Dune movie review: A true cinematic epic

There aren’t many movies anymore that I feel like I absolutely must go to a movie theater to watch. Dune was very much the exception. I was able to witness this film in all of the glory and splendor of an IMAX theater on opening night.

"“Dune follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalomet), a brilliant and gifted young man who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.”"

Based on the novels of the same name, Dune gives both fans and non-fans the opportunity to experience the planet ‘Arrakis’ and the ‘Dune-iverse’ in general with tremendous world-building. I was personally not familiar with the source material going into the movie, but felt immediately immersed. Sitting in the IMAX theater, I felt like I could feel the story unfold as it was happening.

Paul Atreides is seen as the hero who can save mankind in Dune

I’ve seen some negative discourse surrounding Dune focused mainly on the plot and especially the ending. Concerning the plot, I felt like Dune did an exceptional job at following the story of Paul Atreides as a true ‘hero’s journey.’ Much like Neo in The Matrix or Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, Paul Atreides is seen as the hero who can save mankind.

Atreides even is referenced to as, ‘the one.’ The hero’s trope has been used many times throughout film history, but it is one that works. Atreides goes through his training scenes, suffers a great loss, and ultimately becomes what is expected of him to triumph over the forces working against him. I think one thing director Denis Villeneuve really nails with this character arc, is Atreides’ search for his identity. Atreides receives completely lucid visions and begins to realize he has to fulfill some sort of destiny.

Much like Star Wars, where ‘the force’ plays a crucial role in Luke’s development to become a jedi, Atreides is taught to use ‘the voice’ to control the minds of his enemies. It should be noted that the Dune novels pre-date Star Wars. Atreides uses this power when he and his mother, Lady Jessica, are facing almost certain death at the hands of their captors.

Dune feels as though there are no moments of silence

Concerning the ending, Dune does wrap up rather abruptly, but it’s important to point out in the opening credits, this film was referred to as a ‘Part One,’ leading many to believe more Dune films will be made if financing can be secured.

Dune felt like the perfect amalgamation of director, writer, composer, and cast. Director Denis Villenueve is no stranger to a futuristic epic, having directed Blade Runner 2049.

When given a large budget, it is easy to have faith in a guy like Villeneuve. He gives a master class in directing with every one of his movies. It is difficult to direct action scenes and still have the audience know exactly what is happening and it is especially difficult to direct a movie with a run time of over 150 minutes and have every second feel compelling. Villenueve accomplishes both with mastery.

Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) co-wrote the screenplay and is showing a bit of a resurgence, having written A Star is Born (2018) and writing Martin Scorsese’s next movie Killers of the Flower Moon. The composer is the great Hans Zimmer (Interstellar, Dunkirk). The score of Dune is ever-present and in fact the entire score covers one hour and fourteen minutes, as Dune feels as though there are no moments of silence.

The sound mixing is also incredible in this movie as the bass seems to reverberate throughout your body (watching in theaters). The cast of Dune is a true ensemble, featuring: Timothee Chalomet, Zendaya, Oscar Issac, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Mamoa, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin, among others.

I was blown away by Dune, both in the grand-scale of the film-making and nature of the storytelling. I had zero previous knowledge of the series, but feel like I can become invested, because of the beauty and mystique that Villenueve presents audiences.

I would recommend folks watch Dune in a theater. Dune requires a certain amount of grandeur and sound setup that the at-home experience can’t offer. However, if you do choose to go this route, Dune is currently streaming on HBO Max.

My score: 9.5/10