Movie that brings back a particular memory
So here is the thing, I downloaded Dune last year, watched it for like 15 minutes, and then went to sleep. Now, recently, I came across a snap which mentioned that Dune's new trailer is out. It is time to rewatch the previous two movies. I was like I have not finished the first one. Fun part is: I still had the movie stored in my mobile. So, this is the reason behind me choosing Dune for the contest, organized by Srobble creator and @wiseagent.
Dreams are messages from the deep.
Dune, if you ask me, is a type of movie which transport you into another world. Wish I had seen it in the cinema. Some google searches: directed by Denis Villeneuve, and to my surprise, based on Frank Herbet's novel.
This movie is way different from other sci-fiction blockbusters. It is not filled with nonstop action and punchy-lines. Like it genuinely demands patience, attention and some weird imagination. In return, it offers one of the most impressive cinematic experiences. I would be lying, if I say it is perfect, but after so long I loved a movie this much.
Summary
(There might be spoilers)
So at its core, Dune follows our protagonist and their Messiah/Mehdi/Lisan al-Gaib. He is the son of Duke Leto, whose family is assigned, by the emperor, to govern Arrakis. The only planet where the priceless "spice" exists. And, to my surprise, it does not take long before betrayal strikes. House Harkonnen, backed by the same emperor, launches a devastating, but visually wow, attack that destroys House Atreides. Paul's father dies, and he along with his mother Jessica escape into the unforgiving desert. Ultimately, after struggling their way through, they meet the mysterious Fremen.
Themes
The film does not rush from one action scene to another. Instead, it slowly introduces the themes: politics, religions, cultures, greed and power struggles. Judging by the modern taste, some may find it painfully slow. If one is expecting 'Star Wars' or 'Guardians of the Galaxy', this movie might test your patience. But for me, every conversation and every quiet moment added another layer of ambiguity. Even, I am still confused about few things, which I will search after this review. Because, I do not want my words to be influenced by others opinion.
Ending
The ending, however, is the biggest plot. Just when the story feels like it is reaching its peak, the film ends with Paul joining the Fremen after defeating one of them in a duel. Usually, movies have half time of this much larger story. Well, nothing to worry about, because for being late, I have already downloaded the second part.
Characters and Performances
Timothee Chalamet delivers a convincing performance as Paul. Instead of being an instant hero, born with infinite powers, he plays a young man burdened by terrifying visions and dreams. Then there is overwhelming pressure on him with everyone's expectations. The most beloving part about the protagonist is - the character transformation. From being ambiguous to visionary. He has already come a long way.
Chani, played by Zendaya, is a Fremen warrior whose presence hints at her crucial role in Paul's destiny. However, her role is limited in the first part.
Rebecca Ferguson, I remember her from Mission Impossible, is arguably the standout performer. As Lady Jessica, she balances strength, intelligence, fear (the most dominant) and motherhood in a way that makes her one of the film's most compelling characters. As she plays a greater role in Paul's transformation.
Then there is Baron Harkonnen, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgard. He creeps me out, what nasty things he is involved with. If I were to choose my Lord, I am choosing death over him. So yeah, the character is portrayed perfectly, as I am creeping out in reality.
One criticism I would like to share is that several talented actors are underused. Characters like Kynes deserved more development. Perhaps the film was already lengthy so they had to do it.
Cinematography and Technology
This is where Dune truly becomes extraordinary.
Every frame is extraordinary. The endless deserts of Arrakis, the strnage spacecraft, the architecture and especially the sandworms create a world that feels ancient, mysterious and believable. Storm reminds me HP Lovecraft's story
Sound tracks also deserve an appreciation. The haunting, unsettling and creepy vocal sounds make Arrakis feel both beautiful and dangerous. Dune without its soundtrack would mean nothing.
Final Thoughts
As said earlier, Dune refuses to spoon feed the audience as a child. It does not give any simplified ideas. The comprehension depends on the viewers wisdomic approach; it trusts viewers to absorb unfimiliar terms, strangest names and technology, political conflicts and religous symbolism without constant explanations. For this, they really deserve respect. Because, in an era where many blockbusters feel afraid to challenge their audience.
If I relate the movie with the modern world. It explores many themes. It questions power, destiny, colonialism, importance of water, environmental responsibility and the danger of blindly following a chosen leader. Like Fermans, although acknowledging him, still doubt him. I find the term "spices" as funny as possible.The ordinary name with extraordinary powers (which I have to discover), making the world feel both familiar and alien.
Remember, this movie is deep enough to drwon, if one look's deeper into it. At the surface level, it is just a boring cinematography.
In the end, if you are looking for constant explosions and fast paced entertainment, Dune is not your taste. But if you are willing to lose yourself in a carefully crafter universe where politics, philosophy and survival matters as much as action, then Dune is one of the finest.
One thing is for sure, I am buying good cinema tickets for the third part.
For now I need to watch the second part, then I have lots of questions to look upon. First and most important is - Messiah Complex. I will explore it with Nietzsche's Ubermensch, but it is a story for another day.
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Peace
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Images Source
The prizes are 350 HIVE and 50K ECENCY POINTS. The deadline to participate is July 15.
Rating: 85/100
