Has Denis Villeneuve broken the curse? Frank Herbert’s novel ‘Dune’ was earlier made into a movie in 1984 by one of the greatest filmmakers of our time David Lynch and it was a disaster. Some even called it the biggest disappointment or the Stinker of 1984.
Even before Lynch, several other filmmakers tried to make Dune into a movie. Salvador Dali was also the cast to play the emperor for a whooping 100,000$ hourly fee when filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky tried and ultimately failed to adapt the 1965 sci-fi novel. Even Riddley Scott at once point was working on its adaptation but that also got shelved.
Finally, in 2021 Denis Villeneuve released his version of the film, and it is visually breathtaking. The number of big names involved in the film made it a risky deal. Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, so many big names, so many famous actors and bigger the risk.
‘Dune’ 2021 is the first half of Herbert’s 400 pages book. Mainly introduction of characters, which is a bit difficult to keep track of but it eventually grows on you. The story starts with Paul Atreides and his royal family who are ruling Arrakis with the help of Padishah Emperor but then are betrayed by the Emperor himself and House Harkonnen. Paul and his mother Lady Jessica then learn to survive in the unforgiving desert, where they meet Nomadic Fremen.
Dune is a visual masterpiece. Villeneuve is no doubt the master of his art and is known for making visually breathtaking films. He has been nominated for Oscars for Arrival in 2016 and BAFTA for Blade Runner 2049 in 2017. Both the movies are visually stunning and with Dune he takes this one step forward. The grandeurs, art direction, costumes, visual effects, the deserts the fireworks and explosions, everything looks stunning. Some of the most amazing scenes are of the powerful and gigantic Shai-Hulud sandworms.
One more person who added his brilliance to the film is none other than Hans Zimmer, the man with 9 Oscar nominations and 1 win. This film is also driven by Hans Zimmer’s music and the background scores add to the emotions of the film.
Dune has its flaws since it is just the starting of the story. There is a lot of characters getting introduced and we don’t get to go much in detail. Even with strong visuals and music by legendary Hans Zimmer, Dune has its weak spots in narration. Even then the movie leaves you wanting for more. The film builds up perfectly for the sequel and the audience is eagerly waiting for it.