Dune (2021) *****

 

I'm having visions of the future, visions of Oscar gold for Denis Villeneuve's “Dune.” I'm predicting Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, and so many technical awards that the next Oscars is liable to get a bit monotonous. “Dune” is simply the most beautifully-filmed, most gripping, new movie I have seen in ages.

Most people are at least vaguely familiar with the existence of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel, Dune, the first book in what is one of the most popular and influential sci-fi series of all time. In 1984, director David Lynch took a stab at adapting the story to film. The result was cheesy, stilted, campy, unintentionally funny, and actually kind of awesome in a cult-classic kind of way. It was not even close to worthy of the novel. And so, fans waited. The Sci-Fi Channel aired a 3-part Dune Miniseries in 2000, which was successful by Sci-Fi Channel standards, but it didn't leave any lasting impression in the desert sands. Now, director Denis Villeneuve ("Blade Runner 2049") has given us the Dune adaptation we have been waiting for.

Timothee Chalamet plays Paul Atreides, son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), who rules over the planet Caladan. Across the way a bit, Leto's sworn enemy, Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) controls the planet Arrakis, a dry, desert world that is valuable for one thing, Spice. Within the sands of Arrakis is an addictive substance that extends life in small doses. In larger doses, Spice enhances clairvoyance in some, allowing starship pilots to navigate the galaxy at warp speeds. Spice makes interstellar travel possible, making it the most valuable substance in the universe. The Harkonnens have become obscenely rich from Spice mining, but now, the galactic Emperor has decided to transfer Arrakis and its riches to the Atreides family. It is a perilous gift for Duke Leto, as it means uprooting his House from their Caladan stronghold. Meanwhile, Paul is coming of age and coming into the powers taught him by his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). Jessica is a member of the Bene Gesserit, a guild of women with such refined mental powers that they are essentially witches.

“Dune” is successful in part because it is forward-looking and old-fashioned at once. Democracy is apparently a flash in the pan, and future worlds are run by a familiar-looking, feudal aristocracy. Technology has created personal shields that render bullets useless, as the shield can only be defeated by the slow, steady pressure of a blade. Combat in this world is mainly hand-to-hand fighting with swords and knives.

Forewarning to the uninitiated: “Dune,” despite its swashbuckling ways, is not “Star Wars.” This is considerably darker sci-fi, and some might call it bleak.

But I'm telling you things that you will learn soon enough by watching the film, and you absolutely must! It's been a while since I saw a new movie that didn't disappoint me in some way, but “Dune” is just perfect. The screenplay honors the book without trying to stick with the source novel so much as to become plodding. The cast represents an impressive collection of talent, including Skarsgard, Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jason Momoa. I admit to being skeptical about Timothee Chalamet. He has such a punchable face that I couldn't imagine him as the hero, but I have to admit that he is the perfect Paul Atreides. The music and cinematography also deserve special mention. “Dune” is truly a feast for the eyes and the ears. You will want to watch this on the big screen or on a good, high-definition TV. This is not one to watch on your phone.

Dune, the novel, is cool and fun, full of philosophy and swashbuckling adventure. “Dune,” the movie, skimps on the philosophy in favor of keeping the story going, which is clearly necessary given how much story there is. Even with a 2 ½ hour run-time (which feels much shorter), “Dune” only covers the first half of the book. Believe it or not, the studio only committed to this first movie, but given how well this turned out, it is hard to imagine that Villeneuve will not get to make the second half. I can't wait!

5 stars out of 5