Dune: Part Two Review
Introduction
In 2021, Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part One took audiences on a mesmerizing journey to the spice-laden planet of Arrakis. In my review, I praised the film's faithfulness to Frank Herbert's novel, its stunning visuals, and its compelling coming-of-age story, which left me eager for Dune: Part Two. Now that the next chapter has arrived, it promises to expand upon Paul Atreides' destiny and uncover the mysteries among the dunes of Arrakis and the galaxy. Does it live up to the high bar set up by its predecessor? Let's find out.
Vision and Direction
Denis Villeneuve's return to Arrakis in Dune: Part Two demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the source material. The film seamlessly builds upon the foundation laid in Part One, further immersing viewers in the intricate world of Herbert's creation. However, this unwavering commitment to following the novel's events in several instances hurts Villenueve's direction.
While Villenueve's vision remains singular, there's a nagging sense that I'm missing out on vital information. Key plot points unfold just beyond the frame, leaving unanswered questions for viewers who haven't read the novel. This creates a fascinating tension—the film is visually stunning and thematically grounded yet requires the audience to have a working knowledge of the book to grasp its narrative fully.
This tension extends to the film's adaptation of the source material. Here, Villenueve's love for the novel shines through. He meticulously translates events from the book, prioritizing accuracy over streamlining the narrative. Purists will undoubtedly appreciate this faithfulness, but the film's density might prove overwhelming for newcomers to Dune.
Interestingly, the world-building goes beyond replicating the novel. Part Two expands the narrative scope, delving into storylines featuring the Emperor, Feyd-Rautha, and Princess Irulan. These additions enrich the tapestry of Dune, hinting at the complex political machinations at play.
The film's expansive scope impacts Paul's character development, prioritizing world-building over a fully fleshed-out protagonist. Nonetheless, Dune: Part Two remains a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
Performances and Characters
While Dune: Part Two presents complex character dynamics and internal struggles, some characters, such as Lady Jessica, could benefit from more depth and development.
Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides delivers a transformative performance. He sheds the youthful innocence of Part One, gradually being pulled further into a more ruthless leader. This portrayal may leave some viewers questioning Paul's allegiances, creating a compelling conversation for the audience to have post-viewing.
While the film condenses Paul's arc to maintain its scope, Chalamet delivers a nuanced performance that captures his internal conflict and growing ruthlessness. A scene hinting at Paul's struggle, similar to when he confronts his Bene Gesserit training in the book, would have further enriched his character development.
Rebecca Ferguson's portrayal of Lady Jessica is reminiscent of her performance as Rose the Hat in Doctor Sleep. There are points where she's legitimately terrifying every time she appears onscreen. At the same time, as much as I like her characterization, I wish she was given more screen time, as she seems to have no internal struggles or outward conflict. Maybe we'll see more in the third film, but for now, she's one-note.
Zendaya's expanded role as Chani captivates audiences, infusing vitality into her character and forging a genuine connection with viewers.
The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Josh Brolin's Gurney Halleck returns and feels more like a plot device to pressure Paul than an actual character. Javier Bardem's Stilgar, on the other hand, is much more humorous this time. He frequently acts as Paul's hype man, repeating proclamations of "as it was written." Characters like Gurney Halleck and Lady Jessica have rich backstories explored in the novels. While their portrayals are strong, hinting at these narratives could add depth to the film.
The newcomers bring a fresh energy to the narrative. Christopher Walken delivers a chilling performance as the Emperor, subverting my expectations that he'd play the Emperor as one with humor and a subtle yet terrifying portrayal. Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha is a delightfully psychotic counterpoint to Paul, offering a glimpse into the twisted nature of the Harkonnens. Florence Pugh's Princess Irulan is intriguing, with her interludes hinting at a more significant role in the future. While these characters don't drastically alter the plot, their performances add depth, intrigue, and color to the world-building.
Through intricate character arcs, Dune: Part Two delves into themes of loyalty, power, and destiny, prompting audiences to reevaluate notions of heroism.
Spectacle, Surprise, and Source Material
From the heart-pounding sandworm rides to the meticulously choreographed hand-to-hand combat, Dune: Part Two's action sequences captivate audiences with their sheer scale and intensity. From massive sandworm rides to intricate hand-to-hand combat, they exceed expectations in scale and brutality while remaining firmly grounded in the film's narrative. Hans Zimmer's score perfectly complements these scenes, heightening the tension and amplifying the visual impact.
