This review may contain spoilers.
joestitty’s review published on Letterboxd:
A movie that stands in a league of its own, defying comparison. To draw parallels would be a disservice to its paralleled unique craftsmanship, messaging, and storytelling. It’s not a matter of “It resembles this or that”- those notions are not valid here.
Experiencing this movie in a full crowd, 70mm IMAX at the metreon was second to none. The full floor to ceiling projections enveloped me, creating a physical illusion so vivid I felt as if the Harkonnen soldiers were manifesting and floating out of the pit holding the IMAX screen in the opening sequence. All these visuals on one of the largest screens possible through its cutting-edge VFX and masterful cinematography is something I will forever.
Additionally, the films unmatched narrative weaves together the themes of religion, prophecy, and self-discovery, resonating deeply to societal expectations versus individual authenticity in the real-world, something relayed commonly in young adults. Through Paul Atreides and his connection to Chani, the movie explores the universal dilemma of self-sacrifice for communal good, juxtaposed against the pursuit of the gut-feeling of one’s ideal path. The intricate blend of spirituality with the distinctive sci-fi setting sets the movie apart, offering a general perspective of faith in a blockbuster storytelling setting, devoid of conventional religious tropes.
This film captivates with its striking scenes, from the stark black-and-white gladiator pit showcasing Feyd-Rautha's mental and physical prowess, to Paul Atreides' intense hand-to-hand combat, rich with his own underlying mental stratagies. Paul's journey with the Fremen, from mastering riding the sandstorm to leading a spice-miner assault, is breathtaking. Yet, the pinnacle moment that solidified Timothée Chalamet as a badass movie star in my mind for the first time was when Paul consumes the sandworm's blue bile, gaining profound insights into his possible futures in clear view, commanding the Fremen with an electrifying presence in a dimly lit temple. This scene, beyond showcasing Chalamet's convincing and haunting performance, underscores the film's innovative narrative and its deep connection to the title 'Dune'. To me, I almost felt like my mind was being commanded by his powerful voice, as if he was using the shout on me through his entire speech. One word, epic. This experience, especially in IMAX, is a testament to the film's groundbreaking artistry from Denis, resonating deeply with audiences (based on the crowd reaction) and paralleling iconic tales like Star Wars' Anakin Skywalker. The anticipation for the next sequel and potential Oscar accolades, particularly for Chalamet, heightens the excitement for this future trilogy.
Please, see this movie more than once, and see it with others, it’s a historic moment that you have to be apart of. 🪱🪱🪱