Film Review: "Dune: Part Two"

Power over spice is power over all.

The Godfather Part Ⅱ, The Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and The Dark Knight are sequels that perfectly matched or even surpassed their predecessors. Dune: Part Two can join this elite club. This movie is a great, high-flying way to kick off 2024. You will want to purchase a sandworm-designed popcorn bucket before this euphoric viewing experience.

This review contains links with some spoilers for Dune: Part Two in order to discuss the film. 

Most of the credit must be given to its director, Denis Villeneuve. He takes us on the epic journey without losing or confusing us. Frank Herbert's Dune is written in a way that would make any director lose sleep and have headaches over storyboard ideas. As a case in point, David Lynch attempted to film his take on this timeless science-fiction tale back in 1984, and—well—it was not one of the better films released that year. Although this misfire of a movie became a cult film over time, the eccentric filmmaker himself admitted that he does not like talking about his adaptation to this very day.

On the other hand, Villeneuve made the impossible possible twice in a row. I was nervous going into Dune: Part One back in 2021 because I was not sure which direction the filming crew and cast would go, and its director managed to exceed my expectations. With Dune: Part Two, the French-Canadian auteur hit a home run. In fact, you can still enjoy both of these movies without having read the book.

Now, please do not avoid reading and learning more about Dune; taking the time to read them will give you a more rewarding context to Villeneuve's interpretation of this 1965 novel. Some bibliophiles might scold me for not mentioning this friendly reminder. I confess that I haven't read the original source material, but, after a few failed attempts, I will—one day—successfully read the Dune series. 

What makes Denis Villeneuve a seminal director is how he can naturally bounce back and forth between being cerebral and being visceral without coming across as gimmicky. He has the discipline of Christopher Nolan, the sense of adventure of Steven Spielberg, and the curiosity of German auteur, Wim Wenders. That is why I can feel the gravity of the intergalactic conflicts over the highly valued, empowering spice melange and care about the main characters in this cyberpunk feudal system. The director of Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival does not shy away from challenges he deems worthy of bringing to the big screen. He does not perceive artistic risks as detrimental to his career because he understands the absolute necessity for blockbuster stories that might not always fit the typical Hollywood mold.

The whole cast boasts notable talent and keeps the momentum set by its gifted filmmaker going. Veteran character actors like Christopher Walken (as Emperor Shaddam Ⅳ) and Stellan Skarsgård (as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen) fit right into this sweeping fantasy about the pursuit of power, but their cryptic reputations provide an overcast over all the erupted warfare. The sense of inevitable change only makes them cling onto their power trip even more. Skarsgård's role as the Baron cannot help but remind me of the murky cynicism enshrouding Marlon Brando's Colonel Walter E. Kurtz in the 1979 film about the Vietnam War, Apocalypse Now. The same can be said for the small but mysterious roles of both Florence Pugh, who portrays Princess Irulan, the Emperor's daughter, and Léa Seydoux as the calculating Lady Margot Fenring.

I especially want to give credit to a few of the other younger stars. They shined bright and will hopefully carry more great films on their backs down the road. Such a committed cast breathes more life into the muted colors seen in the endless deserts, deep canyons, and engulfing fortresses, especially when the heroes' eyes illuminate with a stern, ethereal blueness. By the way, there is also a surprise cameo from a special, prophesied character that I will not spoil for you here. 

Alongside Villeneuve's guidance, the other man of the hour is Timothée Chalamet as the messiah-like protagonist, Paul Atreides. His cool demeanor does not distract us from his commitment to protecting and preserving the whole universe. He was good in Part One, but he is better in Part Two. His emotional range improves and makes us take his mission more seriously. It is satisfying to watch him overcome many challenges even though you and he both know there are more to come. 

For instance, you will cheer and clap when he successfully rides the biggest and most intimidating sandworm on the planet or when he patriotically declares right before battle to his Fremen allies, "Long live the fighters!" His understanding of that responsibility sharpens his acting. Although this young man realizes and embraces his role as the long-awaited Lisan al Gaib, he still attributes his obtained wisdom and fortitude to his mother, Lady Jessica, who is portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson. Chalamet brings more bravado to his role during scenes like these compared to Kyle MacLachlan's well-meaning but hollow portrayal of Paul Atreides in the 1984 version. Over time, Chalamet will probably become the next Leonardo DiCaprio; perhaps the DiCaprio of Generation Z.

I cannot leave out Zendaya as Chani, another fierce warrior who stands by the people she trusts—especially her fellow Fremen. While she had very little screen time in Part One, she brings rhythm and flow to her archetypal purpose and everyone else around her. Good acting should spread to the other cast members. The Euphoria star's acting brings more depth to her character's relationship with Paul Atreides. Her uncertain future leaves you wanting to learn more about what will unfold in the next chapter. 

Austin Butler also stands out as the completely bald (including no eyebrows) antagonist, bloodthirsty for dominion, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. He is the type of villain that you love to hate. His condescension toward his enemies, and even his family and fighting style, stay with you after the film is over. I can tell that Butler went method for the well-choreographed blade duels and his arrogant taunts. However, he does not overdo it with the method acting like he did in Baz Luhrmann's messy rock and roll biopic, Elvis.

This is the secret ingredient to Dune: Part Two's overwhelming success: clarity. Nothing feels too muddied, or in this case, buried in sand. I can tell that the lack of focus was not a problem because of how careful and decisive the camerawork is. The wide shots of the desert-like planet do not consume the important close-ups of the characters' faces and hands when they're conversing, problem-solving, or fighting. The aerial shots of the sword combats between the noble Fremen tribe and the elite, merciless Sardaukar soldiers are some of my favorite scenes in the whole movie. Towards the finale before Paul Atreides vs. Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, additional aerial shots of fighter aircrafts firing upon enemy territory is exhilarating to watch too. The careful coordination between all these frames helps us learn more about what the galaxy will be like in the year 10191.

Although March is typically a slow month for stellar box office performances, Dune: Part Two hit the ground running during its first week in theaters. Please be intentional about seeing the latest sci-fi extravaganza on the silver screen before it starts streaming. You will thank me later. I left this movie much more elated than I anticipated. 

In the meantime, check out a copy of one of the many Dune novels or the Dune board game from one of the many members of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative, including all Birmingham Public Library locations. You will feel like you are living off the coveted melange spice once you start reading all of these books.

By William Anthony | Librarian Ⅰ, Citizen Services