Dune (2021) Review - If You Think Dune Is Boring You're Wrong!
- Will Johnson
- Oct 26, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2021
It's important to say that I have never read Dune. I have never seen the TV series, I have never read the comic book and I have never seen David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation either. Going into this I knew very little about the content and storyline of Dune, but there are a few things I did know: it's a massive series of books with a vast yet incredibly detailed universe; it is often regarded as the greatest science fiction series of all time; and much like Catch 22, Gravity's Rainbow or Watchmen, it has generally been considered impossible to film well.
I went into this Dune as open minded as possible. I am a fan of director Denis Villeneuve, and considering the success he had with both Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, I was optimistic that he could prevail where Lynch had not. Indeed Villeneuve has, for Part One at least, succeeded in transporting Dune to the big screen, creating a wondrous visual and sonic experience that also manages to maintain a cohesive and intriguing narrative.
For someone like me with very little prior impression of Dune, it feels like a cross between Lord Of The Rings and Star Wars. Of course it's slightly more nuanced than that, but if you took a story with the scope, mystique and underlying moral themes of Lord Of The Rings and placed it into a less garish Star Wars setting then you'll get a film that's close to Dune.
The visuals are quite exceptional, from the immense desert shots and encounters with the colossal Shai Hulud, to the frantic fight scenes and explosive battles. Against a backdrop of stunning architecture, the aesthetics of the film become evident early on. While not quite as breathtaking as a film like Gravity or Avatar, instead Dune is far more mesmeric and enchanting.
The cast is impressively understated, with Javier Bardem and Stellan Skarsgård being arguably the biggest names. Timothee Chalomet gives an excellent lead performance that shows character development throughout, while Rebecca Ferguson is outstanding, producing remarkable chemistry with both Chalomet and Oscar Isaac. The supporting cast is fantastic too, and the script allows everyone to display a depth of character that isn't always evident within casts of this size.
My one slight issue with Dune is that it spends a little too much time being a big loud action film and not enough time consistently delving into the mystical elements of the story. Beyond the opening segment, barely five minutes go by without a fight, an explosion or a dramatic scene that gives Hans Zimmer an excuse to turn his brilliantly bombastic soundtrack up to 11.
From the perspective of someone new to Dune, this film is a thrilling, action packed and fascinating sci-fi adventure that is superbly set-up for the sequel. It isn't perfect, but there is just enough balance between the immense sensory experience that is expected of a modern Hollywood blockbuster and the intricate storyline of Frank Herbert's novels that will allow Dune to satisfy both fans and newcomers alike.
What did you think of the movie? Do you agree with our review or do you have a totally different take? Let us know in the comments!
Editor's Picks:
Comments