Dune Part Two
[4K/Digital Code]
It’s shocking to think that the Dune movies have been a success. Yes – spoiler alert – I like Dune Two. But, the reason it’s so shocking to me is because Dune is just too weird and complex to appeal to a mass audience. It’s not because they’re “dumb” (really, I’m the one who’s the dummy here), but because the movies that succeed in the box office nowadays are the ones that are either pretending to be smart (more alternate universes! more!) or want the audience to do none of the thinking. These two Dune movies, however, are basically trying to explain this weird concept to the audience. Dune is mostly about politics but also a little bit about love and revenge. There are just so many swings this story takes and so many nuances, I’m surprised mass audiences were on board. But, maybe Villaneuve is THAT good, and maybe audiences are THAT thirsty for a weird new IP to consume.
Who could believe they would ever complete a Dune movie, let alone have it be so embraced. Especially, since it’s notorious for having failed in the past (Jodorowsky’s Dune! Yep!), but everything about these movies looks so gorgeous and meticulous. This universe is huge and interesting and daunting and menacing, but Villaneuve carefully guides us through its dark passages. It’s beautiful to look at, smart, and incredibly satisfying. You might not like what you see, but it makes sense in its own weird way. He’s just a masterful director.
One annoying part of these movies, however, has been the overcasting. Even the tiniest roles are portrayed by A-listers, who sometimes end up hurting the movie. I’m talking about Christopher Walken, who is just baffling in the role of the emperor, Austin Butler who is more silly than menacing as Feyd, and Zendaya who somehow ended up more wooden than Chalamet in this one. Big ups to Chalamet, seriously, as he really brought it in Dune Two. That guy grew into his messiah shoes.
So, a new popular IP has been born. Liberties will be taken with the source material, and it will be placed in irresponsible hands, because Villaneuve will lose interest at some point. But right now, Dune Two is sitting pretty, and if it’s the biggest blockbuster of the year, I’ll be happy with that.
