The highly anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction masterpiece by Denis Villenueve has finally made its debut, and what an impression it has made. If you are unfamiliar with Villenueve’s work, know that he is also the director of ‘Blade Runner 2049′, the sequel to the first Blade Runner film. However, unlike Blade Runner, Villenueve’s version of Dune is in no ways related to the first movie that came out in the 1980s, and has more similarity to the television mini-series that came out in the early 2000s.
The film chronicles the story of Arakis, Dune, the central planet of the Galaxy. Arakis is the only planet that provides the ‘spice’, a resource that allows interstellar travel. In effect, Arakis is the most important planet in the galaxy because without it travel across the planets would not be possible, leaving the empire unable to enforce its reign without the fuel needed to do so. Additionally, ‘Dune’ tells the tale of the socio-political important of this valuable resource within the landscape of the rivalry between two of the most powerful houses in the empire: Harkonnen and Atreides.
With the current COVID pendamic still by and large an existing threat to cinematic releases, ‘Dune’ follows the story’s central matra, and overcomes this fear of COVID by providing a movie that not only reflects the primary elements of Frank Herbert’s opus, but also encourages everyone to face their fear. Fear is the mind-killer, and ‘Dune’ shows us in spades how everything we ever wanted is on the other side of fear.
That is not to say, that one should face their fear recklessly. ‘Dune’ shows through the eyes of its main character, Paul Atreides, that overcoming fear takes calculation and a lot of foresight. Decisions should not be made hastily, and the key to overcoming fear is a calm composure that is oftentimes lacking when people are faced with their fears. This is what makes ‘Dune’ stand out from other science fiction properties. The science fiction is just the backdrop for themes that focus on family, politics, religion, society and philosophy. This has been the case for Frank Herbert’s novel. This is also the case for Denis Villenueve’s Dune.
If there is any misgiving with ‘Dune’, it is that the film ends without completing the story. However, the ending sets up the coming of the messiah of which readers of the series are well aware of, and this is somethig worth looking forward to seeing. The pacing was necessary for viewers to properly grasp the interpersonal dynamics of characters with all the political intigue that accompanies them. We also get to see the transition of Paul Atreides from his sheltered boyish life to a gowing man who realizes that there is a lot o value following the destiny that is laid out for him. As he slowly realizes it, the film ends with Paul striking forth his destiny with a krisknife. With that act, there is no turning back, and we are set up with a cliffhanger for the next film that should be worth the wait.
As a result, ‘Dune’ is a welcome sight in a world that sees the reality of fear all around us. Yes, the fear can sometimes be paralyzing, but that should not stop us from moving beyond the fear until we are the only ones that remain: stonger and wiser because of the fear, and not overcome by it. Watch and enjoy this modern cinematic masterpiece.
Obskura And Then Some 