Dune (2020)

[Z...]

It was impressive to see those worm scenes and feel the whole cinema shake, I loved it.

Indeed. Can’t remember the last time i was so immersed in a movie.
Even started thinking about a trip to Jordan.

 

[DianaRose]

Bit late on this one but just watched both movies after finally reading the book. I enjoyed them as action movies, but if I hadn't just read the book I would've had absolutely no idea what was happening. Perhaps having just read the book has made me too harshly critical also, but there was just too much missing IMO.

There is no Hawatt, the plots and intrigue are largely missing, the visions are not elaborated on. Understanding of the planet such as the water, the Makers and the vision of Liet-Kynes is not really fleshed out (seems like a missed opportunity to throw in some climate change/environmentalist propaganda). Little of what is going on in Paul's spice-enhanced, prescient mind is shown properly. Why does he have to go Jihad again? Motivations of many characters are not clear. Little is explained of the spice or the connection with the guild and space travel. The antagonists are made to seem too foolish, like cartoon villains, and lack the cunning they possessed in the book.

The second movie in particular just seems like an action movie, one that spends so much time bashing religion and fluffing up Paul's relationship with Cheni that there was just too little time left for the plot to really make sense.

All in all they're fun if you've read the books, but if not then I wouldn't bother.

I've only watched the 1st movie so far, but what you said was my issue. I've read the three first book in the Dune series and Dune (the 1st book is my fave novel of all time) but if I didn't have a good grasp of the story already, I would've been completely lost and I wouldn't have understood the plot. Also, I wasn't happy that the philosophical aspect and politics seems to be a bit lost. However, I thought that the acting and cinematography was excellent, though I'm not sure I was too fond of Zendaya as Chani (she's a bit one note imo).

From everything I've read about the second movie, it seems to be a good movie, but it doesn't seem to capture the essence of what Dune was about. In the books, while Paul does lie to the Fremen about his status as a messiah, he actually truly is a kind of messiah of humanity. But in order to save humanity, he will have to commit extreme atrocity and he's aware early on of the kind of atrocity needed, but the question is, is he willing to lose his own humanity in order to save the human race (end of the book 2 gives the answer). Also, the end of the movie in regard to Chani (her leaving Paul) is puzzling because Paul's love for Chani and his desire for her to escape a certain fate drives the 2nd novel, Dune Messiah. Also, the 3rd book, Children of Dune, is about the children he had with Chani.

I hope that if there's a 3rd movie, it won't turn into a girl power type of movie with Chani and Irulan against Paul because that would really not be what the book and series were about.

 

[NCfugee]

I saw the film this weekend. I thought it was the best adaptation of the Dune saga to be put to film. The soundtrack was glorious! The Harkonnen home world was what I think a world populated by psychopaths would look like. There was something about the ending I didn't like. I don't know what it was and I can't put my finger on it. As others have said, it deviated a bit from the original story but hopefully there will be a third installment and more of this calibre of film in the future.

Yes, it feels unbalanced. For me, the focus on the 'tragic love story' (and some one-note acting) sits uncomfortably in such an overwhelmingly epic context. Shame, as there is so much else I love about the movie.

 

[truepositive]

It's spectacle over long term story unfortunately.

 

[Ellipse]

From everything I've read about the second movie, it seems to be a good movie, but it doesn't seem to capture the essence of what Dune was about.

Yeah this is the problem. It's a failed film, perhaps on purpose as politically, the Fremen represent the Arabs.

Pictures are nice but this part II did not transmit the spirit of the books, only on the surface.

 

[Puma]

I just finished watching part two and found it to be a good sci-fi film and a tribute to the art of war and destruction with a soundtrack that is epic with hints of Gladiator and world music.

Although it reminds us of a war where the natives try to defend their lands from the invading imperialists, it does not let the viewer forget that we are dealing with alien civilizations with ancestral culture and religion, as well as the universal myth of the savior messiah.

 

[sid]

I saw the second movie not too long ago and enjoyed it altogether. True, that the movie does not capture the essense of the book that well but I don’t think they can make one which would. Dune novel series is a difficult adaptation to on-screen due to the way its written and how the “plans within plans” are explained via characters’ thoughts.

I quite liked the visuals and the planet, Arrakis works for me. I just hope they keep on going and produce a few more as there is plenty of good material in the next few books. To me its a more involving and intelligent sci-fi than e.g. Star Wars, which actually borrowed a few ideas from Dune.

 

[Vulcan59]

FWIW, Dune part 3.

The wonderfully rich world of Frank Herbert's "Dune" has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in the past few years.

There's Denis Villeneuve's big-screen saga, "Dune: Part One" and "Dune: Part Two," for starters and Boom! Studios' "Dune" comic book titles adapted from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's "Dune" prequel and sequel novels. There's even an upcoming "Dune: Awakening" open world survival video game.


Adding to the resurgence are the gorgeous hardback "Dune: The Graphic Novel" releases from Abrams ComicArts, accented with the fine work of artists Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín. These deluxe presentations were released as "Book 1" in 2020 and "Book 2: Muad'Dib" in 2022. Now the third and final chapter of this lavishly illustrated translation, "Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 3: The Prophet" is ready to flow this summer like the consciousness-enhancing spice of Arrakis.

Sandworms rise from the sands of Arrakis in exclusive sneak peek at 'Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 3'

The finale of this deluxe illustrated adaptation of Frank Herbert's 'Dune' surfaces on July 16.

www.space.com

 

[meadow_wind]

The game "Dune Awakening" looks epic! I've never played an MMO (Massively multiplayer online) game and I wish I had time to spare for that, but I don't

They have just released today the 2nd interview divulging certain aspects of the game:

5:30-7:00 Introduction and Agenda
7:00-13:30 Alternate History
13:30-22:35 Narrative and Spirituality
22:35-27:38 Character Creation
27:38-29:55 Closed Beta Update
29:55-36:33 Server Structure

New Story Cinematic is Live, Next Direct arrives 20 June! |

Tune in on 20 June for new details!

duneawakening.com

The game's narrative takes place in an alternative timeline where Jessica gave birth to a daughter instead of a son, and where Dr. Yueh is exposed before his betrayal, which means Duke Leto and house Atreides are still alive. The reason for Paul's removal was to allow more space and creativity for the game's narrative since the survival mechanics will not be just against Arakis (water, worms, sandstorms), but also in politics (factions, houses, guilds, etc.)