DUNE (Titled onscreen as DUNE: Part One), is a sci-fi space opera, directed and written by Denis Villeneuve. It is an adaptation of the novel.
The year is 10191, about the son of a family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable and most vital asset in the galaxy “Spice” (a substance that is critical for interstellar travel).
Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), father of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) is assigned by Emperor Shaddam Corrino to replace House Harkonnen as ruler of Arrakis (A desert planet and the only source of “Spice”). In reality, Shaddam intends to have Harkonnen stage a coup to retake the planet, eradicating House Atreides, whose influence threatens Shaddam.
It is hard to follow If you haven’t read the book or seen the old films (Like me). Not only is it hard to follow, the plot is obscure. The entirety of the film focuses on character building instead of plots and storytelling, that would be fine if all the characters weren't bland with boring dialog and little to no humour.
Also the music is forgettable. As a result I wasn't investeted, therefore the film is a little boring...especially since the film is slow-paced. The good thing I will say is that it’s a spectacle. The world building is fantastic. The cinematography is some the best you’ll ever see and the acting is great. But the film never amounts to much more than a museum of sexy imagery and rehashed themes.
If you could imagine Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (A good film) but slower-paced and no plot, THAT'S DUNE.
Perhaps it will ultimately work better when seen in its full context once Part II is released, but DUNE feels curiously weightless and shockingly unsatisfying. So much is happening yet, little of it is intriguing. It relies on its epic scale to convince you somthing cool is happening.
It's not a bad film. It's well crafted, spectacular but feels empty.
Verdict - 6 out of 10
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