5,989 reviews
- FabledGentleman
- Sep 12, 2021
- Permalink
I must admit, I still believe "Frank Herbert's Dune" to be unfilmable. I realised that, watching Dune: Part One in my local movie theater today. That's why people who have read the book should see this movie adaptation as a single piece of art.
Forget the book while watching this movie. Dune, the book drives on the thoughts and inner emotions of the characters - the things that are left unsaid. Visually, that can only be adapted to a certain extent.
Villeneuve has done a better job than anyone could ask for. I think he had to compromise on not bringing even more details to the movie, considering that the majority of the people will not have read the book. The information overload would have been difficult to follow for most.
This movie is definitely slow, so if you are accustomed to constant dopamine stimulation then you might find it boring.
The visuals in combination with the sound/music are hauntingly beautiful and will stick in your mind for a long time. I got goosebumps almost throughout the entire movie.
Dune: Part One definitely serves as a stepping stone for Dune: Part Two, and more to come... If you are looking for action, Dune: Part Two is definitely the movie to be waiting for. So grab some friends and go watch this movie.
Make "Dune: Part Two" happen.
This is only the beginning.
Forget the book while watching this movie. Dune, the book drives on the thoughts and inner emotions of the characters - the things that are left unsaid. Visually, that can only be adapted to a certain extent.
Villeneuve has done a better job than anyone could ask for. I think he had to compromise on not bringing even more details to the movie, considering that the majority of the people will not have read the book. The information overload would have been difficult to follow for most.
This movie is definitely slow, so if you are accustomed to constant dopamine stimulation then you might find it boring.
The visuals in combination with the sound/music are hauntingly beautiful and will stick in your mind for a long time. I got goosebumps almost throughout the entire movie.
Dune: Part One definitely serves as a stepping stone for Dune: Part Two, and more to come... If you are looking for action, Dune: Part Two is definitely the movie to be waiting for. So grab some friends and go watch this movie.
Make "Dune: Part Two" happen.
This is only the beginning.
I'm a long time fan of the dune universe. Have read all the books multiple times and of course I've seen Lynch's version. This version is a lot better. Excellent world building, visually stunning and full of star power. It moves slow, which on the plus side gives it the chance to go into detail, but on the negative side means by the end it's not even at the halfway point of the first book. So it ends at the moment the mythology is just picking up. Which made me leave the cinema wishing to see part two, which unfortunately they haven't even started filming.
So IMHO the reviews giving this movie a 10 or calling it the movie of the year are overly positive. It's a visually stunning start to a potentially mind blowing universe, but mainly an introduction to that universe. Maybe when the story is finished (wouldn't surprise me if they need three movies for the first book) it will be mind blowing and perfect, but for now this movie is a great introduction to the duneverse. Good, but not great. Yet.
So IMHO the reviews giving this movie a 10 or calling it the movie of the year are overly positive. It's a visually stunning start to a potentially mind blowing universe, but mainly an introduction to that universe. Maybe when the story is finished (wouldn't surprise me if they need three movies for the first book) it will be mind blowing and perfect, but for now this movie is a great introduction to the duneverse. Good, but not great. Yet.
Haven't been floored or thoroughly transported by a film since The Lord of the Rings until now. Dune is thrilling and emotionally authentic. The best part about the movie is that it takes it's audience seriously and does not just traps them into a cinematic odyssey but also takles the storyline critically.
Performances are incredible especially Oscar Issac and young Timothée Chalamet. The movie is itself captivating and the visually breathtaking cinematography is God like.
Performances are incredible especially Oscar Issac and young Timothée Chalamet. The movie is itself captivating and the visually breathtaking cinematography is God like.
- jamesstucker
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
- malana-lars
- Sep 15, 2021
- Permalink
Visually beautiful, narratively well constructed, good interpretations by the actors and actresses, and a new sci-fi world ready to be explored and expanded in a second movie.
Excellent movie. That is all I have to say. Well done to all the cast, director, writers and team behind this treasure.
Excellent movie. That is all I have to say. Well done to all the cast, director, writers and team behind this treasure.
- nilpozanco
- Sep 19, 2021
- Permalink
This movie is big. It's meant to be on the big screen. The visuals are captivating, the music is mesmerizing and the actors are convincing.
This is an adaptation of the Dune novel from 1965, and it covers about half the book. I have read the novel long ago, but I'm mostly familiar with the Dune universe from the Command & Conquer game Emperor: Battle for Dune. It's a vast universe with politics, religion, tribes and houses. The movie does an excellent job of placing you in this grand setting without over-explaining everything, but also without feeling completely lost. For someone new to the Dune universe you can easily recognize who the "good" and "bad" guys are and follow the plot, without knowing who all the different names refer to. But it's not dumbed down so that those who will recognize the names feel patronized. This is very hard to pull off, but I think this movie did so masterfully.
