Dune (Part One)

Denis Villeneuve directs this new adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel Dune. Set a long way in humanities future Paul Atreidis (Timothee Chalamet) is the son of Duke Leto (Oscar Issac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) destined for greatness by taking over as the leader of one of the universes most respected families. When the planet, Arrakis, is left by its former leaders the Harkonnens, Atredis is asked to take over. However, Arrakis comes with danger, as the home of the universes most sort after resource “Spice”. Because of this Leto fears that malevolent forces are at work. Before heading to Arrakis, Paul realises his destiny goes beyond his own family and is linked to Arrakis and their indigenous people the Fremen.

Let’s get to it, Dune is spectacular an epic in the very best traditions of epics. Its scale Is huge and is truly magnificent as it moves its way through Herbert’s clearly complex novel.

What Dune does brilliantly is prove their is most definitely room for grown up sci-fi, it doesn’t all have to be explosion filled action packed adventures. Dune takes its time to build its story and the magnificent world it inhabits. It’s science fiction as it should be told, with patience, intrigue and intelligence. This patience completely vindicates Villeneuve’s decision to make Dune a two part story (Although part two is yet to be green-lit) as it allows him to take time to build the characters, their worlds and delve into the complexity of their existence.

The performances throughout are wonderfully judged. Chalamet and Ferguson are at the heart of the film and are both magnificent. But there is not one member of the star studded cast wasted, regardless of the amount of time on screen. Zendeya, Javier Bardem, Stellan Skarsgard, Josh Brolin the list is endless but every single one delivers an important part of the jigsaw.

It looks magnificent and Hans Zimmers score both help to envelop you in the world on screen. Maybe the highest praise I have is that at 2hr40 long if someone offered me 2hr40 of part two straight after I would of quite happily jumped right back into this wondeful on-screen world.

In my opinion with Dune Villeneuve has created a true master piece of science fiction cinema. A modern epic, its story, peformances, visuals and soundscape are incredible. And perhaps my best advice is this is a truly big screen experience, so if you can watch it there. Treat yourself and see it properly, roll on part two.