By Vasili Aggelis
The anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune has finally arrived! Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part One covers the first half of the iconic novel. Due to its international box office success, Dune: Part Two has been approved by Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment.
When his family is sent to Arrakis by orders of the Emperor, Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, finds himself on the most dangerous planet in the galaxy. Only on Arrakis, also known as “Dune”, the most precious and exclusive commodity exists: spice. This material enhances human abilities, explaining its importance. Conflict over this invaluable resource erupts between House Atreides and House Harkonnen, leaving Paul no other choice but to conquer his fears and survive.
The cinematography of Dune is exquisite, making it one of the most visually-stunning movies ever released. A majority of Dune was filmed in real-world locations, such as the deserts of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. This aspect provides a side of nature to the movie, all while taking the viewer to a mysterious and extraordinary world. The special effects seen in Dune are fantastic, providing a sense of scale and fantasy to the movie. These characteristics separate Dune from the standard, sci-fi blockbuster.
The score of Dune, composed by the Oscar-winning Hans Zimmer, contributes to the beauty
of Dune. Zimmer, best known for his work in The Lion King and Gladiator, has composed a score that must be experienced in theaters. The music does an excellent job at providing viewers with the sounds of Arrakis, as well as reflecting the emotions of the characters and the mood of the movie.
Timothée Chalamet does an excellent job of portraying Paul Atreides, the young man with a great destiny he does not yet comprehend. Chalamet is supported by Oscar Isaac, who plays Leto Atreides, the ruler of House Atreides and Paul Atreidis’ father. Isaac’s performance displays Leto’s predicament. Due to his excellent morals, Leto Atreides accepts the job of traveling to Arrakis. By doing this, he puts his life, as well as his family’s life, in danger. Jessica, Paul’s mother, is portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson. To overcome all odds and survive on Arrakis, Jessica and Paul must trust others, as well as in one another. Strong performances from Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, and Stellan Skarsgård elevate the movie.
In all honesty, this is one of the best movies I have ever seen! This is an excellent movie to be experienced in theaters. If you are unable to go, or if you do not have the time, HBO Max is another great and easy way to watch. When Dune: Part Two is released in the October of 2023, you can count on me to write a review. As Chani said, “This is only the beginning.”
