Many great novels have been labeled "unfilmable". Hollywood, from its inception, has pulled its stories from great novels, and many have been successes. Some of the greatest films of all time have captured the hearts and spirits of their original source, and some, like The Godfather, have vastly improved on their novel beginnings. However, classics like The Great Gatsby, Ulysses, Watchmen, and Frank Herbert's Dune have all received that infamous, and yet incredibly accurate, label of "unfilmable" (HBO's limited series Watchmen proved to be fantastic, although it must be said, it didn't really utilize the original graphic novel's material). In 1984, the great David Lynch attempted to film Dune, and while time has softened its initial reaction, most moviegoers and critics have labeled it a failure.
Villeneuve and his team have crafted a visually stunning sci-fi epic, whose aesthetic is able to overcome some of the more heavy narrative moments. Greig Fraser's beautifully dark cinematography, combined with an excellent visual effects palate, creates an eerie aesthetic that matches its storyline. Fraser has done some excellent work over the last two decades, but has only managed one Oscar nomination, for his work on Lion in 2016. I believe Dune will earn him a second, well-deserved nomination, and potentially, his first win. Hans Zimmer score is dramatic, and combined with Fraser's cinematography, helps the viewer completely immerse into the world they have created with Villeneuve. I watched Dune on HBO Max, and am clamoring for a return to the theater to see it in its full intended glory. While streaming has upended the release strategy for film studios, Dune is a film that begs to be seen on a bigger screen, and proves the continued necessity of the theatrical experience.
Its casting is a mix of frustration, intrigue, and false advertising. Every actor in this film is either a movie star, an award winning thespian, or in most cases, both. There is not one bad performance in the film, but I would argue that Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgaard, and Josh Brolin are underutilized, despite their obvious talents. Also, despite being top-billed, Zendaya and Javier Bardem, both award-winning actors, have few moments on screen. Their stories are clearly expanding in Part 2, which, thanks to box office success, is happening. However, this false advertising is frustrating, especially for a fan of both performers. That being said, the main focuses of the film, Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jason Momoa, all rise to the occasion. Momoa is surprisingly good, and adds some needed humor to a dense story. Chalamet is still an odd choice as a lead Hollywood actor, but he proves he can carry dramatic heft. Of the bunch, it is Rebecca Ferguson's role as Jessica that stands out as the best of the group. She stole every scene she was in, and brings a combination of strength and vulnerability that provides a thriving screen presence.
The one area that almost threatens Dune's success is its dense and obtuse storyline. At times, the narrative, and the combination of little dialogue and sometimes confusing science fiction tropes, makes you want to pause the movie and take a break (maybe it was better to watch it on HBO Max after all). However, despite its narrative and casting issues, Dune still succeeds at an extraordinarily high level. It deftly builds a new cinematic world that thankfully will continued to be explored. Part 1 is clearly intended as a prologue to a greater story, and Part 2 promises more action. I am personally looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Fans of Herbert's work can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Dune is "unfilmable" no more.
Rating: B+
Dune is currently in theaters, and will be streaming on HBO Max through November 20th. It is coming soon on DVD to the Gaston County Public Library.
Review by Andrew Pierce
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