BY CHRISTOPHER STAMM
GUEST MOVIE REVIEWER
Dune (now showing in theatres)
Rated PG-13 for language and violence.
In 1965 a little known author named Frank Herbert published a novel called Dune, that has gone on to become the best-selling science fiction novel in the world and spawned four sequel novels, one television mini-series, and two theatrical adaptions, and has been ripped off by too many science fiction films to list (I’m looking at you, Star Wars). The mini-series is passable, the 1984 film version is a travesty and made me want to gouge out my own eyes after viewing it, and that brings us to the latest attempt to bring the Dune saga to the screen: Denis Villeneuve’s (Blade Runner, The Arrival) 2021 adaption. This is a film that, if you read my reviews, dear reader, you know I have been very excited to see.
I was not disappointed, not even a little.
Dune is a massive story, taking place in two parts, separated by six years between. This film version covers the first half (part two is forthcoming, so know that going in), and I have to say, normally I detest when they split a book into two films. To me it smacks of double dipping into our wallets, but there are exceptions, the recent spectacular adaption of It and now Dune being the two most notable.
Dune is simply amazing. Honestly, I expected that I would enjoy it. Denis Villeneuve has proven his sci-fi cred with me with his recent films, but I was unprepared for the sheer epic nature of his adaption of Dune, from the casting to the script adaption, the performances, the cinematography, and the score – oh my, the musical score – just brilliant.
Fair warning, dear readers, Dune is dense and complicated, and it is pure science fiction, so be prepared to run home from the theatre and hop on Wikipedia for some explanations if you are not familiar with the source material. And for those of you that are familiar with the Dune saga, you will be blown away.
Dune gets five out of five stars because it is simply awesome, and my bet is it will be nominated for multiple awards this year. I do not say this often, but here it is, even if you are not a big theatre attendee, make an exception. Dune should be seen on the big screen, and it should be seen. You will thank me later.
Bottom line: Dune is the best picture of 2021 by a country mile.
*Coming soon: Dune Chapter Two.