Dune: Part Two (2024)
I did not share the same enthusiasm for Dune: Part 1 as many others did. While it was undeniably one of the most visually impressive films I had seen in some time, the narrative often felt bogged down by excessive exposition and world-building. The conclusion also lacked a sense of fulfillment, as it culminated in a solitary ritual duel rather than a dramatic climax. Dividing a story into two parts presents its own set of challenges, yet each segment should ideally stand on its own merit. That being said, I found Dune: Part 2 to be as enjoyable as I had anticipated, and even more so than I expected. Christopher Nolan was correct in stating that this installment resembles Villeneuve’s Empire Strikes Back.
Looking back, Part 1 effectively served as an introduction to the Dune universe; however, I did not consider it to be a particularly memorable film on its own. Having not read the books, I struggled to keep track of the numerous characters and their intricate backstories during my initial viewing. The presence of names like Harkonnen and Caladan, along with the stark contrast in character appearances some appearing quite normal while others resemble grotesque forms complicated matters further (the latter referring to Baron Harkonnen, though his humanity is debatable). In all honesty, the 2.5-hour runtime was palpable, and the action sequences did not provide the level of satisfaction I had hoped for. Nevertheless, these criticisms do not apply to Part 2, which plunges directly into the action. The extended runtime is well-justified as characters are developed, leading to an extraordinary climactic sequence. Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance, as Paul undergoes significant evolution, culminating in what feels like a natural resolution to his character arc.
Certainly, a significant portion of the acclaim for the remarkable achievement of Dune: Part 2 can be attributed to Frank Herbert, the author of the original novels. Like many exceptional science fiction narratives, this story remains anchored in timeless conflicts of political, familial, and religious significance issues that continue to resonate today, even sixty years after the book's initial release. Amidst the backdrop of intergalactic warfare, the narrative ultimately unfolds as a deeply human tale. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge Denis Villeneuve and his team for their efforts in realizing this vision. The creative direction, visual effects, cinematography, and costume design all enhanced the grandeur of Paul’s journey without overshadowing it.
Is Paul the Hero? The Answer is Nuanced
The meticulous approach taken by Denis Villeneuve and his co-writer Jon Spaihts in crafting a script of such immense scale is a key factor in the film's success for me. Often, science fiction films place too much emphasis on flying spacecraft and extravagant visual effects, compromising chara ter depth for action (as seen in Avatar: The Way of Water). I appreciate Timothée Chalamet’s performance his aristocratic bone structure is striking but I had reservations in Part 1 regarding his lack of the traditional heroic physique. Even in this installment, witnessing him engage in hand-to-hand combat and emerge victorious felt somewhat implausible. However, Part 2 reveals that his character is far more complex than initially perceived.
If you have not yet viewed the film, I recommend skipping to the section titled Possibly a Perfect Sequel to avoid spoilers. Seriously, do yourself a favor and refrain from spoiling it.
In Part 1, Paul is unmistakably portrayed as a hero embarking on a significant journey; he consciously chooses to act according to his principles rather than lead men into a fatal conflict in his name. However, Herbert's original intent with the novel was to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of charismatic leaders and the trust we place in heroes. Villeneuve notes that Herbert further developed this theme in the sequel, Dune Messiah, illustrating that Paul is not a straightforward hero, a nuance that Villeneuve integrated into Part 2 from the outset.
In Dune: Part 2, Paul dedicates a significant portion of the film approximately half to two-thirds struggling against the prophecy and his mother’s urging to initiate a holy war against the Great Houses. He is haunted by visions of bloodshed and apocalyptic futures. It could be argued that the film does not sufficiently clarify his decision to consume the Water of Life after a prolonged period of resistance. It is suggested that a dream of Chani's death or the need to explore additional potential futures to discover a means of saving everyone influences his choice.
As the narrative progresses, Paul begins to genuinely embrace his identity as the Messiah. He confronts the Fremen war council and, rather than adhering to tradition by dueling Stilgar (Javier Bardem), he delves into the histories of those present and leverages the Fremen's religious zeal to rally them against the Harkonnens. While the Harkonnens are indeed adversaries, Paul is clearly exploiting the propaganda that Lady Jessica and the Bene Gesserit have instilled regarding the arrival of a savior.
His initial reluctance to accept the role of Mahdi makes his eventual acceptance of it all the more compelling. He decides to take the Emperor captive and ascend to the throne by marrying Princess Irulan. He consciously leads the Fremen into a conflict that far exceeds their previous struggles, which adds a chilling dimension to his transformation. Yet, there remains a vestige of his former self that surfaces when he gazes at Chani. His declaration, “I will love you as long as I breathe,” just before announcing his marriage to Princess Irulan, is a poignant moment that underscores his profound change. It raises the question of whether he truly believes he is rescuing the Fremen or if this belief serves as a justification for his grandiose ambitions.
