Film Review: Dune
Images Courtesy of Warner Bros.
Dune is without a doubt dripping with hype, even after a full-length leak hit the internet over a month before the film’s cinematic debut... With starts like Zendaya, Timothy Chalamet, Dave Bautista, Oscar Isaac, and more; the posters create nostalgia for old school Star Wars when the term ‘Space Opera’ was the only accurate description.
Dune is a spectacle to behold, both in narrative and visuals. Not since Blade Runner 2049, a film also directed by Dune’s Denis Villeneuve, have I seen such attention to detail, budget, and cast collide to create a truly gripping reason to actually get down to a cinema and buy some popcorn. Dune was made for IMAX, literally… The aspect ratios of Dune take maximum advantage of a giant screen, literally expanding to show audiences an extra 15% of the film. The sound is also only truly realised in a cinema.
Hans Zimmer is an incredible musician, known for his contributions to countless screen classics, reuniting with Villeneuve for the first time since the already noted Blade Runner 2049. With Dune, Zimmer has netted another classic with some of the most intense orchestral swells, elevating the sparse choir used in only the most mesmerising scenes of the movie.
You will not be taken back by such gripping immersion again for a very long time. Dune has earned its spot as 2021’s most anticipated movie.
See, a lot of Dune is dedicated to world building – the lost art of suspense and anticipation. It’s the definition of ‘slow-burn’, but in the best of ways. The ending comes out of nowhere, but again, it’s the definition of a cliff-hanger. Literally everything about Dune reeks of a master filmmaker honing their craft.
And with however many words I have left for this review, let’s talk about characters… boy, this movie has a perfect cast, huh fellas? I’ve already mentioned them in the first paragraph, but it’s truly worth noting that this cast is incredible. Dune himself is an awesomely intimidating fat man, reminiscent of a self-righteously suspect Winston Churchill. Duke Leto is the self-sacrificing king we all need, and you know… Look, just see the movie for yourself – preferably in IMAX – to finish this round of applause for the cast… You’ll find yourself thinking exactly what I’m thinking as I try to summarise this ensemble.
Long story short: Dune has achieved the rare feat of outliving the hype. This is a movie that will be enjoyed for a long time to come.
Images Courtesy of Warner Bros.
Dune is showing in cinemas from Thursday 2nd December.