Dune (2021) ***

On a rewatch of Denis Villeneuve's Dune (2021) I feel the same way I did when I saw the movie in IMAX when it was released. I've never read Frank Herbert's 1965 novel and perhaps this is a faithful adaptation, cramming in all the many characters and worlds, but as a film I find it pretty hollow (very basic sci-fi stuff). I feel like I've seen this sort of prophesied-manboy-universe-savior story so many times that it's become diluted and despite the visual/aural panache on display here (and I don't deny that it's an engrossing experience, at times, and there's plenty of craft to admire), I haven't been excited either time that I've watched Dune. David Lynch’s 1984 film (review), while undoubtedly flawed, is my preference (I really like just how weird and off kilter it is), though I still don't know why anyone—including Lynch himself—thought it would be a good idea for him to adapt that story. I'll be seeing Dune: Part Two (2024) in IMAX tomorrow, and, who knows, maybe it'll be much better than the first film, but for now all I want to do is rewatch Jodorowsky's Dune (2013) (review) and dream about what could have been.

Denis Villeneuve Feature Films Ranked