A Reel Review: DUNE PART TWO

When David Lean delivered his 1962 masterpiece LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, he set a standard for the cinematic epic that many filmmakers are still chasing today. Set against a massive backdrop of an unforgiving desert in the middle of a widespread war, where the actions and beliefs of one man have ripple-effects for millions, LAWRENCE has always had a kinship with Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel, Dune. In 2021, director Denis Villeneuve delivered his first part of the novel, and this year brings it to a close. 

 

Hot on the heels of the events of the first film, Paul (Timothee Chalamet), and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), flee into the desert of the planet Dune after their family is betrayed and destroyed by the power-hungry Harkonnen, led by Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard), for the rights to mine the powerful spice element from the planet. The spice effects the senses of Paul, which leads the wild Fremen, led by Stilgar (Javiar Bardem), to believe Paul is the prophesized chosen one to lead their war to freedom. 

 

Directed by Villeneuve and based on the first novel by Frank Herbert, DUNE PART TWO is an epic packed with plot. Picking up within hours (or even minutes), after the first film concludes, Paul and Jessica are in an uneasy alliance with the Fremen, who are split down the middle in believing in Paul’s chosen-one status. It’s a battle of faith vs. leadership, and as the war for control of the planet intensifies, puts Paul in a delicate position. 

 

Along the way Paul develops a relationship with young Fremen fighter Chani (Zendaya), who does not quite buy into the chosen one prophecy. Meanwhile, the game of galactic politics and betrayal comes in, as the Emperor of the Known Universe (Christopher Walken), and his daughter Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), are revealed to have been behind the war. It’s an intricate web of storylines, all of which Villeneuve weaves together in expert fashion. 

 

Villeneuve explores themes of faith, war, family, and responsibility in the foreground of a massive canvas. The war for the planet comes to us in a stunning presentation, with breathtaking visuals that have to be seen to be believed. The battle scenes, ranging from thousands of combatants to just two men with knives…are harrowing. Hans Zimmer’s score is excellent. 

 

Also excellent is the acting. Timothee Chalamet turns in his best career performance and his chemistry with Zendaya drives the film. Rebecca Ferguson is solid as always. Florence Pugh steals every scene she is in, but the overall show is stolen by Austin Butler, who emulates the accent and tone of his character’s uncle Baron…played by the always reliable Stellan Skarsgard. Javier Bardem is electric. The rest of the cast, including Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, Charlotte Rampling…and one or two surprise cameos…are all exceptional. 

 

At 165 minutes with a lot going on, DUNE PART TWO is a lot of movie, and the ending, full of tragic irony, will send viewers staggering out of the theatre. This is one of those cinematic achievements that will be talked about and revered for decades to come. David Lean would have loved it. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it