Dune

Directed by Dennis Villeneuve (2021)

I won't lie, I was skeptical about Dune being adapted into film. How could I not be? After loving the book so much, and understanding that it is not an easy adaptation to make (Dune is a slow burn filled with convoluted dialogue), it was only natural to worry that all would end in flames. Yet I was fortunately proven wrong! This movie did an excellent job both accurately portraying the source material, while simultaneously creating a beautiful and creative film. Some scenes and dialogue were taken directly from the book; in the post-movie excitement Auva and I recounted many such scenes. On top of this, the set design and visual effects perfectly capture the desert planet. The immensity and scale of the Dune universe (duniverse?) were thrust on the audience through the epic cinematography and soundtrack. The movie was slow, yes, but the pacing felt right at home in a world where the sun constantly beats and the sand is ever-present. And the casting! I genuinely can't complain about any of the casting decisions, despite my initial qualms about Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho.

I tried not to include any spoilers in this write-up, so I apologize if it is a bit high-level. If anyone would like to discuss Dune with me further, you know where to find me :).

(11/15/21)