Summary
WithDune Part Two’srelease,the sci-fi blockbuster has garnered much acclaimfrom fans and critics, thanks to its epic scale and story that has been adapted to the big screen. Following the story of Paul Atreides and his ascension within the Fremen,Dune Part Twobuilds on the success thatDune Part Oneachieved.
Director Denis Villeneuve’s vision for the films has seen a slow build, withDune Part Onebeing used for introduction and setup, allowing the grandeur ofDune Part Twoto strike an accord with audiences.Dune Part Twofully flourishes as a blockbuster and a piece of art, with the film improving on several aspects ofDune Part Onethat were already strong.
6Grand Scale Of A Holy War
The Weight Of The Film Feels More Intense
Dune Part Twoemphasizes the sense of scale throughout the film’s runtime, with the planet of Arrakis feeling wholly alive and chaotic as a great war develops and peaks on its surface. Much of the scale is depicted through large groups of people being accumulated, whether it be swarms of Fremen or House Harkonnen’s army.
InDune Part One, despite the world seemingly being vast, the film is used to establish the universe.Dune Part Twobuilds on its predecessor by packing the movie with content,such as characters with developing arcs, otherworldly locations, and action-filled battles that make it live up to its blockbuster capabilities.
5Nail-Biting Action Sequences
Fighting Based On Revenge Erupts Throughout The Film
InDune Part Two, the heightened scale leads to a film with a variety of action sequences that not only push the narrative forward but act as a spectacle to engage audiences. WhileDune Part Oneopts for setup, leading to little action sequences of note,Dune Part Twofully incorporates battles that see Paul progress from being the duke’s son to Lisan al Gaib, the savior of the Fremen. Throughout the film, constant fighting emerges, with the Fremen keenon striking down House Harkonnenunder Paul’s leadership.
Many of the action sequences are reminiscent of past sci-fi epics, such asStar Wars, with the film cultivating an enthralling final third that brings forth a violent and tense battle that feels like something out of Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringsseries.
4Immersive Sound Design
Loud & Immersive Sound That’s Capable Of Transporting Audiences
One feature inDune Part Twothat becomes abundantly apparent is the increased use of sound throughout the film compared to its predecessor,Dune Part One. Several scenes inDune Part Twoemphasize sound to encapsulate the feeling of Arrakis, with sound being used to carry the narrative forward in such an effective manner, and in the right theater, seats will rumble with intensity.
When Paul deals with sandy deserts riddled with sandworms or House Harkonnen mercenaries, sound design plays a significant role in capturing the atmosphere of theDuneworld. From thesounds of sandworms terrorizing the desertto Fremen soldiers taking steps in the sand, the sound transports audiences by helping deliver the feeling of being in Arrakis alongside Paul, creating a surreal experience.
3Hans Zimmer’s Score
Triumphant & Tragic Score That Guides Paul On His Odyssey
Just likeDune Part One,Dune Part Twouses a Hans Zimmer score to drive the story of Paul and his ascent to become Lisan al Gaib. Much of the score reflects the trials and tribulations Paul goes through on his journey, with the score being able totransport audiences to the world of Arrakisthrough peculiar instruments and string sections set to rivet audiences.
Stand-outs among the score include Harkonnen Arena, which plays over Feyd-Rautha’s entrance as he takes on former Atreides' followers. The menacing and ferocious score in the scene perfectly encapsulates the Harkonnens and Feyd-Rautha’s demented and ominous demeanors as they look to wipe out House Atreides from existence.
2Incredible Performances
Talented Actors Give It Their All For Deeper Performances In The Sequel
InDune Part Two, many of the performances are on another level compared toDune Part One, with certain characters getting more chances to shine in the second part of the story. Characters such as Stilgar and Chanihave minimal roles inDune Part One. However, inDune Part Two, both play a vital role in the development of Paul within the Fremen, with Javier Bardem’s performance as Stilgar being both mature and comedic.
Other characters, such as Paul, learn to become more mature due to his new role as the people’s savior. Actor Timothee Chalamet pulls off a subtle but commanding performance that depicts his character’s growth from a humble soldier to accepting his destiny as a leader.
1Greig Fraser’s Cinematography
Visually Intense Depiction Of The War On Arrakis
With the level of cinematography inDune Part One, Part Two matches and even goes further, withDune Part Twoacting as a visual spectacle for audiences.Dune Part Tworesumes where the Academy Award-winning cinematography inDune Part Oneleft off, with stunning imagery depicting the world ofDunebeing continued, with many colors and gradients used to portray and encapsulate the landscapes.
Following Paul and his journey with the Fremen, much ofDune Part Twotakesplace on Arrakis and its desert, making the cinematography grand in scale thanks to the desolate surroundings. Using colors to accentuate the desert created breathtaking images reminiscent of films likeApocalypse Now. However, the film also used infrared cameras to shoot the impressive House Harkonnen arena scene, which depicted their home through a vivid and captivating black-and-white sequence, unlike anything seen in a sci-fi epic.
