Dune : A Fresh and Engaging Take on a Science Fiction Classic

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.”

Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve and released on October 22, offers audiences a fantastic introduction to the Dune universe while satisfying longtime fans with a true-to-form adaptation of the original story. Dune is based on the 1965 novel of the same name by science fiction author Frank Herbert, which is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.

The story centers on Paul Atreides, son of Duke Leto Atreides and heir to the throne of House Atreides, one of three major houses in a far-future intergalactic society. In this future, the most valuable commodity is called spice, a drug with mind-expanding and geriatric properties. The Emperor of the Known Universe, Shaddam IV, has just given House Atreides control of Arrakis, the only planet where spice is produced. In addition to being a skilled fighter and student, Paul experiences prescient dreams, which his mother, Lady Jessica, interprets as signs of his being the Kwisatz Haderach—a man who can see both past and future without the use of spice.

Previous directors have attempted to bring Dune to the big screen in the past, but not always successfully (the most infamous of these adaptations being David Lynch’s 1984 version). It’s important to note, however, that Dune is understandably challenging to adapt for cinema. The book is known for being long, dense, and hard to follow at times. Throughout Dune, Herbert weaves complex themes of religion, politics, philosophy, ecology, and colonialism together, often in the form of long conversations and inner monologues. It’s obviously difficult to include such concepts in their original presentation within a film marketed to an action-oriented audience.

Villeneuve evidently deemed that the time was ripe for another attempt. He manages a subtle but successful mix of Herbert’s thought-provoking ideas with fast-paced action scenes. Newcomers to the Dune universe will be able to glean the underlying messages of Herbert’s masterpiece without feeling bored or disengaged from the main plot.

Dune’s special effects are awe-inspiring to say the least. Ships, cityscapes, weapons, and other objects are never described in extreme detail in the book, which consequently leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Fortunately, the animators and visual artists brought these things to life in a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing way. Sound effects are used extensively, and to great impact; viewers can expect a surprising and unsettling bit of sound design within even the first few minutes.

Villenueve gathered a diverse all-star cast for Dune, featuring Timothée Chalamet as Paul, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto, and Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, with side characters played by the likes of Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, and Zendaya. The acting feels natural and synergistic, offering a promising outlook for the sequel film.

That’s right, a sequel film! This two-and-a-half-hour long leviathan actually only covers the first half of the book. Unofficially titled Dune: Part One, the movie ends on a quasi-cliffhanger and leaves the door wide open for a second part. Although a sequel has not been officially confirmed, Villeneuve has commented that Warner Bros. would refuse a second film only if the first did poorly, which doesn’t seem to be the case. Overseas, Dune has already grossed $130 million of its $165 million budget. If that’s any indication of Dune’s success, fans can expect a sequel in the next few years. Additionally, Villeneuve plans to produce a spin-off series, “Dune: The Sisterhood,” for release on HBO Max.

Any viewer who enjoys the movie would do well to consider picking up a copy of the book for extended perusal. Exploring Herbert’s expansive vision of humanity’s future is immersive, rewarding, and something everyone can learn from.