DUNE: PART TWO MOVIE REVIEW

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Ever since he was a young boy, director Denis Villeneuve always aspired in wanting to tell stories on the big screen. This dream eventually pushed him in wanting to become a filmmaker. During his years as a teenager, Denis grew a fascination for the science fiction genre, and overtime came across one of the most popular well known novels ever written known by the name of DUNE. Speaking to Wired, Villeneuve stated:

“Yeah, I read it when I was 13 or 14 years old. The first Dune book is a tremendous, powerful adventure of a young boy discovering a new world. At the same time I was impressed by how intelligent it was. It was very relevant regarding what was happening on Earth—from an environmental point of view and religious point of view. It stayed with me through the years, haunted me. So, when people were saying, “Well, what would be your biggest dream?” I would say, “Dune.” “

Fast forward decades later and this dream eventually became a reality…

In 2011 Mary Parent, executive vice chair of worldwide production for Legendary Entertainment and her producer Cale Boyter acquired the adaptation rights for Dune. Later in December 2016, it was announced that director Denis Villeneuve was in talks to direct the film. Determined in wanting to create a story that had so far only existed in the imagination of readers, Villeneuve decided alongside the studio to split the narrative in half. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Villeneuve states:

“I would not agree to make this adaptation of the book with one single movie,” says Villeneuve. “The world is too complex. It’s a world that takes its power in details.” “

For many fans across the world, this was a passion project that was known to be very reminiscent of our current times. Villeneuve believed that the story of Dune was a warning to us all. Dealing with themes that are relevant to our lives today. It is a tale that showcases how society can fall victim to the corruption of power, politics, and religion. What our obsession over fanatic leaders can bring to our future, and lastly the message in understanding that our world is evolving, and with that comes the need in having to evolve with it for own survival. Talking with Vanity Fair Villeneuve reveals:

” “No matter what you believe, Earth is changing, and we will have to adapt,” he says. “That’s why I think that Dune, this book, was written in the 20th century. It was a distant portrait of the reality of the oil and the capitalism and the exploitation—the overexploitation—of Earth. Today, things are just worse. It’s a coming-of-age story, but also a call for action for the youth.” “

This incredible book written by author Frank Herbert didn’t just go on in winning the inaugural Nebula Award for Best novel in 1966, but also grew into becoming one of the biggest science fiction inspirations ever made in history. Frank Herbert’s end goal was wanting to tell a message that at the center of it all focused on humanity. Believing that our blind faith in leaders can and will eventually lead to our own eventual downfall. Speaking to this fact, Herbert went on in stating:

“The bottom line of the Dune trilogy is: beware of heroes. Much better [to] rely on your own judgment, and your own mistakes.”

Herbert wanted us as human beings to not just gain the ability to think for ourselves, but in the end to also act as influencers to the next generation. Bringing on a form of equality that will hopefully help create a change to our society as well. In 1985 one of Herbert’s famous quotes states:

” Dune was aimed at this whole idea of the infallible leader because my view of history says that mistakes made by a leader (or made in a leader’s name) are amplified by the numbers who follow without question. “

Aside from its powerful themes, Dune underneath it all is a story about a young boy who at heart is just trying to find his own place in the world, and is challenged by those around him into becoming a messiah that will lead humanity to a better future.

” Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, 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, only those who can conquer their own fear will survive. “

Dune: Part One was an incredible start to a franchise that has been yearning to be shown on the big screen. Showcasing the advanced evolution of humanity, and giving us an insight into what is essentially a love story full of both danger, and adventure. By the climax we are left with a clear understanding on who these characters are at their core. While being left with the promise of a bigger world than ever seen before.

As of now, Director Denis Villeneuve has grown into becoming one of the best directors within the film industry. Creating what is being called by many, a “masterpiece” amongst the masses. Bringing new life into the science fiction genre and film in general. Dune stands as a testament to that statement. While proving in the end that incredible stories can still be told if led by the right vision.

Dune: Part Two Synopsis:

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Dune: Part Two is in every shape and form bigger in scale and story than its predecessor. Delivering to audiences a spectacle not seen before on screen. It is truly in a masterclass of its own right, and is a form of storytelling done on a level that has yet to be matched. While also being established as one the greatest and most satisfying sequels made in years. Without question this film doesn’t miss a beat. With each viewing becoming more rewarding than the last.

Speaking on the performances by this cast, I’d say everyone across the board are spectacular! Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya both embody the characters of Paul and Chani in an honest, and beautiful way that’ll leave you breathless by the end. Showcasing two young people in love who are thrown in the center of an ever-growing war that threatens the livelihood of both their people and the universe as a whole. Newcomers in Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Chistopher Walken are all also outstanding! Everyone in one way or another manages to serve an important role to the story, and perfectly reflects what humanity can become when at their best and worst.

One of the reasons I’ve quickly grown to love this film so much is due to the sheer dedication and commitment that went into it by the exceptional crew behind the scenes. Not only did we have a perfect cast, but aside from that we were also blessed in having an incredibly talented cinematographer and composer in both Greg Fraser and Hans Zimmer. It is beyond insane with just how lucky we are to see such an amazing team of artists come together in helping bring this beautiful movie to life.

Another reason why i believe Dune means so much to so many people is due to how relatable it is to both readers and newcomers alike. Both the film and the novels speaks on the idea of people wanting to believe in something bigger than themselves, and the fact on how we as a society despite our flaws are capable of great change even when pushed at our lowest. We need stories like Dune to help remind us of our place in the world. So that we can be encouraged us as individuals to lead a new generation to a better tomorrow.

Thank you readers for taking the time to read this review. I hope you enjoyed it. Please take the time to send us your thoughts through our social media accounts, and be sure to check out the trailer and behind the scenes footage on the making of Dune below. Along with our review for Dune Part One as well. Enjoy, and until next time peace!

Video 1- Dune Cast Behind the scenes