Dune - A Technical Marvel with a Surprising Soul to Match

For as long as I have known of Frank Herbert's science fiction novel, Dune, I had assumed and been told that it is the epitome of emotionless, logical, soulless* sci-fi. In large part, this seems to hold true in this supposedly faithful adaptation (I say supposedly because I have not read Dune nor had I exposed myself to any of the lore prior to my viewing of this film). The characters are calculated and contemplative throughout the two and a half hours of time spent in this world. The characters do not have the wit of the quipping Marvel-influenced characters that have largely populated blockbusters for most of the last decade.

Yet, despite these qualities often being perceived as negative by general audiences, this film has a significant amount of heart. From almost the very beginning, the film evokes very strong and visceral emotions in the viewer. The characters are likeable without needing to be comedians, the action is fun without needing to be lighthearted, and the story is engaging without needing to simplify itself. This is likely due, in large part, to the truly universal nature of Frank Herbert's original story. Early in the first act, Paul and Leto Atreides are discussing the future of their family (the parts of this scene I am referencing is shown in the trailer, so I don't count it as a spoiler). Paul is Doubting himself and his place as a future leader. Leto turns to his son and says, “A great man doesn’t seek to lead. He’s called to it. And he answers. And if your answer is no, you’ll still be the only thing I ever needed you to be. My son.” It is here, before either of these characters have been greatly established, that Dune first brought me to tears. This raw emotion comes from the very familiar feelings the film is able to draw. Anyone can relate to this kind of parent/child dynamic, whether it be a positive or negative relation.

Seeing the financial success of the first couple weeks after the release, accompanied with the general buzz surrounding this film that is heard both online and on the street, I am led to believe that this film has broken into mainstream pop culture, and is here to stay. I genuinely struggle to remember the last time a blockbuster film, that wasn't Marvel or Star Wars, drew this kind of attention. That fact alone puts a smile on my face and a gleam in my eye.

Aside from the delicately crafted characters and story that draw the viewer in today as much as they did readers in 1965, the film is also visually stunning. Repeatedly throughout the film I found my jaw on the floor simply from the beauty of the images I saw. The visuals, the editing, the sound design, the acting, the everything. It all works together in near perfect harmony. My only real complaints are that I am not yet sold on the performance of Zendaya, who presently feels less like a Fremen warrior and more like the same kind of character I have seen since she was on the Disney channel, and Timothée Chalomet has occasional moments where I am less than convinced of his ability, but overall I was impressed by his performance.

Denis Villeneuve is a genius. There is simply no two ways about it. He has done the impossible and finally made one of the most celebrated science fiction novel accessible to all audiences. Everyone should see this film. Everyone should see this film in theaters. Everyone should see this film on the largest screen possible. Just please, whatever you do, go see Dune.

*This description may sound like a negative statement, that is not the intention. Clearly there is a place for this kind of sci-fi with a heavier tone.