Dune: Part Two (Review)- Denis Villeneuve, Timothée Chalamet, and Hans Zimmer are pillars of this sensational epic

Dune: Part Two (Review)- Dune: Part One had the mournful lament (Paul’s Dream),
the astounding visuals, and the awe factor. Dune: Part Two has it as well, but
the film comes with a challenge of having to top its prequel. Denis Villeneuve
had to showcase Arrakis bearing in mind the expectations and the need for
something fresh and awe-inspiring. With Hans Zimmer’s mesmerizing score at his
disposal, the Canadian director takes audiences deeper into the desert, the
tribes, and each character’s personal motivation. This allows for a satisfying
buy-in to that one thing that Part One understandably could not have, i.e. the
payoff. 

The second installment has wars, sequences of humans vs beasts and elements of
nature, and bloodthirsty battles. Remember the fights such as Duncan Idaho vs
the Sardaukar or Paul Atreides vs Jamis? Yes? Well, Dune: Part Two has way
more. 

On the story front, there are alterations of some sort from Frank Herbert’s
source material. You were not expecting that, right? You should have. How often
is a film faithful to its source right down to the T. Well, it may even go/have
gone unnoticed as, let us face it, who will (why would anyone) read an 800+ page
novel when there is a movie? That aside, Villeneuve and Jon Spaiths successfully
build on loyalty, disloyalty, control, power, and duty as they showcase the
search, discovery, and evolution of the one from the prophecy.

Villeneuve takes the coming-of-age and revenge story deeper into the
Spice-filled lands, provides the protagonist an arc to self-actualization, and
even lays the groundwork for a potential Part Three. 


TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET AND AUSTIN BUTLER STAND OUT IN DUNE: PART TWO 

Audiences may absolutely love Timothée Chalamet in the scene where he accepts
his destiny. Editor Joe Walker’s cuts to the Fremen and Paul, back to Chani and
Gurney, and back to the Fremen, captured the impact of Muad’Dib’s speech. They
are rather simple words, but the command and ferocity behind them was simply
astounding. Especially, as it was completely against the Paul Atreidis that
Denis Villeneuve had presented. The evolution comes forth with the
transformation seeming believable, making it tick, as we know the ‘why’. 

On another note, Zendaya fans would be happy in Dune: Part Two. This is because
she has a rather meaty role here and is present right from the opening five
minutes. Her conversations with Paul leave no room for any chemistry concerns.
In fact, it is so good that one can understand Chani’s expressions and choices
in the third act. 

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]

Two other characters that stood out were the Harkonnen brothers. It is quite
rare that Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha) would rank over Dave Bautista (Rabban) in
who would win a fight. Dune: Part Two’s casting demanded it, but the Academy
Award nominee ensured it worked. Butler’s character gave this film a menacing
villain. Feyd-Rautha’s honorable, ruthless, bloodthirsty nature comes across
quite naturally as we see that he is a trained fighter.

Bautista seemed under-used for his skill set of a menacing big guy. Imagine him
having been cast as Fremen or a protector of House Atreides. Would that have
been too many recognizable names on the good side? Perhaps. What could have been
done better? Not much as Bautista played his role well and failed to maintain
Spice production, thereby embarrassing House Harkonnen. Could he have engaged
with the Fremen? Yes. Seeing him run away from the rebel warriors was amusing.
While that particular tribe may be dangerous, one wonders why Rabban vs Gurney
Halleck was such a brief fight. 


CINEMATOGRAPHY AND PRODUCTION DESIGN ARE EXEMPLARY 

An aspect of Dune: Part Two is the world-building. Audiences enter the Sietches
and get introduced to central Fremen locations, primarily Sietch Tabr. These
places have intricate carvings that appear on screen for barely seconds.
However, it is more than enough to establish why it is a precious home. The
film’s biggest achievement is Giedi Prime. There is a complete visual pivot when
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation takes us to the Harkonnen homeland. This is not a
choice just for the sake of it, with homeworlds reflecting their houses. Look
back at Caladan, Arrakis, and Giedi Prime. 

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]

D.O.P. Greig Fraser spent portions of Dune: Part One highlighting the Spice and
rate of perspiration. Topping a feat like that would require something insane,
which comes in when Paul rides the worm. Describing any more visuals may ruin a
reader’s IMAX experience. Also, it is quite refreshing to watch so many fight
scenes without a feeling of dizziness. This is achieved as Fraser doesn’t just
swing the lens all around to create the chaos. The smooth motion of the camera
helps maintain a sense of balance whilst showcasing the on-ground mayhem. 


CHRISTOPHER WALKEN WAS UNDER-USED IN DUNE: PART TWO 

Christopher Walken’s character has very little screen time. As the supreme
authority figure (the Bene Gesserit do not count as they work in the shadows),
he could have had a larger involvement or say in combating the Fremen. The same
can be said for Florence Pugh’s character of Irulan Corrino. 

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]

A peeve could be Rebecca Ferguson’s less time in focus in Dune: Part Two. The
why is explained, and can not actually be viewed as such considering the array
of star power and allocated screen time for all secondary characters. 