I would describe it as a mixture between Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. You follow individuals in a grand and complex world. The majority of the movie takes place on a desert planet, so it really needed an amazing soundtrack to elevate the experience - and it has. Hans Zimmer turned down Tenet to work on Dune, and I think he made the right choice.
However, this is only "Part 1", as it says in the beginning of the movie, so you know it won't be a complete story. I was ready to watch Part 2 as soon as it ended, but will have to wait. LOTR The fellowship of the Ring would be an insignificant movie without The two towers and The return of a king to complete the story. Together they are great, individually they are not enough. So it is with Dune - It is a great introduction, but it desperately needs a part 2 to conclude the story. And there better be a Part 2!
This is an adaptation of the Dune novel from 1965, and it covers about half the book. I have read the novel long ago, but I'm mostly familiar with the Dune universe from the Command & Conquer game Emperor: Battle for Dune. It's a vast universe with politics, religion, tribes and houses. The movie does an excellent job of placing you in this grand setting without over-explaining everything, but also without feeling completely lost. For someone new to the Dune universe you can easily recognize who the "good" and "bad" guys are and follow the plot, without knowing who all the different names refer to. But it's not dumbed down so that those who will recognize the names feel patronized. This is very hard to pull off, but I think this movie did so masterfully.
I would describe it as a mixture between Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. You follow individuals in a grand and complex world. The majority of the movie takes place on a desert planet, so it really needed an amazing soundtrack to elevate the experience - and it has. Hans Zimmer turned down Tenet to work on Dune, and I think he made the right choice.
However, this is only "Part 1", as it says in the beginning of the movie, so you know it won't be a complete story. I was ready to watch Part 2 as soon as it ended, but will have to wait. LOTR The fellowship of the Ring would be an insignificant movie without The two towers and The return of a king to complete the story. Together they are great, individually they are not enough. So it is with Dune - It is a great introduction, but it desperately needs a part 2 to conclude the story. And there better be a Part 2!
- Brukernavn03
- Sep 14, 2021
- Permalink
I'd been meaning to read the book for years and with the film coming out I thought it was about time to get into it before watching this.
Having read it, I can see why it was deemed unfilmable. So much of the plot is held within character's internal monologue and very complex political interactions. Unfortunately while the film looked great and was faithful to a few of the scenes, it failed dreadfully to bring any depth to the story. There is no background to speak of with any of the characters who appear and disappear as quickly as they came. From this point of view it has to be seen as a failure, both for people who have read the book and find it lacking. And those who haven't, who either won't get it at all, or will see some weak mystical Matrix / Star Wars type hybrid.
Disappointed with this, I think I'll seek out the series.
Having read it, I can see why it was deemed unfilmable. So much of the plot is held within character's internal monologue and very complex political interactions. Unfortunately while the film looked great and was faithful to a few of the scenes, it failed dreadfully to bring any depth to the story. There is no background to speak of with any of the characters who appear and disappear as quickly as they came. From this point of view it has to be seen as a failure, both for people who have read the book and find it lacking. And those who haven't, who either won't get it at all, or will see some weak mystical Matrix / Star Wars type hybrid.
Disappointed with this, I think I'll seek out the series.
- Bonobo13579
- Mar 25, 2023
- Permalink
Much can be said of Denis Villenueve's DUNE PART 1. It is stunningly beautiful to look at. The cinematography is compelling and deserves to be seen on the big screen. The cast. Some the best actors working today. Stellan Skarsgard's Baron Harkonen channels Brando's Colonel Kurtz quite well. Special effects. Top notch. Music, properly grandiose.
You know what can't be said about DUNE PART 1?
That it's any fun. Or that it's entertaining.
Timothy Chalemet has zero charisma and zero chemistry with Zendaya. I still don't get why he's such a big star at the moment. Maybe it's just me...
Some don't recall David Lynch's 1984 version with the fondness it deserves. And while a bit jumbled at times. Somewhat hard to understand at others. During its original theatrical run a glossary page was handed to movie goers before each screening. (Wish o had one of those!)
But it was tight. It was weird and wonderful in a way that the new version fails to be. Lynch took roughly the same amount of time to give us an adaptation of the whole novel. And it was an entertaining and engrossing cinematic ride.
By stretching the source material to two films, it creates boredom where there should be excitement. Scenes go on and on, when they clearly don't need to. I found myself expecting the credits to roll for the last twenty-five minutes or so of Villeneuve's film. And when Chani finally gave the (incredibly predictable) last line of the film, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I'm gonna go watch Lynch's version now.
That is all.
-SmokeyKorzeniowski.
You know what can't be said about DUNE PART 1?
That it's any fun. Or that it's entertaining.
Timothy Chalemet has zero charisma and zero chemistry with Zendaya. I still don't get why he's such a big star at the moment. Maybe it's just me...
