Dune: Part Two

Front Row at the Movies by Shirrel Rhoades

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In 1965, Frank Herbert wrote an epic science fiction novel he called “Dune.” It was published as two separate serials (“Dune World” and “Prophet of Dune”) in Analog magazine. “Dune” became one of the world’s best-selling science fiction novels of all time. It won a Nebula Award and tied for the Hugo Award.

“Dune” presents “a distant future in a feudal interstellar society in which various noble houses control planetary fiefs. It tells the story of young Paul Atreides, whose family accepts the stewardship of the planet Arrakis.”

A sparsely populated desert wasteland, Arrakis is the only source of “spice,” a drug that extends life and enhances mental abilities. Everybody wants it.

Herbert wrote five sequels. And following his death, his son wrote a dozen more.

Film versions have been difficult. In the 1970s, cult filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky brought it to the screen but after three years abandoned the project. Then, in 1984, quirky director David Lynch gave us a version starring singer Sting that received mixed reviews. In 2000, it became a miniseries on the Sci-Fi Channel.

Finally, in 2021, Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (“Maelström”) directed a new adaptation of “Dune” that resonated with audiences. Grossing $400 million at the box office, this version was nominated for 10 Academy Awards (winning six). Its storyline covered roughly the first half of the original novel.

Now we have the second half with “Dune: Part Two,” now showing in theaters.

Like the first half, the ensemble cast of “Part Two” includes young heartthrobs Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as well as Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. Added to the cast his time around are Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, and Tim Blake Nelson.
Here, Paul (Timothée Chalamet) seeks revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. At the same time, he’s trying to thwart the terrible future that he sees ahead for his beloved Arrakis.

Villeneuve describes “Dune: Part Two” as an “epic war movie,” saying that while the first film was more contemplative, the second delivers more action. He also describes it as an “epic love story” between Paul and Chani (Chalamet and Zendaya).

“I think something we can all relate to is just love,” adds Zendaya. “These characters literally live on another planet, right? They’re aliens. It was interesting finding these tender moments in such turmoil and chaos.”

However, in “Part Two,” Florence Pugh complicates the love story as Princess Irulan.

“We were joking on set that we keep doing these movies, and we end up together even though we should be ending up with different people,” laughs Chalamet, referring to how Paul romances Princess Irulan despite Zendaya’s Chani being his true soulmate.

He points out it’s similar to “Little Women,” in which Chalamet’s Laurie pines for Saoirse Ronan’s Jo, but eventually marries Pugh’s Amy.

Who would have expected a parallel universe between “Little Women” and “Dune”?

“Dune: Part Two” was named the Most Anticipated Film at the 6th Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Film Awards.

But the wait is over.

Villeneuve is already looking ahead. He hopes to make a third film based on “Dune Messiah,” the second novel in Frank Herbert’s series. He’s even talking about a television spin-off called “Dune: Prophecy.”

Email Shirrel: srhoades@aol.com