“Dune: Part Two” (2023) Review
A Review by Victor DeBonis
“Dune: Part Two” continues the cinematic story to a previous tale I loved from first viewing and only respected more as time has progressed. This blockbuster couldn’t have come at a better time in which studios are relying too much on IP and people are seeking other mainstream fare outside of the superhero genre. The second part of what is said is going to be a trilogy of movies from this universe provides stunning visuals and a world rich in strangeness and wonders while also voicing deeper ideas concerning religion, culture, and a world’s response to its own resources, in general.
Timothee Chalamet plays his role as the hero from the first film, Paul Atreides, exceptionally well as before. Some of my favorite heroes in the film aren’t the ones who boast the snarkiest comebacks or pull the swiftest fight moves (fun as they are). Instead, some of the heroes I hold the most respect for are the ones who don’t necessarily speak the loudest but are truthful in what they’re hoping to accomplish or care about who they try to protect and demonstrate it through as many great actions as possible. Chalamet speaks with quiet sincerity and delivers his battle moves and stances in front of his adversaries with considerably greater force than the previous film. He is wise in regards to knowing when to utilize his power and maintain his heated emotions or disagreement in the face of someone threatening the people that he has found a new home and pact with or someone he loves.
Chalamet’s journey is explored with believability and meaningfulness because the hero genuinely leans into the intrigue and duty of learning new techniques for moving and fighting across this world from which he is learning more about. The wonder and fear of what he learns about the Fremen people and himself shines brightly from his eyes, and his acceptance of what he must do as a hero for his people, even if it means making heartbreaking decisions in some places, heavily breathes from his stern standing as he tries to vocally negotiate with adversaries and looks or discusses his next strategy in assisting those he is trying to protect and lead.
Additionally, Zendaya gives a terrific performance as well as Chani, the Fremen warrior who guides Chalamet through her people’s world and gradually connects and falls in love with him. Voicing her hopes and concerns with impressive passion, Zendaya plays a large role in creating hope within me for the Fremen to find peace and at a better place for themselves. One can sense her firmly connecting and respecting Chalamet as time goes on with a quiet yet wistful glance she gives, and she draws her blades and spins with the power of a character who has lived through these rugged surroundings for her entire life.
Easily, one of my favorite aspects of the movie is Chalamet and Zendaya’s romance and relationship. Their love for each other steadily breathes from their conversations regarding what lies ahead for their group of people and what they hope for each other. In addition, Chalamet loves Zendaya for opening his eyes to the spirit of a type of life outside of the overly privileged one he used to lead and demonstrating a rich devotion and strength with her presence. And, in turn, Zendaya falls for Chalamet because she respects his selflessness and his determination to help protect her and her people as well as the bit of humility he initially shows. They both want each other to explore more of the best and most selfless version of themselves, and I find that rather moving and feel a conflicted heart when specific developments occur, later, in the film.
Florence Pugh brings a deep aura of dignity and intelligence to what is frankly a brief role and provides very much for it, and Stellan Skarsgard once more commands with his frank and booming voice with little sense of humanity as the sinister Emperor. Yet, the new actor to these movies who perhaps impressed me the most was Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha. Butler glares deep towards the eyes of anyone he deems lesser than him and has no issues with slashing someone across the throat if they hold the slightest disagreement with him. While I found the latter part somewhat hilarious in a darkly comedic type of way, I also viewed him as a nasty threat from his first kill, and I was pondering how the growing leader, Paul, would confront him. Butler’s performance helped create an intriguing villain, and he, along with the other aforementioned performers, are a few example of incredibly talented and well-cast actors providing a strong presence and sense of character with their time on the screen. Some familiar faces are sadly given not as much screen time to shine as much as they could, but, overall, this cast is utilized to great effect.
Director Denis Villenueve continues to impress me with his powerful vision for these movies. This intergalactic world feels distinct and massive to explore, and the filmmaker also possesses a strong understanding of knowing the proper balance between quiet, steady conversations and thrilling action to blend within this universe. I still recall when I was informed of Villenueve being chosen as the director for this franchise, and, after viewing the excellent “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049” I couldn’t think of a more perfect choice for someone to film an adaptation for a book that is not at all easy to translate for the bigger screen. Seeing this second part of these movies enhances my feelings about this. Villenueve once more does incredible work here.
Speaking of the massive world, Greig Fraser’s cinematography once again amazes in every frame. The giant deserts and cities appear deep and spacious to explore through and admire from afar. Scenes in which adversaries are preparing to battle one another or groups are finding shelter and discussing matters of intrigue are beautifully lit and framed with deep shadows to heighten the grandeur or atmosphere. Fraser has a remarkable knack for capturing the beauty and mystery for an environment, and his stunning work here adds to the visual wonder of this world as well as Hans Zimmer’s powerful score that adds to the epic feel and emotions of this story.
Battle sequences are filmed with a decisiveness and deep sense of thought towards the demonstration of the combat that is terrific to behold. The massive fights between armies are wonderfully set up, containing moments of well-timed suspense and precisely executed hits or blows between others. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a science-fiction film present some superb battles on a wider scale, and “Dune: Part Two” certainly delivers. Yet, what further impressed me were the smaller one-on-one fights. Longer takes provide steady views of two combatants working hard to trying to kill the other, and the camera stays just close enough to witness these seasoned fighters block and quickly circle harder towards trying to deliver the hardest blow. One sword fight from this movie, in particular, amazed me with its sense of character and intense choreography and still lingers in my mind from the excellent staging and display of what was on the screen from its presence.
The story also dives further into the previous entry’s ideas in regards to politics or religion. Chalamet’s hero has noble intentions for what he hopes to do for the Fremen, since they are the outsider group of this universe, but there is also a greater sense that some of his choices are putting too much power that could be devastating for others if not keeping things in check.
Characters also have discussions about what are the best ways in which people can use their group’s power. While some want to simply learn more and find a way to help share their voice to find greater equality, some choose to use their newfound status or power from their group to impose their perspective on others, even if they’re not fully aware of it. Many from either religious or political groups have similar ideas, and this movie does great at leaving me (the faithful person that I am) to ponder over the responsibilities that those who come from a specific faith or strong group have towards spreading support and their ideas to others. Furthermore, characters will make choices meant for the best for their people or themselves, but they unfortunately lose some of their better values in the process. All of these turns in this story don’t feel forced and, instead, they lend greater weight to the themes of a movie that is visually grand and also leaves its audience to reflect on ideas receiving vast exploration.
When one experiences a new faith or a group of friends or people that one feels closer to, how should someone handle it? Some use their new ideas or faith or “awakening” (if you will) to become a better person, and some abuse the newfound way of life or discovery they’ve unveiled. I wholeheartedly love a movie influencing me to reflect upon ideas, such as this, and the thought of how a resource (in this movie’s case, spice) causes massive conflict and inequality over those who want to take control of it not unlike oil or even gold.
If a third movie is made following this film (It is rumored to be based on the sequel novel “Dune: Messiah”), this could be the first time audiences have a new epic film trilogy since Peter Jackson’s original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. In any case, I’ll be happy to see what new events unfold in the next chapter. As far as “Dune: Part Two” it does what any great sequel worth its salt accomplishes and heightens what made its previous entry so good. The story further examines its themes and the development of its characters. The music, while not as prominent in this movie’s scenes as they were in the previous entry, is still amazing to listen to, and Villenueve’s direction, combined with the rich world and the amazing performers inhabiting it, helps create a universe and a set of characters I’m delighted to see.
Ambitious, thought-provoking blockbusters, such as these, are what I crave and yearn to see more of in the theaters.
A