3.5/5
Reviewed November 14, 2021
*disclaimer: I’ve never read the books and I’ve seen the 80s David Lynch version, but many years ago and thus only somewhat remembered it. From what I’ve read, the book-readers are mostly very pro this version, and people who have not read the books are mostly meh about the film. With that in mind, let’s dig in*
The newest attempt to film Frank Herbert’s thicccccck novel about politics and religions in space, considered unfilmable by many, this version is only about half of the story. It’s 2.5 hours of setup, similar to Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows pt 1 IMO, and is very likely going to get better with the second film rather than standing on its own. House Atreides, a feudal house of a galactic empire, is given control of a planet that has the most valuable resource in the universe, the spice. At the same time, many schemes are hatched to remove the House, and it falls to the son, Paul, to save his House and the planet, using mystical powers bred into him via a long-conniving religious order. It’s…complex. Discussion below.
The Bad:
- As a film, this is entirely prequel and setup. It ends in what feels like the first act, with a few better places thematically to end but it persists a bit longer. Thus, it doesn’t work as well as it could, because it’s not meant to be standalone. What this also means is that relatively little overall truly happens in 2.5 hours, which is…frustrating for someone who hasn’t read the books.
- The books are apparently dripping with discussions on politics, religious orders (and the dangers therein), and psychedelic mind trips. This features those, to an extent, but heavily subdued from my understanding. It leaves the film feeling terribly confusing, as massive context is lacking and the carefully crafted world never feels fully realized. For example, there’s an early scene involving watering trees and the resources it costs to do so. When asked if they should be removed, it’s mentioned that they’re sacred. And then later in the film we see a brief shot of them burning (symbolism about the Harkonnens being brutal and not caring about local things), but the significance of WATER is not touched upon, not really, and that’s the frustrating part.
- Various points in the film characters are dreaming or having visions and whisper to the camera…and the background music is so damn loud and distracting you can’t hear what they’re saying.
- On that note, which I loved Blade Runner 2049’s background music, this one…didn’t do it for me. Especially annoying was that bagpipe theme playing during the arrival and later during the night battle. It just…was grating.
- Paul’s visions telling him to die, over and over. It isn’t clear (maybe it’ll be answered in the sequel)…is that the religious order (who seem scared of him) trying to purge him and him having to fight back in his mind? Thus the duel at the end and he doesn’t let himself die (visions of that guy helping him survive had been plastered through).
- Zendaya being so prominently featured in the marketing and only being in this for a few minutes, and nearly all of that as visions (which looked a lot like a freaking perfume ad). I get she’s more in the sequel but geez.
- The doctor thinking the Baron would honor the deal in a positive way, rofl. Especially given the wordings used.
The Good:
- So, I’ve now seen three Villeneuve films (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049), and this is the weakest of the three IMO, partly due to it just being…unfinished. However, the style and grandeur that show up in this are also present here, and they certainly drag up the score. He’s got masterful visuals, a hell of a sense of scale, and a serious tone and mood that are meant to show some respect for the story. And in that it works.
- Loved the designs on the sci-fi tech shown, especially the vehicles.
- Acting in this was superb. I didn’t hate anyone’s performance, although Bautista was a bit weird in his role so far. It’s a hell of a cast in general, and everyone appeared to be having a great time in their roles. It’s my second Timothée Chalamet film (Interstellar, much younger), and I’d say I enjoy his work greatly in this, even if the character is flat so far. Rebecca Ferguson is fantastic as Lady Atreides, and the supporting cast of folks like Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgard, Josh Brolin, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and David Dastmalchian shine.
- You definitely get a feel for the Great White Hope style storyline, with feudal feuds and backstabbing, as the film progresses. The visuals really lend a hand to that aspect.
- Duncan’s death was pretty badass, deserving of a warrior.
- The initial sandworm reveal with the crawler was surprisingly tame, but it worked just the same to show the power of the things.
- Not something I usually talk about, but costume design was inspired and really fun.
So yeah, it’s an interesting visual treat, but it’s just an opening act rather than a full show, and I have to seriously ding it for that because it doesn’t provide any sense of fulfillment. We’ll see how the sequel turns out.
Getting Reel with Mr. Sunshine 