Dune: Part Two

Great movies captivate from start to finish. A promising beginning sets an engaging tone, and an impressive ending ensures a fulfilling effort. Conversely, a movie that starts strong but fizzles out ends up being a lackluster endeavor. However, a film that initially struggles but concludes powerfully can still be rewarding. Such is the experience of Dune: Part Two.

So, full disclosure: I had mixed feelings about the first installment. Dune: Part One was a visually arresting work of art, but emotionally, it held the viewer at bay, creating a sense of detachment. The individuals were chilly and distant representations of good and evil. Furthermore, It presented a dreary and dull narrative without a proper ending — a visually arresting prologue that simply existed as a prelude. Nevertheless, despite my misgivings, I still recommend you suffer through that ordeal because it lays the required foundation for this superior production.

Dune: Part Two is a redemption. The chronicle builds on the basis of that story, draws out distant personalities that were hard to connect with, and makes them come alive. The central conflict of Dune revolves around the struggle for control over the desert planet Arrakis, its valuable resource, spice, and the destiny of its people called the Fremen. As the account progresses, the urgency of that conceit becomes so much more captivating. The people grow and evolve with each other, deepening their relationships. As they confront internal disputes, they adapt to the changing dynamics of power, which expands on the history of these characters within the saga.

Timothée Chalamet is back in the role of Paul Atreides, a messianic figure known as Muad’Dib to the Fremen. It’s been a while since a true box-office blockbuster graced the multiplex. The last was Wonka, which also starred Chalamet, back in December. These recent hits are a testament to his current success. The actor is having a moment. Paul learns the Fremen ways and bonds with Chani in particular. Actress Zendaya was merely a mysterious woman in Paul’s visions before, but here, she becomes a full-fledged individual of hope and love. The way her face emotionally conveys the shifting changes in her life is masterful.

Other returning characters shine more brightly this time around too. Paul faces off against House Harkonnen and, specifically, the wicked Baron Vladimir (Stellan Skarsgård), who seeks to dominate Arrakis. Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson, is a wise sage of the Bene Gesserit. Her role becomes much more important as it takes on religious overtones as a chief figure in the Fremen’s eschatological beliefs. Meanwhile, Javier Bardem makes Stilgar, a Freemen tribal leader, much more compelling. Here, he transitions from a cautious guardian to a supportive mentor for Paul.

The new additions to Dune’s expansive universe are also noteworthy. As the ambiguous Emperor Shaddam IV, Christopher Walken is the commanding personification of an insidious leader. Shaddam continues to employ Machiavellian tactics to maintain control over his vast empire. Florence Pugh is Princess Irulan, the Emperor’s daughter. Her capricious motivations are driven by a duty to secure her family’s heritage.

However, the most notable addition is Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, portrayed with sneering gusto by Austin Butler. He is a merciless cutthroat — quite literally — so don’t stand too close when he’s holding a knife. As Baron Vladimir Harkonnen’s youngest nephew, he is heir to his Uncle’s House. The actor’s presence commands attention with a mixture of unease and apprehension. Ruthless ambition and treachery define the Harkonnen legacy. His demeanor evokes a palpable dread. He is terrifying but also mesmerizing. I enjoyed every scene in which he was featured.

This film epitomizes a majestic scope I rarely see nowadays. Many scenes stand out, but the introduction of Feyd-Rautha is one for the ages. It’s a gladiator sequence set on the Harkonnen planet Giedi Prime. The entire planet is drenched under the Black Sun, which makes the colors of its environment vastly different from the other worlds shown in the movie. For me, the entire sequence, shot in stark black and white, oddly recalls Mark Romanek’s iconic video for Michael Jackson’s Scream. That could be my Gen X sensibility coming through. Surrounded by a backdrop of thousands of cheering fans, a gladiator showdown gains a sleek and futuristic aesthetic. The monochromatic color scheme enhances its impact, allowing the visuals to take center stage.

Director Denis Villeneuve delivers a smashing finish by pushing cinematic boundaries with a sweeping grandeur. Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure with action-packed sequences that deliver thrills, from guerrilla warfare of the Fremen against the Harkonnens and their Sardaukar forces to watching the desert-dwelling people fearlessly ride sandworms that engulf anything caught in their path to a confrontation pitting Paul and Feyd-Rautha that will leave you agog. But Villeneuve doesn’t do it alone. Greig Fraser’s cinematography vividly captures the panoramic landscapes of Arrakis and the intense conflicts between the Fremen and Harkonnen, elevating the story to sci-fi greatness. Simultaneously, the giant boom of Hans Zimmer’s score dazzles yet again. His unique compositions enrich the film’s scope and purpose.

Dune: Part Two is a monumental achievement in contemporary cinema, seamlessly merging spectacle with substance. Villeneuve elevates the profound themes that have made author Frank Herbert’s work timeless. By highlighting Paul’s messianic journey, the director peels back the layers of complexity to reveal the inner turmoil of the Fremen and the delicate balance between power and spirituality. As the credits roll, Villeneuve leaves audiences spellbound and hungry for more. With anticipation reaching a fever pitch, I can only echo the same sentiment of one moviegoer who shouted out in my theater, “Bring on “Dune: Messiah!”

02-29-24