Movie Watch Diary #4: Dune – A Stunning Sci-Fi Epic That Lives Up to the Hype
Welcome back to my Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies! For my fourth entry, I’m diving into Dune (2021), directed by Denis Villeneuve, a breathtaking adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic novel. As a longtime fan of the Dune books, which left a lasting impression on me years ago, I was thrilled for this new take—though skeptical about it being split into two parts released three years apart. I recently watched both Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) back-to-back, and let me tell you, this epic sci-fi journey earns a stellar 8.5/10. Here’s why it captivated me, plus a call for your movie suggestions for my next diary!
A Lifelong Dune Obsession
Years ago, I devoured Frank Herbert’s Dune and its sequel Dune Messiah, and they’ve stuck with me ever since. The intricate world-building, political intrigue, and ecological themes make the series a sci-fi masterpiece. Back then, I watched the two existing adaptations: David Lynch’s Dune (1984), a bold but flawed film, and John Harrison’s Frank Herbert’s Dune (2000), a three-part miniseries that was faithful but limited by its TV budget. Both left me wanting more, so when I heard Villeneuve—known for Arrival and Blade Runner 2049—was tackling Dune, I was ecstatic. The news that it would be split into two films, with Part Two delayed until 2024, tempered my excitement, so I held off watching Part One until both were out. Binge-watching them recently was the perfect choice.
What’s Dune About?
Dune follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), heir to House Atreides, as his family is tasked by the Emperor with overseeing the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of “spice,” a resource vital for space travel and mental enhancement. In Part One, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), and Paul arrive on Arrakis, only to face betrayal from House Harkonnen, led by the sinister Baron (Stellan Skarsgård). Paul and Jessica flee into the desert, finding refuge with the Fremen, Arrakis’ native people, led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem) and Chani (Zendaya). Part Two sees Paul embracing his destiny as a prophesied messiah, uniting the Fremen in a rebellion against the Harkonnens and the Emperor (Christopher Walken), while grappling with visions of a galaxy-spanning jihad. The story blends political intrigue, mysticism, and ecological themes, set against the stark beauty of Arrakis.
A Cinematic Triumph That Feels Alive
Some critics call Villeneuve’s Dune slow, but I couldn’t disagree more. The combined runtime of Part One (2 hours 35 minutes) and Part Two (2 hours 47 minutes)—over 5 hours total—flew by like seconds. Dune’s world-building demands patience, with every detail, from the spice trade to the Bene Gesserit’s schemes, mattering deeply. Villeneuve nails the epic scope, making Arrakis feel like a living, breathing world. The cinematography by Greig Fraser is jaw-dropping, capturing the desolate beauty of the desert with sweeping shots of endless dunes and fiery sunsets. The sandworms, crucial to the story as both ecological forces and Fremen symbols, are a visual marvel—massive, terrifying, and perfectly realized. These elements bring Herbert’s vision to life in a way no prior adaptation has.
Faithful, Yet Different
No film can outshine an epic novel like Dune, and Villeneuve’s adaptation isn’t perfect. It stays faithful to the book’s core—Paul’s rise, the Fremen’s culture, and the spice’s importance—but makes changes. Some, like simplifying the ecological themes or altering Chani’s role to emphasize her agency, work well for the screen. Others, like downplaying the novel’s Arabic and MENA cultural influences, feel like missed opportunities. Still, the films capture the spirit of Herbert’s story, balancing action, intrigue, and philosophy. The all-star cast—Chalamet, Ferguson, Isaac, Zendaya, and more—delivers, with Chalamet especially shining as Paul’s transformation from noble heir to reluctant messiah. Compared to Lynch’s rushed 1984 film or the 2000 miniseries’ dated visuals, Villeneuve’s Dune is the closest we’ve come to the book’s grandeur.
Why It’s a Must-See
Dune: Part One and Part Two are a sci-fi triumph, blending stunning visuals, a gripping story, and a faithful yet accessible take on Herbert’s novel. The desert vistas, thundering sandworms, and intricate world make it a feast for the eyes and mind. As a book lover, I’m thrilled with how Villeneuve honored the source while crafting a cinematic spectacle. My 8.5/10 reflects my love for the books and admiration for this adaptation’s ambition. It’s not flawless, but it’s a movie I’d rewatch in a heartbeat and recommend to sci-fi fans and newcomers alike.
What did you think of Villeneuve’s Dune? Did the pacing work for you, or did you find it slow? How do the sandworms stack up to your imagination? Share your thoughts below! Also, I’m hunting for my next Movie Watch Diary pick. Got a movie you think I should watch? Drop your suggestion in the comments, and it might star in my next post on Bookimov: Books & Movies. Until next time, keep exploring the stars!
See also: Movie Watch Diary #3: The Irishman – A Long, Legendary Mob Epic with Lasting Impact
