This may be a one time anomaly, when cinematography, sound, and acting override a basic story that’s been done (Star Wars) and done (Gladiator) and done (Avatar). But Dune, directed and written by Denis Villeneuve (who worked on Arrival, Sicario and Prisoners) with co-writers Joe Spaights and Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Mank, Star is Born) won me over with beauty and sound.
Mind you, I am noise sensitive, so the mere fact that this team could make the good vibrations and music out of a futuristic war flick is amazing.
The cinematography was pure next level magic. My friend, James, who saw it before me, was spot on when he said, ‘you’ll see something you’ve never seen before’. This was not hyperbole. Even the desert was special. And come on, when you can make sand look special, that’s saying something.
My ding on the story isn’t 100%. There were deep messages (thanks to the original author Frank Herbert) that resonated, mainly that you can’t fight your life, sometimes you need to let go and ride the tide…sorry for the corny analogies but ‘go with the flow’ doesn’t begin to channel the depth of Dune.
The jester in me wanted desperately to mock some of the uber seriousness of it all, hence ‘a story that’s been done before’.
The exceptional acting made this minor, however. Oscar Isaac who I’ve been bored to death with in other films, rises to the challenge in this role. I’m simply enchanted with Timothee Chalamet, the guy hits every movie out of the park. and Rebecca Ferguson can also make maudlin palatable. Josh Brolin and Javier Bardeem’s mere manly presence are always welcome.
The movie’s more than 2 hours long, but there was only one battle moment that I felt was superfluous.
I vote for this film to take a lot of art and sound related awards! Bravo!
Dune: This Isn’t Quick Sand, It’s DEEP!