The film's visual effects are equally impressive. Every detail, from the sand's texture to the terrifying maw of a sandworm, feels tangible and believable. The VFX teams continue to excel, creating an alien and strangely familiar world.
Dune: Part Two also introduces a significant plot twist that deviates from the novel and all previous adaptations. While avoiding spoilers, this twist can potentially alter the story's trajectory significantly. This bold choice will spark discussion amongst fans, and it will be interesting to see how it changes things in future installments.
However, Villeneuve's commitment to the source material presents strengths and challenges for the film. While it allows for a faithful adaptation that will please fans of the book, it also creates moments that feel inaccessible to viewers unfamiliar with the novel. The film assumes a certain level of prior knowledge, potentially hindering the overall accessibility of the narrative.
Narrative and Themes
Dune: Part Two prioritizes a deep exploration of complex themes over a perfectly paced narrative. While this can lead to some uneven stretches, particularly when compared to the coming-of-age focus of Part One, the thematic richness ultimately rewards patient viewers.
Dune: Part Two's exploration of dictatorship highlights the complexities of power dynamics, inviting viewers to ponder the ethical implications of authoritarian rule in both fictional and real-world contexts. This theme resonates strongly in our current political climate, prompting viewers to contemplate the burdens of leadership and the seductive nature of absolute control.
Another central theme is the power of religious devotion. The Fremen's unwavering faith in Paul as their messiah is a driving force in the narrative. The film explores the positive aspects of this devotion, such as fostering a sense of community and purpose, but also hints at the potential dangers of blind faith and fanaticism.
This shift in focus from a coming-of-age story to a more mature exploration of political intrigue and religious fervor might initially disorient some viewers accustomed to Part One's approach. However, the film's thematic depth ultimately strengthens its overall impact, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Legacy
Dune: Part Two cements its place as a visually groundbreaking addition to the sci-fi genre, the seductive allure of power and the dangers of fanaticism, offering a cautionary tale that resonates in our current political climate.
Although Dune: Part Two faithfully adapts key elements from the source material, occasional pacing issues may hinder its accessibility to new viewers.
As discussed earlier, the film incorporates a significant plot twist that deviates from the novel. This change injects a sense of surprise and alters the narrative trajectory. Whether this works for viewers depends on their preferences. Some might appreciate the fresh twist, while others might find it disrupts the established story.
While the film doesn't necessarily offer a wholly unique thematic perspective, it does explore relevant issues through a compelling lens. The dangers of dictatorship, the power of religious devotion, and the burden of leadership resonate strongly in today's world. The film invites viewers to contemplate these themes within the context of its fantastical setting.
The ending of Dune: Part Two is undeniably satisfying, providing a sense of closure while leaving the door open for future installments. The film's multiple endings create a sense of anticipation, leaving me eager to see where Paul's journey takes him next. However, this approach left me feeling disoriented every time they occurred, unsure if the credits would roll or if it was a stopping point.
While some viewers may be captivated by Dune: Part Two's stunning visuals and thematic depth, others might feel constrained by its strict adherence to the source material. Its adherence to the source material, uneven pacing, and bold plot choices might be divisive among viewers. However, its place as a significant addition to the modern sci-fi landscape is undeniable. The film leaves audiences enthralled and eager to see what the future holds for Arrakis and Paul Atreides.
Wrap-up
In conclusion, Dune: Part Two delivers a visually stunning and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It further expands upon the rich universe established in Part One while presenting some challenges. Its significance in modern sci-fi remains undeniable.
★ ★ ★ ★
Dune: Part Two is now available to rent or purchase digitally or physically and will stream on Max starting May 21st.
After exploring the intricate world of Dune: Part Two, dive deeper into the film's themes, characters, and insights with my podcast discussion featuring Ayla Ruby. Join us as we dissect the movie's most compelling moments and share our thoughts on its significance in modern sci-fi. Listen to the full episode here, and don't forget to subscribe for more in-depth discussions on your favorite films.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on Dune: Part Two. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section!
Until next time!