Some don't recall David Lynch's 1984 version with the fondness it deserves. And while a bit jumbled at times. Somewhat hard to understand at others. During its original theatrical run a glossary page was handed to movie goers before each screening. (Wish o had one of those!)
But it was tight. It was weird and wonderful in a way that the new version fails to be. Lynch took roughly the same amount of time to give us an adaptation of the whole novel. And it was an entertaining and engrossing cinematic ride.
By stretching the source material to two films, it creates boredom where there should be excitement. Scenes go on and on, when they clearly don't need to. I found myself expecting the credits to roll for the last twenty-five minutes or so of Villeneuve's film. And when Chani finally gave the (incredibly predictable) last line of the film, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I'm gonna go watch Lynch's version now.
That is all.
-SmokeyKorzeniowski.
- thesmokeykorzeniowski
- Oct 27, 2021
- Permalink
- rolandofarias
- Sep 16, 2021
- Permalink
As a fan of the book, I really wanted to like Dune. And perhaps as a fan of the book my expectations were too high. Dune had the potential to be one of the great films of recent times. The material - if difficult to adapt - is there. Themes that, despite the book's publication date of 1965, seem ever so relevant today: natural resource exploitation to the detriment of the environment; drug addiction and its geo-political consequences; rebellion against colonial occupation; the power of religion as a political tool; a cautionary perspective on the western hero journey. This story could have hit a serious chord with today's audiences. Alas, Villeneuve's film depicts the plot of Dune, but fails to tell its story. It marches through the plot points, bringing them to life with impressive visual style, but fails to hone in on the themes above. We're left with a solid sci-fi adventure that really could have been so much more.
It's possible Villeneuve was not the right director for this adaptation, despite his professed love for the book. He is no doubt an accomplished director with a strong track record, but I always suspected he was more of a technical maestro than an emotive storyteller, and Dune seems to confirm that. In the end, there is a shortage of scenes that are memorable on an emotional level. Furthermore, there is a serious lost opportunity to inject suspense into the first act of the film, instead turning it into a plodding exercise in exposition. Thus the feeling of fatalism that pervades the book is nowhere to be found. Character moments which would have required no additional screen time, such as Gurney's penchant for singing, are lost, and the character development suffers as a result. Equally confounding is the lack of focus on the spice, which really should have been a "character" in its own right.
My other major gripe is with the score and pacing, which feed off one another. Pounding, rhythmic scores like Hans Zimmer's seem to be all the rage these days, but am I passé for wanting a melodic refrain that emotionally reinforces the climactic moments? Once it gets going, Zimmer's score never lets up and never gives the audience a chance to catch their breath. The pacing gets stuck in one speed with no time to dwell on the important moments, a surprising blunder for a director you would expect to know the value of varying pitch and tone. To be fair, Dune is not an easy book to adapt, and properly telling this tale probably required more runtime than the studio was willing to stomach. However, I still would have expected Villeneuve's passion for the material to run a bit deeper than surface level.
--
You can get more reviews from me at my substack Haremonious Sounds.
It's possible Villeneuve was not the right director for this adaptation, despite his professed love for the book. He is no doubt an accomplished director with a strong track record, but I always suspected he was more of a technical maestro than an emotive storyteller, and Dune seems to confirm that. In the end, there is a shortage of scenes that are memorable on an emotional level. Furthermore, there is a serious lost opportunity to inject suspense into the first act of the film, instead turning it into a plodding exercise in exposition. Thus the feeling of fatalism that pervades the book is nowhere to be found. Character moments which would have required no additional screen time, such as Gurney's penchant for singing, are lost, and the character development suffers as a result. Equally confounding is the lack of focus on the spice, which really should have been a "character" in its own right.
My other major gripe is with the score and pacing, which feed off one another. Pounding, rhythmic scores like Hans Zimmer's seem to be all the rage these days, but am I passé for wanting a melodic refrain that emotionally reinforces the climactic moments? Once it gets going, Zimmer's score never lets up and never gives the audience a chance to catch their breath. The pacing gets stuck in one speed with no time to dwell on the important moments, a surprising blunder for a director you would expect to know the value of varying pitch and tone. To be fair, Dune is not an easy book to adapt, and properly telling this tale probably required more runtime than the studio was willing to stomach. However, I still would have expected Villeneuve's passion for the material to run a bit deeper than surface level.
--
You can get more reviews from me at my substack Haremonious Sounds.
- haremeister
- Nov 30, 2021
- Permalink
I dont think I've ever forced myself to watch a movie so much before and this was only because of all the good reviews. I found it incredibly boring... I made it just over an hour and half when I realised I had no idea what was going on or knew any of the characters names.
From what I remember it had good effects and was shot nicely.
Admittedly, I knew nothing of Dune before watching it, so if your a fan you might love it. But I never knew nothing of Harry Potter, Hunger games, Lord of the rings, game of thrones, maze runner etc etc before watching any of them and still enjoyed all of them.
