Dune (review): should you go see Denis Villeneuve's blockbuster event?

Published in 1965, Dune by Frank Herbert has long been considered an unsuitable novel for the cinema. There are several reasons for this: a new and gigantic universe, numerous and complex characters, as well as a good deal of abstract and delicate mysticism to render on the screen. The great David Lynch himself broke his teeth there in 1984, with a hasty and disappointing adaptation.

37 years later, it's the turn of Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049) to take up the challenge by offering his own vision of the monumental Dune. An ambitious blockbuster with a sparkling cast that promised to make everyone agree. So, verdict: does the film keep all its promises?

The synopsis of the film

In the distant future, Duke Leto Atreides receives from the Emperor the stronghold of the dangerous desert planet Arrakis. Known as "Dune", it is the only known source of the most precious substance in the universe: "Spice". This mysterious resource makes interstellar travel possible, prolongs life and provides superhuman mental faculties.

Leto and his family - his wife Jessica, and his son Paul - therefore land on Arrakis to take control of the extraction of the Spice. But, between the indigenous people of the Fremen, the giant sandworms and the jealousy of the rival House of Harkonnens, the dangers are many. As the threats become clearer, the fate of the Atreides seems more than ever to rest on the shoulders of the young and mysterious Paul.

Should we go see Dune?

The universe of Dune is impressively rich. As such, Denis Villeneuve, along with screenwriters John Spaihts and Eric Roth, did a remarkable job in deciding to adapt only the first half of the novel. A choice that also calls for a sequel, as the title "Dune - part 1" indicates. It will undoubtedly see the light of day if this first part is a success in theaters.

This narrative choice gives the necessary freedom to Villeneuve and his team to properly develop the story and its characters, while accomplishing the greatest challenge of the project: giving substance to the universe of Dune and all its abstract dimensions.

Through work to detail the mythologies, spiritualities, languages ​​and traditions important to the novel, the film manages to be alive and vibrant. We let ourselves be caught up with pleasure in its abundant universe.

Some may find the feature film a little slow, but that's what allows it to develop all its richness, to honor Frank Herbert's original work. Denis Villeneuve knew how to adapt the unadaptable, capturing the heart of Herbert's work. This should delight fans, but also satisfy novices. Like a Lord of the Rings or a Star Wars, the great success of Dune and to have been able to faithfully reflect a very popular universe.

To pull off this stunt, Denis Villeneuve surrounded himself with a five-star cast. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem... There really isn't a false note in this gallery of actors, all perfectly suited for their roles. The terrifying Baron Harkonnen, played by Stellan Skarsgård, is also a great success.

Everyone has their moment in front of Villeneuve's camera. The director also knows how to divert his gaze from the main role - Timothée Chalamet - to bring his secondary protagonists to life and exist. The relatively inconspicuous Zendaya radiates her presence in every scene. She is already announced as the main character of the second opus.

A small downside

But if the Canadian director takes care of his actors, he falls back into his ways as soon as the action takes over the screen. The film has some great impressive sequences, which Denis Villeneuve never seems to really know what to do with. Important moments that the staging should sublimate and elevate, but which it only manages to transcribe with difficulty, little helped by dull and tasteless photography.

The action sequences are quite frustrating. They work mainly thanks to the exhilarating music of Hans Zimmer. Some will also be disappointed by the artistic direction of the filmmaker. Despite the coherence of his proposal, seeing our retinas so little stimulated is a frustration.

In the end, Dune remains a real success and manages to do justice to the richness of Frank Herbert's original novel. The film has a lot of assets up its sleeve, whether it's its fair and engaging writing, its cast of characters, or its perfect cast. We can still regret that Denis Villeneuve's photography is not more flamboyant. Nevertheless, Dune is a truly grandiose spectacle, an experience to live in theaters and the blockbuster to see during this return to cinema.

Where to see other Warner films and series?

HBO Max, the Warner studios streaming platform, should not arrive in France before 2022. But if you are fans of the studio's productions - including the Batman and Superman films, and the Gotham, Westworld or Game of Thrones series - you can find them for the moment on Netflix and OCS! David Lynch's Dune is available in the Netflix catalog.