The second instalment of the Dune franchise stands as a triumph and sheer masterpiece in the realm of filmmaking, cementing Denis Villeneuve’s status as a directorial virtuoso. Having been a fan for over a decade, this film exceeds expectations, solidifying its place as one of the best sci-fi creations of my lifetime.
The cinematic experience delivered by Dune: Part 2 is nothing short of enthralling. From the first scene, it captivates, locking the audience into their seats with a focus that refuses to fade. This film, a visual spectacle set against the mesmerising deserts of Jordan portraying Arrakis, offers an unparalleled aesthetic in every scene. The golden deserts were a perfect location to film on and create the world of Arrakis, a world filled with such beauty, especially when the sun is low. The comparison of Dune: Part 2 to The Empire Strikes Back highlights the profound influence of the Dune saga on cinematic history, tracing a lineage of inspiration from Dune to Star Wars and back. The narrative intricacies and storytelling prowess showcased in this film pay homage to the genre’s greats while carving out a unique and captivating storyline that will inspire more for decades to come.
Hans Zimmer’s score emerges as a sonic Goliath, transcending the boundaries of traditional film composition. Zimmer’s ability to convey the narrative through sound is an extension of life itself, a neglected sense that he masterfully resurrects. I’d claim Zimmer’s legacy as the greatest cinematic composer of all time, as what he has achieved in his lifetime is beyond unrivalled. Cinematographer Greig Fraser’s contribution to Dune: Part 2 is lauded as that of an artist. His filmography, including titles such as The Batman, The Creator, and Zero Dark Thirty, speaks to the visual magnitude he brings to each project. Fraser’s brush paints cinematic worlds that resonate with audiences, elevating him to one of the most impressive cinematographers in recent memory. I will admit that before this film, I doubted Chalamet’s capabilities in bringing such a strong character to life, but wow how was I wrong. His portrayal of Paul Atreides has become one of the standout performances of my film-watching life. I would follow that man to war.
Javier Bardem’s remarkable performance adds layers and depth to the film, exceeding all my expectations. He brought genuine laughter and contagious enthusiasm injecting life into every scene, contributing to the overall brilliance of the picture. The confirmation of Denis Villeneuve working on the script for the third instalment and Hans Zimmer beginning work on the score fuels anticipation for what may become one of the greatest trilogies of all time. Far too often, all the combination of hype and recency bias delivers is underwhelming realisation and disappointment. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth on this occasion. I cannot stress enough how much everyone needs to go see this film.
This film is a moment in history, an unforgettable addition to the great library of cinema, a last stand in the battle between cinemas and streaming; and one that may change the tides.
5/5
Image Credit: Warner Bros and TMDB