Young Paul Atreides and his family accepts the stewardship of the planet Arrakis and gains control of a powerful commodity 'Spice' a power struggle ensues as the rival Harkonnen plot their revenge.
If you've read Frank Herbert's novel, or seen the 1984 adaptation, and/or the Dune Mini-series (2000) it is difficult to look upon director Denis Villeneuve's and Legendary Pictures lavish version with fresh eyes. Those brand new to Dune will no doubt have an incredible fresh experience. Others will enjoy watching story beats unfold.
To date this the definitive version of Dune, from the performances, writing and outstanding special effects to Hans Zimmer's score; Villeneuve's ambitious production is first rate. It's a sobering and never lets up with a sense of urgency, by design lacking fun and swashbuckling action. The story explores politics, religion, ecology, technology, and human emotion, as the factions of the empire confront each other in a struggle for Arrakis and its spice. Personal intimate fight and battle scenes are effective. The grim atmosphere equals, if not surpasses the tangible moody experience of Blade runner 2049.
At times though it impresses more than entertains; some viewers not expecting a first act; but a complete story may find the pacing off. It's inherent with the world building source material, writers Jon Spaihts, Eric Roth and Villeneuve struggle with this, as it feels like a prologue, or origin story as David Lynch's version did, it can seem plodding without a pay off, especially if a sequel isn't made, as if Lord of the Rings had stopped at Fellowship, Back to the Future at Part II or Empire Strikes Back had no Return of the Jedi. It is not made as a stand alone, feeling like a cliffhanger part two.
The stirling modern star studded cast ensemble cast including the likes of Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista and Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem are impressive. Timothée Chalamet is notable as Paul Atreides.
Overall, Villeneuve and company deliver a vivid adaptation, an unnerving vision of the future, should the sequel not happen it'll be a crying shame. Recommend.
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