Movie Review: ‘Dune: Part One' (2021) - A Grand Scale Visual Masterpiece

Source - Behance

“Fear is the mind-killer.”

I am sure most of you definitely felt this movie gave Star War vibes; I felt that too but the fact after watching its level of cinematography and concept being a mixture of something expected or known and something far-sighted made me fall in love with Dune.

And, the expectation is worth your sanding ovation...haha!!

Introduction

Movie’s Name - Dune 

Director’s Name - Denis Villeneuve

Genre - Action, Sci-fi, Adaptation, Epic, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller

Language - English

Synopsis - Spoiler Alert!

The story is focused on a brilliant and gifted man Paul Atreides who is born into a great destiny - something much beyond his understanding of a world 10,000 years later to the one we are currently living in. 

He should travel far and to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family's bloodline and people. It stands to see how Paul - the next heir of the Kingdom of Atreides keeps his stand as malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence.

Those who succeed in conquering their own fear and the precious resource will only be able to survive.

About the Director

Source - Variety

Denis Villeneuve is a Canadian filmmaker known for his famous works such as ‘Arrival’ in 2016, ‘Blade Runner 2049’ in 2017, ‘Sicario’ in 2015, and now ‘Dune’ (2021).

He has been a four-time recipient of the Canadian Screen Award formerly known as Genie Award - for Best Direction for four different films in 2001, 2009, 2010, and 2013 respectively.

For his first three films, he also won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Motion Picture and later for best Canadian film of the year by the Toronto Film Critics Association. 

About the Movie

Dune (2021) onscreen titled ‘Dune: Part One is an American epic science fiction film of 2021 starring an ensemble cast that includes Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Issac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Stephen Henderson, Zendaya famous for her role in Spiderman Phase Three and Four film series, David Dastlamchian famous for his role as Kurt in Ant-man series, Chang Chen, Jason Momoa famous for his role in DC movies as Aquaman and Javier Bardem.

Dune (2021) is the second adaptation of David Lynch’s 1984 film and received high praise for its visuals, scope, ambition and grossed a production budget of $165 million worldwide. A second installment for this movie titled Dune: Part Two was confirmed a week after Dune’s release. The second installment is planned with a release in October 2023.

Personal Verdict

“The awakening is real.”

The sheer scope of this film is unimaginable and leaves me with no comparison to it. While it has been the most anticipated movie of 2021, it has earned its keep in helping the masses witness a global phenomenon of our time.

Source - OtakuKart

The movie is set 10,000 years later showing people living on different planets in outer space much with the advancement of high-rated technology and a pinch of old-time kingdom vibes. You may call them clans who have been settled in their own ways with the poor on Arrakis - the planet and people everyone is willing to conquer only for its spice - a rich resource to survive.

Dune sometimes takes a slow turn in its plot which is why it may feel too long but the thought of creating a hero on the shifting sands of Arrakis (The Desert Planet ruled by Sandworms) with a whole history and future unknown… I am still digesting what I saw and felt throughout. 

Source - Quora

Honestly, there were times when certain aspects of the movie were hard to draw a connection with but give it time and it all falls into line. Though the movie does have actors from the Marvel and DC line don’t expect something very jumpy and highlighting. It does have its own uniqueness and glamour but comparing it with superhero films wouldn’t do it justice.

Dialogues in the Spotlight

  1. “We are House Atreides. There is no call we do not answer. There is no faith that we betray. The emperor asks us to bring peace to Arrakis. House Atreides Accepts!”

  2. “This is my Dune, kill them all!”

  3. “Here I am, here I remain.”

  4. “Let’s fight like Demons!”

  5. “The outsiders ravage our  lands in front of our eyes.”

  6. “Dreams make good stories, but everything important happens when we’re awake.”

The Bottom Line

The movie is a highly structured, in-depth, massive, magnificent, and brilliant masterpiece. All of which can be felt and seen through its director’s dedicated passion and wholly efforts for having such an expansive vision making this one awesomely impressive. 

Dune completely resonated with me and I am sure it will with you too. So, go ahead and give it a watch - worth your time!

My ratings for the movie - 5 on 5

You may watch the movie on - Fmovies

Written By - Umme-Aiman