Dune: Part Two
A “good” movie that would have been “great” had it lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes instead of 2 hours, 45 minutes!
Though unnecessarily repetitive at times, Dune: Part Two tells an intriguing story about a civilized society trying to survive in the desert. As one reviewer put it, the film was gorgeous, awe-inspiring, and hollow.
Let me just say that what enables this film to overcome its weaknesses are great performances and fantastic cinematography. It begins with the relationship of Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Chani. Despite being in love, Chalamet’s quest to seek revenge on the people that destroyed his family forced Zendaya to walk away in disgust.
In addition, let me briefly point out memorable performances by Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen and Austin Butler as his twisted son Feud-Rautha Harkonnen. They were dedicated to killing Chalamet.
Without saying more watch for the acting contributions of Rebecca Ferguson as Chalamet’s mother, Christoher Walken as the Emperor and Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin as allies of Chalamet. The film benefits from their acting talent.
Finally, what makes this film memorable is not the screenplay but the cinematography. Director Denis Villeneuve fills the movie with desert scenes that justifies the price of admission.
Though it was hard to justify the characters dressed in thick, heavy clothing in all that nasty heat, I must admit that it was fun laughing at the film’s expense!