From what I remember it had good effects and was shot nicely.
Admittedly, I knew nothing of Dune before watching it, so if your a fan you might love it. But I never knew nothing of Harry Potter, Hunger games, Lord of the rings, game of thrones, maze runner etc etc before watching any of them and still enjoyed all of them.
To me this movie really is 10/10 and i'm not afraid to say it. Easily my favorite movie of 2021. There's no competition even. Visually stunning, Action was good, well directed. Acting was very believable.
I haven't read the book and i really liked the movie. Made me curious to learn more about characters and world, but it was very solid first chapter in my opinion. I'm pretty sure others who haven't read the book can get hooked as well, because even if you don't know anything about it, who doesn't like epic looking spaceships and giant sandworms?
To elaborate even further, i think this movie will win over lots of Star Wars fans, who have been disappointed in Star Wars in recent years. Unlike Disney Star Wars, Dune is way more mature and has actually deep lore and interesting characters.
I haven't read the book and i really liked the movie. Made me curious to learn more about characters and world, but it was very solid first chapter in my opinion. I'm pretty sure others who haven't read the book can get hooked as well, because even if you don't know anything about it, who doesn't like epic looking spaceships and giant sandworms?
To elaborate even further, i think this movie will win over lots of Star Wars fans, who have been disappointed in Star Wars in recent years. Unlike Disney Star Wars, Dune is way more mature and has actually deep lore and interesting characters.
- Movies_Frever
- Sep 20, 2021
- Permalink
Honestly, for me the movie is a definite 10/10.
What 2h 35 min? Didn't feel the time passing at all, more like 5 minutes!
It is an incredibly great movie - the way Dune is presented truly made you feel like you're mesmerized.
So where's part 2? Have they filmed it already? Are they filming it? When do they start filming? When's it gonna be out?
Needless to say - I'm hooked.
The plot. The script. The storytelling. The cinematography. The acting. The music. Everything.
Need to re-watch Dune again. And then again.
And feels like this will be one of those gems that can be re-watched every now & then and will be just as fantastic every time.
Go watch it people.
And please hurry up with part 2 making movie people.
What 2h 35 min? Didn't feel the time passing at all, more like 5 minutes!
It is an incredibly great movie - the way Dune is presented truly made you feel like you're mesmerized.
So where's part 2? Have they filmed it already? Are they filming it? When do they start filming? When's it gonna be out?
Needless to say - I'm hooked.
The plot. The script. The storytelling. The cinematography. The acting. The music. Everything.
Need to re-watch Dune again. And then again.
And feels like this will be one of those gems that can be re-watched every now & then and will be just as fantastic every time.
Go watch it people.
And please hurry up with part 2 making movie people.
- sakuracheza
- Sep 22, 2021
- Permalink
Visual:
I don't think I've ever been so impressed in front of a movie. The visual of the film is amazing. The attention to detail and the realism of the world portrayed on screen is impressive. I was more than once impressed and gripped to my seat in front of some visuals (especially those related to the sandworm). The special effects, the way of filming and the precision on some details allow a total immersion in the world of Dune. You could almost touch the quicksand with your fingers.
The sandworm is definitely the best visual thing I've seen. The realism of the sand waves created by the worm is astounding and gives a real sense of danger and wonder. In fact, the film creates the necessary tension around this creature. I had never been especially terrified or fascinated by the worm before seeing this movie.
I also particularly liked the richness of the Fremen universe that this film shows. The different equipments used to survive in the desert make it possible to understand the hostility of the environment as well as why the Fremen are dangerous and particular because they have managed to adapt and live with the desert not just in terms of climate but in term equipments. These are the kind of details that enrich the universe.
Sound: Sound does not have the musical function it often has in films. It is a real prop to immerse the viewer in the universe, underlining an action, a noise and the like. The rumblings, tremors, pulses felt make the world of Dune alive, captivating and make it a real 4DX experience in a normal theater.
Story: The story of the film is very well constructed. The director takes the time to set the scene, introduce the universe and put the characters in their comfort zone before launching the plot. This time given to the exposure of the world and the characters allows the audience to understand the issues at hand, to know the different relationships and what is going on in the minds of the characters (mainly the character of Paul).
The film builds a palpable but subtle tension throughout its first arc which leads us to the mid-film climax. The pace doesn't slow down after that. The film subtly and dynamically alternates action scenes with more poised ones. The action is present and well paced without being omnipresent and does not suffocate the audience with endless sequences without emotions. The film is understandable for everyone. It takes the time to present the different political factions and the issues while maintaining a little mystery about some political actors.
The ending, although very open, fit with the story told in this first part and gives a feeling of accomplishment of a quest while making the audience understand that nothing is finished, far from there.
Characters: All characters serve their purpose. The ones that revolve around the Atreides are specially well written. Each has their own personality, function and relationship to other characters. The acting combined with the writing allows the audience to become attached to these various characters, to understand them, to have empathy for them and to fear for their lives.
