Dune Review: A modern sci-fi classic
BY LIAM JONES
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Vast stretches of sand dominate a desolate landscape in which a single wrong step can lead to death. A foreign prince, exiled to the desert, gathers the power to avenge his family, massacred from brutal political maneuvering.
Dune, published by author Frank Herbert in 1965, is the best selling Science Fiction novel ever written. Despite its bestselling status, it is an unusual book. It is filled with inner monologues, philosophical discussions, powerful space psychedelics, and giant worms the size of whales. Dune’s idiosyncrasies have led the book to be considered unadaptable ever since the first film adaptations were released. In 2021, Denis Velinueve, the director behind movies like Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival, released the first of his own Dune adaptation movies. This first film felt massive, though it was slowly paced. Much of it was left unexplained, potentially appealing more to fans of the book than viewers new to the series. As a sequel, Dune: Part Two has more of what made the first Dune movie enjoyable, while improving upon the most common complaints from the first movie. Fans of the first movie will definitely enjoy this one just as much, if not more. Viewers who didn’t like the previous release may still find this one entertaining. The slow-paced nature of the first film is completely ignored in the sequel, making for a fast-paced experience. In 2021, Denis Velinueve, the director behind movies like Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival, released the first of his own Dune adaptation movies. This first film felt massive, though it was slowly paced. Much of it was left unexplained, potentially appealing more to fans of the book than viewers new to the series. As a sequel, Dune: Part Two has more of what made the first Dune movie enjoyable, while improving upon the most common complaints from the first movie. Fans of the first movie will definitely enjoy this one just as much, if not more. Viewers who didn’t like the previous release may still find this one entertaining. The slow-paced nature of the first film is completely ignored in the sequel, making for a fast-paced experience. The sequel centers on Paul Atreides dealing with the ramifications of being the Kwisatz Haderach (chosen one) who can see the future. Paul is split between revenge, avoiding his future, and his loyalties to the Fremen culture that takes him in after being left to fend for himself. He and his mother take advantage of propaganda and prophecies implanted by the Bene Gesserit political cult in order to gain power. Despite having no intelligent non-human life, many of the cultures in the series feel incredibly alien. The clothing, languages, and architecture used by groups such as the Harkonnens and Sardukar feel as alien as anything in Star Wars, despite being entirely human. The various exotic elements of the story manage to capture an intense alien, psychedelic atmosphere throughout. One improvement that this adaptation has on the original book is that it focuses more on the relationship between Paul and his Fremen girlfriend Chani than the book does. Their relationship has more complexity and significance, and is a central part of the story, rather than being a sideline. The movie ends at a cliffhanger. The central conflict which defined the majority of the story is solved, but exactly what will happen after is left unresolved. Villenueve intends to make a third Dune movie, based on the sequel Dune Messiah. He is unlikely to make more after that point, since the books become increasingly esoteric and difficult. Dune is an epic story, and a rare successful adaptation of a legendary series. It manages to capture the atmosphere of the books alongside monumental visuals and sound design. It may not appeal to everyone, however it regardless will be regarded as a highly successful adaptation long into the future. |
PHOTO CREDIT: LEGENDARY PICTURES
Dune 2 released in theaters on March 1, 2024. It was highly critically acclaimed on release from fans and non fans of Dune alike. 
PHOTO CREDIT: GAGE SKIDMORE
Director and lifelong fan of the Dune series Denis Villenueve directed Dune: Part Two. The last attempt to adapt Dune was released over 20 years ago. |