Surprisingly Well-Written Minor Characters
Paul, of course, was well-written, but his own development also depended on his relationships with Lady Jessica and Chani. I haven’t read the books but, apparently, Villeneuve also made some changes to the script that gave these two female characters a greater role and presence on screen.
The movie could’ve easily side-lined Chani to be a passive love interest who blindly follows Paul, but instead, she challenges him and adds depth to their dynamic. She is skeptical that he’s the long-awaited Messiah and, at times, openly hostile to the idea that this white Duke from another planet is supposed to come and save the Fremen. However, we still see her fall in love with who he is, detached from the prophecy and politics, but there is always some tension in their relationship. In the book, apparently, she was loyal to Paul, stayed by his side and bore his children, even after he married Princess Irulan. Villeneuve allows her to be more vocal about her own beliefs and she makes it clear to him: You will never lose me as long as you stay who you are. She wasn’t afraid to leave when he chose to fulfill the prophecy, and she certainly wasn’t going to stick around while he married another.
Rebecca Ferguson's portrayal of Lady Jessica was captivating and essential to the narrative. She has her own motives, and despite her husband and son holding titles, she exerts her own influence over them. One of my favorite moments was when she saved Paul’s life in the film's opening scenes by striking a soldier. Her chilling monologue about swaying the weak-minded to support Paul showcases her manipulation of the Fremen. I'm still unsure if Jessica genuinely communicates with the fetus or if she’s merely using it as a strategy to control Paul. Her cunning nature makes her a compelling character to watch.
Austin Butler delivered one of my favorite performances as Feyd-Rautha; he was completely unpredictable and highly effective. I do wish Florence Pugh had a more substantial role; she mostly played a passive character, providing comments like, “Feyd-Rautha? He’s psychotic,” which didn’t quite shine. While it may not be an Oscar-worthy performance, I know she will have a more significant presence in Dune Messiah. Javier Bardem brought much-needed humor, and Josh Brolin fulfilled his role perfectly in the brief time he was on screen.
The Creativity and Scale of the Spectacle
Dune: Part 2 is a visual masterpiece. The expansive desert shots pay tribute to Lawrence of Arabia, the costume design enhances the otherworldly feel, and the spaceships and weapons are truly unique. I particularly enjoyed the metallic headgear worn by Princess Irulan during her brief appearance. Additionally, I was intrigued by the scene featuring the Muad-dib mouse sniffing the tube, accompanied by soft, mechanical inhalations. Moments later, it was incredibly satisfying to see the Fremen fighters emerge from the sand.
Two standout sequences, aside from the thrilling final battle, are the sandworm-riding and the striking black-and-white scenes on the Harkonnens’ home planet. It’s unfortunate that the trailer revealed so much of the sandworm riding, yet even after multiple viewings, the full sequence was still a breathtaking experience. The sheer size of the worm, the suspense leading up to the thumper's activation, and the exhilaration we feel as Paul rises are truly unforgettable moments.
The black-and-white scenes featuring the Harkonnens were among my favorite elements of the film; they not only looked stunning but also effectively conveyed the character of Feyd-Rautha. He fights prisoners from House Atreides, but his victories only come when they are under the influence of drugs. This reflects his pride and desire to impress his uncle, which explains his fury when a guard injures the last undrugged prisoner. Austin Butler commanding Dave Bautista to kiss his feet was particularly striking, especially given Bautista's imposing size, yet Butler exudes such authority. It was disappointing to see his character meet an early demise. Hats off to the makeup team for transforming him into someone nearly unrecognizable.
Possibly a Perfect Sequel
Dune: Part 2 stands out as a sci-fi masterpiece, featuring outstanding performances from the entire cast, a compelling script, and some of the most impressive visual effects in recent memory. It easily ranks as the best film released this year. While I wasn't particularly fond of Part 1, I recognize that Part 2 wouldn’t have reached such heights without its solid foundation. Timothée Chalamet delivers a richly layered performance, adding complexity to Paul’s character and paving the way for a potential third installment.
The more I think about it, the more I like this movie. It checks so many of the boxes of a great sequel: it expands on the universe, adds depth to existing characters, ups the stakes, and sets up for another movie (post-credits scene optional). If The Dark Knight is Nolan’s perfect sequel, this is Villeneuve’s.
If you’re able, I highly recommend watching it in IMAX for the expanded aspect ratio, and definitely in 70mm IMAX if you’re lucky enough to live near one of the few theaters that support the format. Oh, and don’t forget to buy the cursed popcorn bucket too while you’re there.
The more I reflect on it, the more I appreciate this film. It fulfills many criteria for an excellent sequel: it broadens the universe, deepens the existing characters, raises the stakes, and paves the way for a potential follow-up (with a post-credits scene being a bonus). If The Dark Knight represents Nolan’s ideal sequel, then this is Villeneuve’s equivalent.
If you have the chance, I strongly suggest experiencing it in IMAX for the enhanced aspect ratio, and if you're fortunate enough to be near a theater that offers 70mm IMAX, definitely take advantage of that. And while you're there, make sure to grab the infamous popcorn bucket too!
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