Thoughts on the lines of elongated battles in the final act would have
necessitated two things. 1. Reduction of time in showcasing Paul’s journey that
would take away the feeling of catharsis. 2. Accusations of a prolonged battle
sequence along the lines of ‘it dragged at the end’. One would be hard pressed
to discover something to find fault with in this film. 


SHOULD YOU WATCH DUNE: PART TWO? 

Some films may be long; Dune: Part Two is 166 minutes, but it does not drag.
Things just click, allowing cinephiles to immerse themselves into a story with
the visuals and the music only making things better. You won’t feel the near
three hours. Watching it in IMAX will be simply something else. 

It is way too early for the 2025 Oscars, but Dune: Part Two could be a major
player. The technical categories seem like locks. Villeneuve could be a pick for
direction. The biggest question will be- can an actor secure a nod? Timothée
Chalamet and Austin Butler would be prime picks. 

ALSO READ: Wonka (2023): Review-Timothee Chalamet Lends The Golden Touch to This
Confectioner’s Musical Delight 
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-wonka-2023-review-timothee-chalamet-lends-the-golden-touch-to-this-confectioners-musical-delight/]

Even if it doesn’t get the recognition, it may be remembered way more than some
other Oscar winners. Denis Villeneuve’s film is sensational. 



Reubyn Coutinho

Comment

Dune: Part Two (Review)- Denis Villeneuve, Timothée Chalamet, and Hans Zimmer are pillars of this sensational epic - Netflix Junkie

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Reubyn Coutinho is an Editor and Film Critic at Netflix Junkie. This Mass Media Graduate from St. Xavier's has attended MAMI (2019) as a film critic. He hopes to be an official critic at festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Venice, and Cannes. As someone drawn to the craft of cinema, the stories brought to life through them, and the memories created through breathtaking moments on screen, Reubyn, in this role, combines his knack for critical analysis, love for writing, and watching films. His favorite films include It's a Wonderful Life, Black Swan, and Dead Poets Society. As a passionate consumer of Netflix content, Reubyn adores The Crown, Stranger Things, Cobra Kai and Daredevil. Away from the film world, he always has his eye on Manchester United in the EPL.

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Dune: Part Two (Review)- Denis Villeneuve, Timothée Chalamet, and Hans Zimmer are pillars of this sensational epic - netflix-junkie