The main character, Paul Atreides, is written with a lot of subtlety, complexity and emotion. Everything is done, including the acting, so that the audience understands and sympathizes with this affectionate teenager, still immature and lacking in self-confidence, who is aware he must grow up and try to live up to his position as heir to a Duke. This complicated period between childhood and adulthood is well portrayed on screen. To this gradually comes to add an understanding of his difference. And the audience feels a great pity to see him progressively become someone he doesn't want to be and be thrown into a path he doesn't want to take.
Lady Jessica, the film's second leading role, embodies with great charisma and subtlety the mysterious aura of her order. Alternately self-confident, emotional, stoic and badass, she is a complex character that is still a little mysterious but terribly human and understandable. The mother and son bond is also well exploited on the screen.
The Harkonnen are not caricatured but frightening and cruel.
Conclusion: Dune by Denis Villeneuve is a very good film, even an excellent film. It is rare to succeed in combining visual, sound and storyline without it being to the detriment of one of these elements. It's also complicated to make an adaptation of a book that satisfies both readers and non-readers. And this bet was successful. Non-readers will not understand everything at 100%, but the film gives them enough to understand most of what it says. The rest can remain a mystery, understandable after a second viewing or when Part 2 airs.
After all, when the first Star Wars came out, not everyone understood what the Jedi, the Force, the Emperor and the like were, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the adventure. Here, since the film is intended to be more political and immersive, the audience has a lot more information and explanations.
Dune is a real sci-fi rodeo. It is a science fiction movie, a Greek tragedy, an art's movie and a blockbuster. This is an immersive and psychological experience that will not leave the audience untouched.
The sandworm is definitely the best visual thing I've seen. The realism of the sand waves created by the worm is astounding and gives a real sense of danger and wonder. In fact, the film creates the necessary tension around this creature. I had never been especially terrified or fascinated by the worm before seeing this movie.
I also particularly liked the richness of the Fremen universe that this film shows. The different equipments used to survive in the desert make it possible to understand the hostility of the environment as well as why the Fremen are dangerous and particular because they have managed to adapt and live with the desert not just in terms of climate but in term equipments. These are the kind of details that enrich the universe.
Sound: Sound does not have the musical function it often has in films. It is a real prop to immerse the viewer in the universe, underlining an action, a noise and the like. The rumblings, tremors, pulses felt make the world of Dune alive, captivating and make it a real 4DX experience in a normal theater.
Story: The story of the film is very well constructed. The director takes the time to set the scene, introduce the universe and put the characters in their comfort zone before launching the plot. This time given to the exposure of the world and the characters allows the audience to understand the issues at hand, to know the different relationships and what is going on in the minds of the characters (mainly the character of Paul).
The film builds a palpable but subtle tension throughout its first arc which leads us to the mid-film climax. The pace doesn't slow down after that. The film subtly and dynamically alternates action scenes with more poised ones. The action is present and well paced without being omnipresent and does not suffocate the audience with endless sequences without emotions. The film is understandable for everyone. It takes the time to present the different political factions and the issues while maintaining a little mystery about some political actors.
The ending, although very open, fit with the story told in this first part and gives a feeling of accomplishment of a quest while making the audience understand that nothing is finished, far from there.
Characters: All characters serve their purpose. The ones that revolve around the Atreides are specially well written. Each has their own personality, function and relationship to other characters. The acting combined with the writing allows the audience to become attached to these various characters, to understand them, to have empathy for them and to fear for their lives.
The main character, Paul Atreides, is written with a lot of subtlety, complexity and emotion. Everything is done, including the acting, so that the audience understands and sympathizes with this affectionate teenager, still immature and lacking in self-confidence, who is aware he must grow up and try to live up to his position as heir to a Duke. This complicated period between childhood and adulthood is well portrayed on screen. To this gradually comes to add an understanding of his difference. And the audience feels a great pity to see him progressively become someone he doesn't want to be and be thrown into a path he doesn't want to take.
Lady Jessica, the film's second leading role, embodies with great charisma and subtlety the mysterious aura of her order. Alternately self-confident, emotional, stoic and badass, she is a complex character that is still a little mysterious but terribly human and understandable. The mother and son bond is also well exploited on the screen.
The Harkonnen are not caricatured but frightening and cruel.
Conclusion: Dune by Denis Villeneuve is a very good film, even an excellent film. It is rare to succeed in combining visual, sound and storyline without it being to the detriment of one of these elements. It's also complicated to make an adaptation of a book that satisfies both readers and non-readers. And this bet was successful. Non-readers will not understand everything at 100%, but the film gives them enough to understand most of what it says. The rest can remain a mystery, understandable after a second viewing or when Part 2 airs.
