Revisiting the world created by Frank Herbert, Dune (2021) begins bringing the famous book series back to the big screen. 40 years ago, the previous on-screen adaptation underperformed critically and financially due to rushing and muddling the complex story. Director, and long-time lover of the franchise, Denis Villeneuve tackles the monumental task of filming the 'unfilmable' by focusing on one book at a time to craft the epic saga.
Taking control of the planet Arrakis, the House of Atreides is dutifully bound to ensure the success of its spice harvesting and protect its people. Attempting to honorably uphold this duty, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Issac) relocates his family and aims to create peace with the native people of Arrakis, the Fremen. Resentful over their replacement, the Harkonnen lurk in the shadows, yearning to recapture their lost power.
Dune is truly a Hollywood blockbuster. Assembling a "who's who" of today's biggest stars, director Denis Villeneuve utilizes his cast to the best of their ability. Each role is meticulously designed and executed by the cast down to subtle, but effective details, such as David Dastmalchian's alien style of blinking. Crafting his vision for decades, Villeneuve's plan for Dune is deserving of immense praise as he builds a modern space epic.
Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dune was unceremoniously dropped on HBO Max concurrent with its theatrical distribution. While this was a delightful decision at the time, Dune, like similar films, suffered financially and failed to receive the attention it deserved. Thankfully, it has since garnered its proper praise and spawned a sequel of even greater success.
Reestablishing the franchise for modern audiences, Dune excels at crafting and dissecting Herbert's extensive universe. Masterfully accomplished, the entire cast and crew diligently assembled to provide one of the most thrilling cinematic adventures of the 2020s. Dune echoes an excitement rarely achieved in modern cinema and its future is eagerly awaited.
Taking control of the planet Arrakis, the House of Atreides is dutifully bound to ensure the success of its spice harvesting and protect its people. Attempting to honorably uphold this duty, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Issac) relocates his family and aims to create peace with the native people of Arrakis, the Fremen. Resentful over their replacement, the Harkonnen lurk in the shadows, yearning to recapture their lost power.
Dune is truly a Hollywood blockbuster. Assembling a "who's who" of today's biggest stars, director Denis Villeneuve utilizes his cast to the best of their ability. Each role is meticulously designed and executed by the cast down to subtle, but effective details, such as David Dastmalchian's alien style of blinking. Crafting his vision for decades, Villeneuve's plan for Dune is deserving of immense praise as he builds a modern space epic.
Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dune was unceremoniously dropped on HBO Max concurrent with its theatrical distribution. While this was a delightful decision at the time, Dune, like similar films, suffered financially and failed to receive the attention it deserved. Thankfully, it has since garnered its proper praise and spawned a sequel of even greater success.
Reestablishing the franchise for modern audiences, Dune excels at crafting and dissecting Herbert's extensive universe. Masterfully accomplished, the entire cast and crew diligently assembled to provide one of the most thrilling cinematic adventures of the 2020s. Dune echoes an excitement rarely achieved in modern cinema and its future is eagerly awaited.