Previously published December 4, 2021.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet, Dune is a sci-fi movie that has been on everybody’s radar. Dune is a two-part movie adaption of the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, with part one being released in October of 2021 and part two in 2023.
Part one follows the teenager Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica, as they struggle to survive in the deserts of Arrakis. While Dune: Part One has been doing extremely well and amassed over $293 million worldwide, it has become a topic of controversy, with many people criticizing the visuals and storyline of the movie.
The main source of criticism for the movie has been the lack of context and incomplete plot. NPR writer Justin Chang, claims that Dune is “an incomplete experience” and that “there’s something odd and unsatisfying about the point at which it slams to a halt”, as he refers to the abrupt cut-off at the end of Part One.
Counting the critics, others like @anglish15 on Twitter claimed that Dune “was astounding” and that they “can’t wait for the second part”. In the midst of the good and bad reviews, many people enjoyed the movie but remained confused about the plot; “Dune was more confusing than the tests teacher gives you after the study guide is nothing like it” claims @4Kamere_Spicy on Twitter.
Similar to the general public, here at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, our bobcats also have some polarizing opinions on Dune. Anaya Khanzode (11) shares her opinions on the cinematography of Dune, “Respectfully, the movie would have been better if there were fewer slow-mo scenes of Jason Momoa walking ”. Aditi Pallavalli (11), on the other hand, enjoyed the movie “I thought that the movie’s clothing choices and visuals were stunning, especially Timothée Chalamet’s visuals”.
At the Quill, we discuss our opinions regarding Dune. Jessie Wang (11) says, “I was amazed by the soundtrack and details in the movie, it really made the world of Dune seem real”. Ava Yu (11) exclaimed, “I’m so excited for the second movie! While the end of Part one was jarring, it set up the second part of the movie extremely well”. While opinions on the movie differ, Dune was certainly memorable.