After all, when the first Star Wars came out, not everyone understood what the Jedi, the Force, the Emperor and the like were, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the adventure. Here, since the film is intended to be more political and immersive, the audience has a lot more information and explanations.
Dune is a real sci-fi rodeo. It is a science fiction movie, a Greek tragedy, an art's movie and a blockbuster. This is an immersive and psychological experience that will not leave the audience untouched.
Forget about everything that has been seen and written in science fiction cinema, Denis Villeneuve's film is a sun of fresh air, a new concept if not to say that it is a new vision of the genre, the new version of Dune is great , spectacular, huge and epic, the great mistake of Warner Bros is not to have put more money for a second part, but it also made me short to see the complexity of its visual innovation, many say it is long, boring and pretentious, to the latter deaf ears, if you want quality science fiction Dune is your movie, the music of Hans Zimmer is inspiring and the final shots of the film are epic, the future of science fiction cinema is in the sands of the deserts of the planet Arrakis, in a nutshell Dune is the future of cinema, more than Star Wars or Game of Thrones as it has been wanted to compare Dune is beyond imagination, and hence my impatience to see the rest of Frank Herbert's work, I recommend it.
- andreirostov71
- Sep 19, 2021
- Permalink
Watching Dune was such a pleasure. Frank Herbert's world building, Hans Zimmer's sound, Denis Villeneuve's directing, and the cast's performance combined to tell an intimate coming-of-age story. It was a wonderful experience, layered with creativity, beautiful landscapes and fantastic music. Everything was done so meticulously that there's something in it for everybody.
- nbalaschsola
- Sep 24, 2021
- Permalink
If you haven't read the book or seen the old movie this is gonna be super confusing and as such also boring to you. Cinematography is cool and I watched it in 4D at the movies which was a cool addition, but otherwise the movie kinda boring ngl. 6/10 cause of the cool visuals,in general 5/10 meh.
- stefancandyman
- Nov 13, 2021
- Permalink
It was that good and much more, if you love watching movies on the big screen make sure you don't miss out on this one on an IMAX screen for the full spectacular experience.
For me this movie did to cinema and film what Lord of The Rings and Star Wars had done, it completely transcended the experience of going to the movies to a whole new and exciting level and that happened because of the man behind it all, Denis Villeneuve. A true genius taking on one of the toughest books to adapt and made it all the better, exciting and suspenseful. The storytelling elements in the film are something we rarely see, it was absolutely masterful.
The music from Hans Zimmer is extraordinary, truthful and unique.
The cinematography for me was in my honest opinion, the best I have ever witnessed in all my +40 years of going to the movies, true eye candy.
The acting and performances were very very good, especially from Timothée Chalamet and it will definitely grant him an Oscar nomination and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he wins the Oscar. He put on a truly unique and captivating performance that I felt deep in my soul and never stopped thinking about for days after the film.
The overall experience made me share my first honest review. This one is an unmissable, an unforgettable and a truly transcendent event.
For me this movie did to cinema and film what Lord of The Rings and Star Wars had done, it completely transcended the experience of going to the movies to a whole new and exciting level and that happened because of the man behind it all, Denis Villeneuve. A true genius taking on one of the toughest books to adapt and made it all the better, exciting and suspenseful. The storytelling elements in the film are something we rarely see, it was absolutely masterful.
The music from Hans Zimmer is extraordinary, truthful and unique.
The cinematography for me was in my honest opinion, the best I have ever witnessed in all my +40 years of going to the movies, true eye candy.
The acting and performances were very very good, especially from Timothée Chalamet and it will definitely grant him an Oscar nomination and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he wins the Oscar. He put on a truly unique and captivating performance that I felt deep in my soul and never stopped thinking about for days after the film.
The overall experience made me share my first honest review. This one is an unmissable, an unforgettable and a truly transcendent event.
So, it's clear, that George Lucas ripped off the novel Dune, when he crafted his first Star Wars movie. On that there can be no doubt after viewing this here film.
Now, for everyone, who don't know, that the novel came out way back in 1965, this movie looks like a blatant rip off of the first Star Wars movie.
Whatever. They are more or less the same movie Similarities are too plentiful to count.
In a nutshell: Dune is Star Wars - without the fun, while Star Wars is Dune - without the pretentiousness.
So, the choice is yours: Fun or pretentiousness.
Side note; I'll skip Dune part two. Life's just too ... well, you know the rest.
Now, for everyone, who don't know, that the novel came out way back in 1965, this movie looks like a blatant rip off of the first Star Wars movie.
Whatever. They are more or less the same movie Similarities are too plentiful to count.
In a nutshell: Dune is Star Wars - without the fun, while Star Wars is Dune - without the pretentiousness.
So, the choice is yours: Fun or pretentiousness.
Side note; I'll skip Dune part two. Life's just too ... well, you know the rest.
This is a very personal 10. Maybe it should be a 9 for some but for me it was the greatest cinema experience I had in AGES.
