“Dune Part 1” introduces us to a world set in the far future of humanity where faster than light travel is possible and almost all planets are colonized.
In this universe, Noble families vie for control over the desert planet of Arrakis, the only source of the universe’s most valuable substance, “spice.”
The significance of spice, formally known as “melange” is mentioned various times in the films, acting as not only just a material resource but also a source for exploring themes of power, addiction, and the intricate connections between the environment, economy and society.
The story follows Paul Atreides, a young nobleman whose family, the House Atreides, ruler of the ocean planet Caladan, is given control of Arrakis.
As they arrive on the planet, they face political intrigue and sabotage from their enemies, particularly House Harkonnen, who previously ruled Arrakis.
Paul struggles with his destiny, experiencing prophetic dreams and grappling with his identity.
In addition to themes of power and ecology, the film explores the influence of prophecy, culminating in a violent conflict as Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) , navigate betrayal from their own house, and seek refuge with the native people of Arrakis, also known as “The Fremen”.
The film ends with hints of Paul’s potential as a leader and prophet, setting the stage for his journey in the upcoming continuation.
Villeneuve’s approach to the material garnered praise for its ambition and visual storytelling, setting a new standard for science fiction epics on screen.
“Dune: Part 2” continues the story of Paul Atreides in the vast desert of Arrakis.
In this film, Paul and Lady Jessica, have been taken in by the Fremen, the native people of the desert planet Arrakis.
Paul is recognized as a prophesied figure, and embraces his new identity while training with the Fremen, learning the ways of living in the difficult conditions of the desert and eventually earns their respect and trust.
This film focuses much more on the connection between Paul and the Fremen, and how his physical and psychological abilities grow due to his exposure to “spice”.
After the tragic events of the previous film, Paul seeks vengeance against House Harkonnen and its ruler, also known as “The Baron” (Stellan Skarsgard) and the Emperor (Christopher Walken).
Paul, along with his love interest, Chani (Zendaya) and his mother, Jessica leads a revolution against the oppressive regime of the Harkonnens.
As Paul’s destiny unfolds, he faces moral and strategic dilemmas about the future of Arrakis and its people. His choices will shape the planet’s future and determine whether he becomes a savior or a tyrant.
The ending sets the stage for potential further developments, aligning with the broader themes of Herbert’s “Dune” series.
Villeneuve’s Mastery in Visualizing Herbert’s Complex World
Furthermore, in this movie, Denis Villeneuve’s direction continues to impress with its extraordinary visuals and special effects. The movie manages to capture the atmosphere and ecology of the environment and builds on the stunning desert landscapes and intricate set designs established in “Dune: Part One.”
According to critics, the use of practical effects, coupled with CGI, enhances the immersive experience of Arrakis. Specifically, the sandworms, or Shai-Hulud, which are enormous, terrifying creatures native to Arrakis have been brought to life using a blend of CGI and practical effects used in close-up shots. This creative choice makes the creatures’ movements look realistic and fluid.
Much of the film was shot in locations such as Jordan and UAE to create an authentic desert environment. The epic scale and grandeur of the battles are visually striking, with cinematography that captures both the vastness of the desert and the intimate moments of character interactions.
Moreover, the film’s attention to detail when it comes to costume and production design also adds to the immersive experience that is watching both of the Dune movies.
The Fremens’ costume design is both aesthetically pleasing and offers many functional benefits in the context of the story.
The costumes are designed to conserve moisture in the arid environment of Arrakis, the stillsuit recycles sweat and bodily fluids to keep the wearer hydrated.
Above the practical effects the suits offer, the designers, Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan, were inspired by cultural and tribal influences, combining traditional desert attire with futuristic elements. The costumes also symbolize the resilience of the Fremen.
Another strong point of Villenueve’s “Dune: Part Two” is its faithfulness to Frank Herbert’s source material, capturing the complexity and richness of the novel’s world. The film’s ability to balance detailed world-building with character development is often praised.
However, with all of the strengths mentioned, there are a few critiques often made regarding the lack of enough development received by certain supporting characters.
For instance, characters like Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), while well-acted, might benefit from more screen time and background to deepen their impact on the story.
The film’s focus on epic battles and visual spectacle sometimes comes at the expense of deeper character exploration. Some critics have pointed out that certain character arcs might feel rushed or underdeveloped.
As of now, Dune: Part Two has won several awards, primarily in midseason and festival contexts. At the 2024 Astra Midseason Movie Awards, the film won Best Picture and Best Director for Denis Villeneuve. Additionally, Austin Butler received the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Feyd-Rautha.
Overall, Denis Villenueve’s “Dune: Part Two” has received many positive reviews from both critics and fans alike and is cherished for its achievements though it may need a certain amount of dedication from audiences to fully immerse themselves in its depth.
Watch: Dune part 2 trailer https://youtu.be/U2Qp5pL3ovA?si=LZpa4HMy254rntJz
