Dune: Part 2

Witnessing Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two in Dolby with an AMC Special Edition Popcorn Bucket in hand felt like a once-in-a-lifetime cinematic experience.

In 2021, I initially enjoyed Dune: Part One, but I grew to appreciate it as a masterpiece after numerous rewatches in theaters and at home. In anticipation of Part Two, revisiting Part One was a must. In my most recent viewing, Villeneuve's interpretation of the source material left me utterly captivated. The production elements remained astounding and the ensemble was impeccably cast, keeping me eagerly awaiting my return to Arrakis.

In a recent interview with The Times of London, Villeneuve expressed his disdain for dialogue, emphasizing his preference for the power of pure image and sound in cinema. This sentiment resonates profoundly in Part Two, where his unrivaled ability to craft immersive worlds is showcased magnificently. Villeneuve’s direction elevates storytelling to unparalleled heights, delivering an unforgettable experience.

The cinematography in Part Two is simply breathtaking. Greig Fraser's creative vision, honed through his remarkable work on previous projects, shines brightly here. Every frame is meticulously composed, evoking wonder and awe. Each planet's distinct color palette, meticulously curated across both Dune films, introduces viewers to a fresh visual aesthetic in the unexplored regions of Arrakis. The bold decision to shoot Giedi Prime in infrared proves to be an inspired choice, stylistically enriching the film's narrative.

Further, the makeup, hairstyling, costumes, and sound design excel, transporting audiences into a fully realized world where every detail feels authentic and immersive. These elements are significant improvements from Part One, enhancing the viewer's immersion and enriching the film's realism.

The depth and detail of Arrakis and its surrounding universe are nothing short of astonishing, drawing viewers into a rich tapestry of political intrigue, ancient prophecy, and breathtaking landscapes. I truly am fascinated by how Villenuve and co-writer John Spaihts tackle the subject of fanaticism. While at times the depiction can come across as comedic, the intense devotion of the followers of a “messiah” is shown to be no laughing matter. This is a subject I feel is being misinterpreted by some viewers, who come out of the film seeing Paul as an innocent hero on the right path. In fact, these takeaways are what led the author of the novels, Frank Herbert, to write a follow up book to hammer home the point that Paul is no “white savior”, “messiah”, or “hero”. In fact, he is no better than the story’s de facto antagonists, the Harkonnen.

Adding to how lived-in Arrakis feels is Part Two’s performances, which are stellar across the board. Austin Butler's portrayal of Feyd Rautha and Zendaya's interpretation of Chani are particularly noteworthy, infusing their characters with depth and emotion. Feyd’s psychoticism oozes through the screen from the moment we meet him in the Harkonnen Arena until his final duel with the Muad'dib. Chani's portrayal is elevated to new heights compared to previous adaptations. The way Zendaya communicates Chani’s inner dilemma entirely through facial expressions resonated so much with me on both viewings of Part Two, with her final few shots crushing me. However, it's Timothée Chalamet who truly shines, delivering a career-defining performance as Paul Atreides. His nuanced portrayal captures the character's journey with remarkable clarity, drawing viewers into Paul's internal struggles and external conflicts. 

Now, I do believe Part Two has one massive issue that Part One did not possess: a pacing issue. Both films approach a three-hour runtime that is densely packed with details about the world, character progression, and crucial lore. However, halfway through Part Two, it seems Villeneuve and his team realized they had only about ninety minutes left and had to hasten towards the conclusion. Although this segment of the film captured my attention the most, the pacing of the first half of Part Two aligns much more with Part One’s deliberate pacing. Thus, the more briskly-paced second half of this film felt somewhat disjointed from the foundation laid by Part One. This could be attributed to the departure of legendary worldbuilder Eric Roth from the writers' room this time around or the persistent claim of the project being "unadaptable”, but nonetheless, the effect is clear.

While Part Two may suffer from pacing issues in its first half, the film remains a captivating experience from start to finish. Despite its minor setback, the technical craftsmanship, coupled with outstanding performances and expert direction, ensures an unforgettable cinematic journey. As I left the theater, I found myself eagerly anticipating my next return to the world of Arrakis. Long Live The Fighters!

9/10