Movie Review: DUNE Part 1

By: Alana Soukkhasem

Dune, the recently released film on October 22, 2021, is the first planned for part two adaption of the 1965 eponymous novel by Frank Herbert. Directed by Denis Villenueve, with a screenplay by Jon Spaihts, Villeneuve, and Eric Roth.

The main character Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and his family headed to war for Arrakis. Arrakis is the most by far dangerous planet set in this film and displays a brief history told by Chani (Zendaya) who is the woman of Atreides “dreams.” Featuring Atreides, we gain personal insight into the Dune universe.

The movie takes time on focusing character development and exposition, it’s satisfying to see a film allowing backstories to be merged into the dialogue instead of countless whispered narratives.

Since the source takes in so much depth and information, people have to take it all in for the plot. Extended to be interesting as well, the communications through the key elements are put out important for the audience to understand the journey of these characters.

The use of CGI helps portray the production design and lighting get atmospherically beautiful too and it’s begging for a big tv screen. The interior of their homes, ships, cities, and where the characters step underground create an outstood landscape that looks amazing. The art department outdid themselves.

On the behalf of the characters, I think their feelings were left out because the audience was made to interpret that from their inner monologue alone. There’s just a lot of heavy notes on building and expansion that sometimes the story feels dense.

Aside from the nice contact dialogue, there is also an intake throughout the movie that I think is supposed to give the audience a feeling of appeal, but in reality, it interferes with the character’s dialogue that doesn’t fit a certain point of charisma.

I know the movie must be following the context in the book without losing the taste of a quality film, but when reading a book those feelings and dialogue must be poured into a visual display. Though I’ll give it credit because it is considered quite a cold twist, I think the readers of this adaptation have met their expectations.

Overall about being “at the moment.” The stunning soundtrack, designs, and aura reveal new life in Dune. The atmosphere in this film is just beautifully done for a watch and I suggest that those who want to read the book can look for guidance on Dune or read the appendix.

Next to come, a long wait for part two of Dune releasing in 2023.