‘Dune: Part Two’ Is What Cinema Needed
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment
As a direct sequel to the first instalment, ‘Dune: Part Two’ builds on the meditative groundwork of the first film by elevating it’s themes, spectacular visuals, and delivering an awe-inspiring piece of cinema — and dare I say it; one of the best sequels ever.
Denis Villeneuve continues to prove is masterful expertise within his craft, and creates grander yet more thought-provoking films with each outing. Yes, the cinematography by Greig Fraser is his best work and provides the best visuals of the decade, but it never interferes or takes away from the story at hand — that of a boy determined to avenge his father, even if it means becoming a false profit at the demise of an entire culture.
Hans Zimmer’s score is out of this world. He, much like Villeneuve, elevates his work and explores uncharted territory with Part Two. The first film contained an ambient and sweeping soundscape integrated with an epically unique score. While Part Two includes the same, Zimmer also goes full metal, and simply does not hold back his creativity. He lets monstrous Harkonnen themes rattle the theatre while dialling it down to help convey tender moments between Paul and Chani — with a soft and more melodic (but somehow extraordinarily epic) score.
The actors flex the very heights of their abilities; from Javier Bardem’s frantic fanaticism to Rebecca Ferguson’s menacing gazes, Josh Brolin’s intensity to Florence Pugh’s softness, Zendaya’s heartbreaking expressions to Timothée Chalamet’s fierceness, Charlotte Rampling’s toughness to Austin Butler’s horrifying vulnerability — it’s simply astonishing to watch.
Greig Fraser’s cinematography takes your breath away once the extreme wide shots come into play, which help amplify the impact of the Arrakis desert. On the flip side, Giedi Prime’s artificial landscape is masterfully shot with infrared camera which successfully delivers the fake-ness of the Harkonnen world (and under the ‘glorious black sun’ no-less).
As far as a complete cinematic experience goes, this is what you want when you go to the theatre. It’s pure, unfiltered magic for the senses to behold. From the awe-inspiring visuals, powerful themes and performances, bone-shaking score, and full-scale utilization of the IMAX screen in front of you, ‘Dune: Part Two’ is nothing short of a masterpiece and will surely be considered one of the greatest achievements of filmmaking in the 21st century.
Our score: ★★★★★
(out of 5 stars)
“Dune: Part Two” specifics: Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
CREW: Director: Denis Villeneuve | Screenplay: Denis Villeneuve & Jon Spaihts | Cinematography: Greig Fraser | Editor: Joe Walker | Music: Hans Zimmer
STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem.
PRODUCTION: Warner Bros. Pictures | Legendary Entertainment
2024 - Sci-fi/Adventure - 2h 46m
