Dune: Part Two

#12 at the time of writing.

Rewatched Part One recently, and I think it does a fantastic job of adapting the novel and delivering a compelling, moody sci-fi epic. Part Two is even more epic. I was ready to give myself over to it, and my investment was well rewarded.

Director Denis Villeneuve is no stranger to sweeping sci fi epics, with Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 under his belt - both stellar examples of cinematic sci fi - but with Dune, he has excelled himself.

It captured the multi-generational manipulations of power from the book; the dichotomy of Paul resisting - and yet compelled to embrace - his role in sparking a holy war in which he knows billions will die; the richness of the Fremen culture; etc. The two films together are a remarkably complete adaptation of the first book - which makes them very long! But immensely satisfying.

Jodorowski would be proud. (Alejandro Jodorowski was nearly the first person to adapt Dune. His vision for it, which included among others Pink Floyd, H.R. Giger and Salvador Dalí, is the stuff of legends and directly influenced Alien, Blade Runner, and even Star Wars. See this fantastic documentary for more.)

I'm going to read some of the sequels now. I wonder if anyone will ever attempt them on the silver screen?

Random trivia: Christopher Walken plays Emperor Shaddam IV. Coincidentally, Walken starred in the 2001 music video for the Fatboy Slim song "Weapon of Choice", a song which includes several references to Dune in the lyrics ("Don't be shocked by the tone of my voice", "Walk without rhythm and you won't attract the worm").