learning their ways of desert survival and combat. For some believe he will be their messiah while others see him as a false prophet.
Chani (Zendaya), who at first views him with a weary eye starts to form a bond with him. While Paul’s mother Jessica Atreides (Rebecca Ferguson), becomes something more that is dangerous and integral. Stilgar (Javier Bardem), watches over both mother and son for he believes Paul will lead them to their destiny.
While on Giedi Prime Baron Harkonnen’s (Stellan Skarsgard), grip tightens on Arrakis as he sends his psychopathic nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), to Arrakis to succeed where Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista), has failed in wiping out the Fremen rebellion.
While each character is drawn to their fate, we as an audience are left with a satisfying conclusion but the door is left open for more. Let’s hope so.
As I stated earlier, this film succeeds on all levels from fantastic performances from the (yes even Zendaya) cast. To mind-blowing and believable sets and visual effects that leave you wondering how they did it. Even the score weaves itself into the fabric of the world and not overpowering what you’re seeing.
So yes, this is a science fiction film that will be spoken about in years to come and compared to other classic science fiction sequels such as The Empire Strikes Back and Aliens.
