I Watch Films: Dune Part 2

 

Dune Part 2

At the end of Dune (2021) the Atreides family, having been granted rule of the planet Arrakis by the Padishah Emperor, were betrayed by the Emperor who gave assistance to the Atreides’ enemy, the Harkonnen family. Paul Atreides and his mother Lady Jessica (pregnant) escaped into the desert where they sought refuge with the Fremen.

The Fremen had been prepared by the Bene Gesserit sisterhood with prophecies and omens. Some Fremen were more sceptical than others. Paul proves himself as a warrior and a leader. He falls in love with Chani. Jessica takes the Water Of Life, a poison that, transformed by Bene Gesserit disciplines, gives her access to past lives. Paul also takes it and is given prophetic visions, seeing that the Fremen will go to war, taking it to many planets causing mass deaths. Yet the alternatives seem worse.

The Harkonnens have control of Arrakis and the spice – or they have some control, the Fremen attacks creating shortages. On the spectacular black sun lit planet of Giedi Prime Baron Harkonnen primes his favoured heir, his nephew Feyd-Rautha to take over. For now he lets his other nephew Rabban, the Beast, rule. He raids deep into Fremen territory. This causes the Fremen to meet to discuss this, a meeting Paul dominates.

His attacks inevitably bring the attention of the empire to Arrakis (known as Dune in the ancient Fremen tongue). The Emperor’s legions, but also forces of the other Great Houses. There will be an apocalyptic showdown – but can Paul avoid the worst futures he has forseen?

Amazing looking film, efficiently streamlining the second half of the novel, allowing for some expansion of bits the filmmakers presumably thought important. Mostly Paul’s complex route to leadership of the Fremen.

Watch This: Great looking adaption of the science fiction classic with many awe-inspiring scenes
Don’t Watch This: Lots of people plotting followed by long sequences of violence
While We're On The Subject: The 1984 adaption, and the frankly exploitative Planet Dune.