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Dune: Part Two (Review)- Dune: Part One had the mournful lament (Paul&#8217;s Dream), the astounding visuals, and the awe factor. Dune: Part Two has it as well, but the film comes with a challenge of having to top its prequel. Denis Villeneuve had to showcase Arrakis bearing in mind the expectations and the need for something fresh and awe-inspiring. With Hans Zimmer’s mesmerizing score at his disposal, the Canadian director takes audiences deeper into the desert, the tribes, and each character’s personal motivation. This allows for a satisfying buy-in to that one thing that Part One understandably could not have, i.e. the payoff. 
The second installment has wars, sequences of humans vs beasts and elements of nature, and bloodthirsty battles. Remember the fights such as Duncan Idaho vs the Sardaukar or Paul Atreides vs Jamis? Yes? Well, Dune: Part Two has way more. 
On the story front, there are alterations of some sort from Frank Herbert&#8217;s source material. You were not expecting that, right? You should have. How often is a film faithful to its source right down to the T. Well, it may even go/have gone unnoticed as, let us face it, who will (why would anyone) read an 800+ page novel when there is a movie? That aside, Villeneuve and Jon Spaiths successfully build on loyalty, disloyalty, control, power, and duty as they showcase the search, discovery, and evolution of the one from the prophecy.
Villeneuve takes the coming-of-age and revenge story deeper into the Spice-filled lands, provides the protagonist an arc to self-actualization, and even lays the groundwork for a potential Part Three. 
<h2>Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler stand out in Dune: Part Two </h2>
Audiences may absolutely love Timothée Chalamet in the scene where he accepts his destiny. Editor Joe Walker’s cuts to the Fremen and Paul, back to Chani and Gurney, and back to the Fremen, captured the impact of Muad’Dib’s speech. They are rather simple words, but the command and ferocity behind them was simply astounding. Especially, as it was completely against the Paul Atreidis that Denis Villeneuve had presented. The evolution comes forth with the transformation seeming believable, making it tick, as we know the ‘why’. 
On another note, Zendaya fans would be happy in Dune: Part Two. This is because she has a rather meaty role here and is present right from the opening five minutes. Her conversations with Paul leave no room for any chemistry concerns. In fact, it is so good that one can understand Chani’s expressions and choices in the third act. 
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-165575 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="800" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy.jpeg 1600w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-300x150.jpeg 300w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-1024x512.jpeg 1024w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-768x384.jpeg 768w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-1536x768.jpeg 1536w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-370x185.jpeg 370w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-800x400.jpeg 800w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-185x93.jpeg 185w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-740x370.jpeg 740w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-20x10.jpeg 20w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-400x200.jpeg 400w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/hhhhhy-96x48.jpeg 96w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" />
Two other characters that stood out were the Harkonnen brothers. It is quite rare that Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha) would rank over Dave Bautista (Rabban) in who would win a fight. Dune: Part Two’s casting demanded it, but the Academy Award nominee ensured it worked. Butler’s character gave this film a menacing villain. Feyd-Rautha’s honorable, ruthless, bloodthirsty nature comes across quite naturally as we see that he is a trained fighter.
Bautista seemed under-used for his skill set of a menacing big guy. Imagine him having been cast as Fremen or a protector of House Atreides. Would that have been too many recognizable names on the good side? Perhaps. What could have been done better? Not much as Bautista played his role well and failed to maintain Spice production, thereby embarrassing House Harkonnen. Could he have engaged with the Fremen? Yes. Seeing him run away from the rebel warriors was amusing. While that particular tribe may be dangerous, one wonders why Rabban vs Gurney Halleck was such a brief fight. 
<h2>Cinematography and production design are exemplary </h2>
An aspect of Dune: Part Two is the world-building. Audiences enter the Sietches and get introduced to central Fremen locations, primarily Sietch Tabr. These places have intricate carvings that appear on screen for barely seconds. However, it is more than enough to establish why it is a precious home. The film&#8217;s biggest achievement is Giedi Prime. There is a complete visual pivot when Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation takes us to the Harkonnen homeland. This is not a choice just for the sake of it, with homeworlds reflecting their houses. Look back at Caladan, Arrakis, and Giedi Prime. 
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-165578 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="985" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj.jpg 1920w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-300x154.jpg 300w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-1024x525.jpg 1024w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-768x394.jpg 768w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-1536x788.jpg 1536w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-370x190.jpg 370w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-800x410.jpg 800w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-185x95.jpg 185w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-740x380.jpg 740w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-20x10.jpg 20w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-400x205.jpg 400w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-1600x821.jpg 1600w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjj-94x48.jpg 94w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
D.O.P. Greig Fraser spent portions of Dune: Part One highlighting the Spice and rate of perspiration. Topping a feat like that would require something insane, which comes in when Paul rides the worm. Describing any more visuals may ruin a reader&#8217;s IMAX experience. Also, it is quite refreshing to watch so many fight scenes without a feeling of dizziness. This is achieved as Fraser doesn&#8217;t just swing the lens all around to create the chaos. The smooth motion of the camera helps maintain a sense of balance whilst showcasing the on-ground mayhem. 
<h2>Christopher Walken was under-used in Dune: Part Two </h2>
Christopher Walken&#8217;s character has very little screen time. As the supreme authority figure (the Bene Gesserit do not count as they work in the shadows), he could have had a larger involvement or say in combating the Fremen. The same can be said for Florence Pugh’s character of Irulan Corrino. 
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-165579 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj.jpg 1920w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-300x169.jpg 300w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-768x432.jpg 768w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-370x208.jpg 370w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-800x450.jpg 800w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-20x11.jpg 20w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-185x104.jpg 185w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-740x416.jpg 740w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-400x225.jpg 400w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-1600x900.jpg 1600w, https://image-cdn.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/jjjjjjj-85x48.jpg 85w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
A peeve could be Rebecca Ferguson&#8217;s less time in focus in Dune: Part Two. The why is explained, and can not actually be viewed as such considering the array of star power and allocated screen time for all secondary characters. 
Thoughts on the lines of elongated battles in the final act would have necessitated two things. 1. Reduction of time in showcasing Paul&#8217;s journey that would take away the feeling of catharsis. 2. Accusations of a prolonged battle sequence along the lines of ‘it dragged at the end&#8217;. One would be hard pressed to discover something to find fault with in this film. 
<h2>Should you watch Dune: Part Two? </h2>
Some films may be long; Dune: Part Two is 166 minutes, but it does not drag. Things just click, allowing cinephiles to immerse themselves into a story with the visuals and the music only making things better. You won&#8217;t feel the near three hours. Watching it in IMAX will be simply something else. 
It is way too early for the 2025 Oscars, but Dune: Part Two could be a major player. The technical categories seem like locks. Villeneuve could be a pick for direction. The biggest question will be- can an actor secure a nod? Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler would be prime picks. 
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-wonka-2023-review-timothee-chalamet-lends-the-golden-touch-to-this-confectioners-musical-delight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonka (2023): Review-Timothee Chalamet Lends The Golden Touch to This Confectioner&#8217;s Musical Delight </a>
Even if it doesn&#8217;t get the recognition, it may be remembered way more than some other Oscar winners. Denis Villeneuve’s film is sensational. 
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Dune: Part Two | Official Trailer 3" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U2Qp5pL3ovA" width="914" height="514" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Wonka (2023): Review-Timothee Chalamet Lends The Golden Touch to This
Confectioner’s Musical Delight 

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Dune: Part Two is a stellar directorial, scoring, production, and technical achivement. Here is our take on this Timothee Chalamet film.

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Dune: Part Two (Review)- Denis Villeneuve, Timothée Chalamet, and Hans Zimmer are pillars of this sensational epic

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