Focusing less on Muad’Dib and more around Lisan al-Gaib really elevated this chapter of Dune.
I like to imagine that Denis Villeneuve read my review of Part 1 and responded appropriately. Pretty much all of my complaints were addressed: the plot was advanced by dialogue and scenes of people DOING things, the soundtrack was toned down so the environmental effects were more apparent (think about how the worms glide through sand, or the sounds from the Harkonnen fireworks), the premonitions that Paul did see were clearer and more in-focus (plot device to show he’s controlling his shit better).
Additionally in other Dune media, the religious focus was toned down to bring it to mass market, but Villenueve seems to go all in on Frank Herbert’s original intent to highlight why blind faith in religion is a bad thing — and that’s a fully realized concern today with the genocide of the Palestanian people. Converting that story aspect into a film is hard but he barely pulls it off thanks to Timothee Chalamet’s performance. It appears to the viewer that the actor emotes three unique characters: Paul when he’s with Jessica or Gurney, Muad’Dib when he’s with Chani, and as Lisan al-Gaib when communicating to the Fremen population.
In closing, I’d still prefer this franchise in mini-series format. That’s my only complaint from the viewing. I could watch 3 more hours of this no problem. Stylistically, its still a Denis Villeneuve masterpiece, no denying that and I cannot WAIT for the next chapter. I mean… you aren’t casting Anya Taylor-Joy for just a cameo! Just, what kind of timeskip are we looking at here…
First screened April 21, 2024 with special help.
