Movie Breakdown: Dune

Pre-Screening Stance:

My goodness, Dune is finally here. I’m just as excited to see it as I am ready to stop thinking about wanting to see it.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I really loved Dune. Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel is an epic affair that features great performances, stunning imagery, and a compelling story. Going into it, I wondered if it would be as dense as David Lynch’s 1984 film, but Villeneuve’s work here is very streamlined and accessible. Here’s the plot:

The planet Arrakis contains a special resource called spice (it allows for space travel and more). For many years, it’s been ruled by House Harkonnen, but the Emperor suddenly (and suspiciously) decides to bump them in favor of House Atreides. This places Paul (Timothee Chalamet), the heir to House Atreides, on a path that will either result in his death or the realization of his full potential.

And that’s it. I get that Dune is this seemingly complicated thing, but again, Villeneuve’s film is easy to follow, with a lot of political intrigue, mystical moments, and action around to keep things humming throughout its two and a half hour runtime. Here’s the one weird part though – the story gets left wide open. I’m talking a real The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring-type ending where just as the world building is set and the plot is locked and you’re wrapped up and 100% ready to go, the credits hit the screen. I assume Villeneuve will get to make Dune: Part 2 and that we’ll get a satisfying conclusion to the story, but until that happens, it’s hard not to knock Dune down a half notch for the way it leaves you hanging.

Dune will hit HBO Max this Thursday, October 21 and theaters on Friday, October 22. It’s highly recommended.

One Last Thought:

This is mean. Or maybe it isn’t. I don’t really know. Either way, Jason Momoa, even with all of his size and might, has a squishy baby face without a beard. So, when it comes off after the movie gets going, he just looks goofy.