Power Struggles Intensify on the Sands of Arrakis

Read Time:4 Minute, 58 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Dune: Part Two
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 2h 46m
Director(s): Denis Villeneuve
Writer(s): Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, Frank Herbert
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Souheila Yacoub
Where To Watch: available May 14, 2024; pre-order here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: So it's no secret that I wasn’t blown away by the “first” DUNE film (the first of this series.) After watching the 1984 David Lynch film, I was left underwhelmed by Villeneuve’s first part of his epic. It’s not that I thought it was terrible; I just felt like the necessity of the world-building and exposition needed made the film drag. That’s why, walking out of that film, I had high hopes for the second part of DUNE, and I wasn’t let down! We wander deeper into Arrakis's harsh yet mesmerizing landscapes in part two. This film continues the formidable saga of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), along with their journey through the complexities of Fremen society and the relentless struggles for survival versus their instincts and leadership qualities. This sequel promised a riveting cinematic journey, weaving politics, prophecy, and power into a narrative tapestry that grips the audience from start to finish and delivers precisely what I was hoping for. SPOILER (Chalamet riding a giant freaking sandworm!)

Director Denis Villeneuve escalates the sequel into a visual and auditory feast that captures the audience's attention with an unyielding grip, raising the bar above the first film. This will likely be one of my favorite 4K releases to show what 4K is capable of. Set against the stark, rugged landscapes of the Harkonnen territories, DUNE: PART TWO is more than just eye candy—it delves deep into the dark heart of conflict and ambition, highlighting the severe power struggles that dominate the narrative.

At the core of DUNE: PART TWO lies the pulsating essence of Arrakis itself—almost a character in its own right. The desert planet's influence permeates every decision and conflict, crafting a story that’s as much about the environment as it is about its inhabitants. Villeneuve stitches together a complex web of destinies, weaving through the power dynamics and survival strategies that define this alien world.

The dynamic between Paul and his mother deepens as they align with allies like Stilgar (Javier Bardem) and Chani (Zendaya), navigating the dangerous political landscape of Arrakis. While their evolving relationships add a crucial layer of humanity to the saga, the emotional depth sometimes feels as arid as the desert they traverse—a testament to their performances, which shine despite some script limitations.

The narrative introduces fresh faces, injecting new life and tension into the series. As the emperor, Christopher Walken brings a chilling precision to his role, while Austin Butler's portrayal of Feyd-Rautha introduces a fierce new adversary. However, the potential of some characters, like those played by Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux, is not fully realized, leaving a thirst for more development in their stories. As Villeneuve mentioned, he will be taking his time with the third film, and I hope that encompasses a deeper dive into their worlds.

The cinematographic hand of Greig Fraser is a highlight of DUNE: PART TWO. His unmistakable color palette brings to life the contrasting environments of Arrakis, capturing every subtle hue and shadow. Complementing this visual spectacle, Hans Zimmer’s score deepens the film's emotional impact, crafting a sonic experience that resonates as profoundly as the visuals.

As the film unfolds, it cements as a sequel and a critical chapter in a grander epic. Villeneuve covers significant ground in the novel, setting high expectations for future entries in this universe. Yet, amidst its grandiosity, the film sometimes loses the quieter moments to the spectacle of battle—a reminder that even the most visually stunning scenes should serve the story.

Chalamet's nuanced performance brings Paul Atreides to life with depth and complexity, exploring his leadership against looming crises. Zendaya's Chani is a formidable narrative counterpart, providing strength and clarity that both challenge and enhance Paul’s journey.

DUNE: PART TWO is a monumental achievement, merging stunning visual artistry with deep, intricate storytelling. It invites the audience into a world that sets a new benchmark for science fiction and epic cinema. While its status as one of the greatest sequels may be debatable, its impact on the cinematic landscape is undeniable, promising further exploration and expansion of this vast universe.

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