I've read some of the worse critiques here and feel like it's more a mismatch of the viewers taste and the movie rather than the movies fault.
The sound is amazing, and even though I'm often a proponent of thematic pieces used by the old masters for movies like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones or even Harry Potter (1,2 and maybe 3), the whole audio experience including the sparingly used music couldn't have been done better.
The visuals are the most epic shots seen in a long while and surprisingly even the 3D was descend, something I didn't expect.
What REALLY transported me though was the screenplay. I have seldom seen characters with such little screen time and such minuscule amount of Dialogue (this is like the anti-thesis to Lynch's Dune, though there are nods to it throughout) played to such perfection. It's what ultimately transports the viewer into this world.
Another interesting choice is the sparingly used dialogue throughout the whole movie.
Some characters like Duncan Idaho had almost all their dialogue shown in the trailer, other important figures have about 3-5 lines of Dialogue and not much screentime, and yet they feel real and like they were portrayed through a characters lense that might be Paul or a third unnamed and not visible character altogether.
I'm not a fan of minimalism but this movie somehow marries epic and minimalism so well that both feel heightened by the other.
If you loved LotR and always craved for a Star Wars that felt a bit more grounded (don't expect space battles!) this is the one you should look at.
I've read some of the worse critiques here and feel like it's more a mismatch of the viewers taste and the movie rather than the movies fault.
The sound is amazing, and even though I'm often a proponent of thematic pieces used by the old masters for movies like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones or even Harry Potter (1,2 and maybe 3), the whole audio experience including the sparingly used music couldn't have been done better.
The visuals are the most epic shots seen in a long while and surprisingly even the 3D was descend, something I didn't expect.
What REALLY transported me though was the screenplay. I have seldom seen characters with such little screen time and such minuscule amount of Dialogue (this is like the anti-thesis to Lynch's Dune, though there are nods to it throughout) played to such perfection. It's what ultimately transports the viewer into this world.
Another interesting choice is the sparingly used dialogue throughout the whole movie.
Some characters like Duncan Idaho had almost all their dialogue shown in the trailer, other important figures have about 3-5 lines of Dialogue and not much screentime, and yet they feel real and like they were portrayed through a characters lense that might be Paul or a third unnamed and not visible character altogether.
I'm not a fan of minimalism but this movie somehow marries epic and minimalism so well that both feel heightened by the other.
If you loved LotR and always craved for a Star Wars that felt a bit more grounded (don't expect space battles!) this is the one you should look at.
Although the film is called 'Dune', the opening title refers to it as 'Dune Part One'. I knew, when I saw this, it probably should have been better to wait for Part Two before watching it. As a result some characters felt underdeveloped, and some simply vanished halfway through the movie. They also kept talking about Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) being 'The One', but the one for what? This somehow reminded me of Neo from 'The Matrix', also being 'The One'.
Regardless, 'Dune' is a spectacle of note. From the stunning visuals, state of the art CGI, production design, and cinematography, to good performances from a stellar cast and a great score, this is one amazing movie. Sure, the film won't satisfy everyone's palate, and if you're not a sci-fi/fantasy fan, 'Dune' will not appeal to you. However, one can't help but be impressed by what they've accomplished.
Ok, now, you can crucify me if you want, but for me there were some issues with the film. With the movie being so long, I later found myself thinking there's a hell of a lot going on, with very little happening. Maybe this is because this is not a completed movie (being Part One), but I didn't always understand the character motives, and I still don't really understand what Paul's real mission is. Spice is the most valuable substance in the universe, and I understand Paul follows in his Father's footsteps to preserve the spice production, but he is always on the move and I don't follow whereto. It sometimes also felt like they were holding back on the action sequences. Some of the action scenes ended so abruptly...
Also, large parts of the movie reminded me of other films, like 'Tremors', 'The Chronicles of Riddick', and 'Star Wars'. Then a number of credibility issues. The film is set in 10191, but there were medieval elements here as well. Will they still be using scrolls so far into the future to read messages from? Will they still read books? Will they address leaders as "My Lord"? This, and their costumes, felt very dated.
If the film was about 30 minutes shorter, it would have been much better paced, with all the unnecessary scenes on the cutting room floor. It was just too long to keep me entertained for the entire 155 minutes, no matter how astonishing the production values.
Ok, now that I've had my rant, 'Dune' is still an incredibly well made film, and worth watching at least once.
Regardless, 'Dune' is a spectacle of note. From the stunning visuals, state of the art CGI, production design, and cinematography, to good performances from a stellar cast and a great score, this is one amazing movie. Sure, the film won't satisfy everyone's palate, and if you're not a sci-fi/fantasy fan, 'Dune' will not appeal to you. However, one can't help but be impressed by what they've accomplished.
