ReelBob: ‘Dune’ ★★★

By Bob Bloom

Not having read Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” my only point of reference is David Lynch’s 1984 movie adaptation of the novel.

Lynch’s film, at 137 minutes, is a simplified, condensed version of the book, especially when compared with director Denis Villeneuve’s 155-minute rendering of the first part of Herbert’s expansive work.

Villeneuve’s movie is as impressive as it is frustrating. The on-screen title is “Dune: Part One.” And it plays as a place-setting for events to come, yet, filming on the latter part of the book has not even begun — and no release date for a sequel has been announced.

So, let’s just focus on what Villeneuve has put on screen.

The universe he has created is richer and more detailed than the 1984 movie. Villeneuve emphasizes three points: the economic impact of the coveted mélange spice found on Arrakis, which makes the planet so coveted by various factions because of the spice’s abilities to extend life and enhance mental abilities; the religious beliefs and prophecies of the planet’s primary inhabitants, the Fremen; and the political machinations of the Bene Gesserit, the matriarchal order that tries to manipulate the bloodlines of the various royal houses throughout the known universe.

One of the biggest differences between the two movies is the presentation of the lead protagonist, Paul Atreides. As portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan in Lynch’s movie, Paul seems more mature and confident in his abilities. He does not shy away from assuming the role of the messianic Kwisatz Haderach.

Timothée Chalamet’s Paul is younger and less self-assured than MacLachlan’s interpretation. He is doubtful about his abilities — or even his desire — to accept his calling as a leader or a savior.

One of the drawbacks of this new version is that not much really happens. The movie is slow but not boring, though it does feature extensive exposition and considerable political intrigue.

Yes, there are some battle sequences, which are rather standard and not staged well.

The movie’s biggest selling points are its visuals and locales, especially the many shots of the vast deserts for which Arrakis is alternately called “Dune.”

The performances also keep you invested. Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Paul’s mother, shows more maternal instincts and is less sure of her son’s potential than in the earlier movie.

Oscar Isaac is a more pragmatic, weary and wise Duke Leto Atreides, extending the hand of friendship to Stilgar (Javier Bardem), leader of the Fremen. Bardem, who has little to do in this movie, will probably get more screen time in the hoped-for second part.

Also in the cast is Zendaya as Chani, Paul’s future love interest; Josh Brolin as Gurney Hallack, one of Paul’s mentors; Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, the master of the sword and a friend of Paul; Stellan Skargsård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, sworn enemy of the House of Atreides; David Bautista as the brutish Beast Rabban Harkonnen, nephew of the Baron; and Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam.

For those, like myself, unfamiliar with the book but with a general knowledge of Lynch’s movie, this “Dune” will seem familiar, yet different — but in a meaningful way. Villeneuve has added more meat to the bone and that benefits the movie and the moviegoer.

The most exasperating aspect of “Dune” is its ending. Even after more than 2½ hours, you are not tired. You want to continue this journey with Paul Atreides but are cut short. And, yes, to his credit, where Villeneuve stops the movie is at a logical point.

Villeneuve is no stranger to science fiction, having directed the well-received “Arrival,” as well as “Blade Runner 2049.”

So, it is very possible that he will be able to complete and conclude this spectacle as soon as possible. I, for one, cannot wait.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.

DUNE
3 stars out of 4
(PG-13), bloody and action violence, language, disturbing images, suggestive material