Ok, now, you can crucify me if you want, but for me there were some issues with the film. With the movie being so long, I later found myself thinking there's a hell of a lot going on, with very little happening. Maybe this is because this is not a completed movie (being Part One), but I didn't always understand the character motives, and I still don't really understand what Paul's real mission is. Spice is the most valuable substance in the universe, and I understand Paul follows in his Father's footsteps to preserve the spice production, but he is always on the move and I don't follow whereto. It sometimes also felt like they were holding back on the action sequences. Some of the action scenes ended so abruptly...
Also, large parts of the movie reminded me of other films, like 'Tremors', 'The Chronicles of Riddick', and 'Star Wars'. Then a number of credibility issues. The film is set in 10191, but there were medieval elements here as well. Will they still be using scrolls so far into the future to read messages from? Will they still read books? Will they address leaders as "My Lord"? This, and their costumes, felt very dated.
If the film was about 30 minutes shorter, it would have been much better paced, with all the unnecessary scenes on the cutting room floor. It was just too long to keep me entertained for the entire 155 minutes, no matter how astonishing the production values.
Ok, now that I've had my rant, 'Dune' is still an incredibly well made film, and worth watching at least once.
- paulclaassen
- Oct 25, 2021
- Permalink
The movie was very slow. If you haven't read the book, you will probably be lost. Also, without proper character development you don't even get surprised or annoyed when a betrayal happens. Well, if you like cool visuals, maybe the esthetics of the movie will compensate for the lack of the plot and character development. As for me, I don't care about the visual effects too much and honestly the music got a bit annoying at times.
All in all this is one of the clear cases when I can say I liked the book much better.
What is it with this character counts, now I am simply writing so that I have enough characters to post my review.
All in all this is one of the clear cases when I can say I liked the book much better.
What is it with this character counts, now I am simply writing so that I have enough characters to post my review.
- olyahakobian
- Dec 28, 2023
- Permalink
A work of art, the cinematography, the music the designs all beautiful. Two and a half hours that passed like nothing and makes you crave for more. The pacing may seem a bit slow at first, but it blends perfectly into the telling of the story. The characters are well writen and played and even some minor inconsistencies within these characters is overshadowed by the pure beauty of the cinematography and the impressive storytelling. Great Movie. Hoping for Part two soon.
In short: When the movie ends I was like why was it not 3-4 hours(excluding part 2)??? Go see it.
I write this review 3 days after I watched the movie. I also have to bring up that I wasn't born in the US or any other place where people have to say something nice or to say nothing at all(result is all a bit great when it really isn't). So when I say that the movie was great you multiply "great" with 2. It. Was. Great. Get it now? Go see it NOW. Theaters really do set a nice vibe for this movie.
Second of all, adaptation or not I didn't need to read the book to enjoy the movie as a movie without referring to the book. I am really invested in the story and in the characters, so I want to see part 2. When I try to review this movie, criticize it or say something nice... I... I just can't find any words good or bad. I can only give a strong recommendation for this movie. I still have nice spice kinda feelings still after 3 days. The End. Or is "it's just the beginning"?
To those who were complaining Dune gonna be 3-4 hours long. Are you guys okay? We are getting movies like this once 6 years if we are lucky. What are movies really to you, a piece of bubble gum? If yes then certainly you deserve the situation film industry have for the last at least 10 years. When you to pray to all gods for good movies to come out.
Warner Bros if you read this I know you do. You know what Greig Fraser did wrong. Please. Please. Pretty Please hire a different cinematographer. Because if he stays I swear I'm not watching part 2(if there will be any). Also, make a movie at least 3,5 hours long. It's not a joke. If I wanted to have a bubble gum I know where to find it.
I write this review 3 days after I watched the movie. I also have to bring up that I wasn't born in the US or any other place where people have to say something nice or to say nothing at all(result is all a bit great when it really isn't). So when I say that the movie was great you multiply "great" with 2. It. Was. Great. Get it now? Go see it NOW. Theaters really do set a nice vibe for this movie.
Second of all, adaptation or not I didn't need to read the book to enjoy the movie as a movie without referring to the book. I am really invested in the story and in the characters, so I want to see part 2. When I try to review this movie, criticize it or say something nice... I... I just can't find any words good or bad. I can only give a strong recommendation for this movie. I still have nice spice kinda feelings still after 3 days. The End. Or is "it's just the beginning"?
To those who were complaining Dune gonna be 3-4 hours long. Are you guys okay? We are getting movies like this once 6 years if we are lucky. What are movies really to you, a piece of bubble gum? If yes then certainly you deserve the situation film industry have for the last at least 10 years. When you to pray to all gods for good movies to come out.
Warner Bros if you read this I know you do. You know what Greig Fraser did wrong. Please. Please. Pretty Please hire a different cinematographer. Because if he stays I swear I'm not watching part 2(if there will be any). Also, make a movie at least 3,5 hours long. It's not a joke. If I wanted to have a bubble gum I know where to find it.