It's Denis' World, We're Just Living In It

Dune: Part Two [2024]

Film

There was a small moment where I was actually terrified of Dune: Part Two coming out.

A highly anticipated sequel to one of the best movies of 2021, Dune: Part One, not to mention another film in general from critically acclaimed writer/director Denis Villeneuve. Could it possibly not live up to the hype? Are my expectations too high? Is Austin Butler too bald??

Well it was excellent news all around as Dune: Part Two is outrageously good and no, Austin Butler has not yet reached the threshold of being too bald.

If Dune: Part One had any shortcomings, that's a pretty big if, many people would point towards the lack of action. It's a pretty bland criticism as Villeneuve's Dune intro film is nothing short of stupendous. His world building, careful crafting of Frank Herbert's imagination, results in a gorgeous film (thanks Greig Fraser) that can be consumed as a singular entity. However, it also happens to set up Dune: Part Two in a way that enables the follow up to possibly surpass its predecessor in quality, and be one of the greatest sci-fi films and sequels of all time.

I'm not trying to be hyperbolic here, but Villeneuve's adaptation of Herbert's novel, in both films but most importantly the second, is miraculous. Dune: Part Two not only features Villeneuve directing at the top of his game, just look at the opening sequence for proof, but also writing on a whole new level. Dune has oft been referred to as an unadaptable book. Packed with internal monologues, a plethora of betrayals, paranoid investigations, oh and a mentally mature and murderous toddler, you can begin to understand how difficult it is to turn this into a visual art form. Let alone turning it into two films as opposed to a lengthy series. But the key to the success of these films isn't what Villeneuve includes from the text, but rather what he omits. Or in some instances, tweaks.

The liberties taken with the source material are pretty major, but showcase Villeneuve's deep understanding of the message necessary to marry the two formats. Timothee Chalamet's role, of Paul Atreides, is similar to the book but is elevated by his dynamic range. This very well could be the darkest role of his career as he brings a quiet fear that transcends into monumental power as the film propels forward. Atreides' turn alongside Stilgar's (Javier Bardem) fanaticism are stellar adaptations of the story's overarching themes of the dangers of fundamentalism. There's a comedic element added to Stilgar's devout following of the prophecy unfolding before his eyes, which I could've gone for less of. Although, overall it is an effective vehicle for the sheer density of religious fervor.

Dune: Part Two [2024]

While Chalamet and Bardem are standouts in the film, the true dynamic duo is Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya as Lady Jessica and Chani respectively. Remember when I mentioned the shortcomings of the first film? Well, the lack of Zendaya was a common talking point in regards to them. Little did we know that Villeneuve was merely prepping the audience for one of the juiciest, more layered, and intense roles for her. Chani's arc is a bit of a departure from the book but it couldn't be more welcome. The emotional transformation of her and Paul's relationship is a beautiful metamorphosis, amplifying the message of the film. Albeit in heartbreaking fashion. On the other hand, Lady Jessica is more akin to the source material but its Ferguson's amazing supporting performance that elevates Dune: Part Two even more. Which I wasn't sure was even possible when watching.

I'm really not sure what I was afraid of looking back on the buildup to this film. A follow up to one of my favorite movies of 2021 (definitely in my top all time) with Villeneuve back at the helm was sure to be a smash. Not to mention you've got the king Greig Fraser shooting the living shit out of it once again. Every film that Fraser does is somehow a step above his previous and I couldn't be more in awe of his vision. Oh and let's not forget Hans Zimmer ripping out another all time score. Mimicking many of the sonic motifs of the first film's score yet building up to something more sinister, visceral, and heart thumping, it is a certifiable banger.

If power over spice is power over all then I'm naught but a subject, living in Denis Villeneuve's world. Because that man was cooking with spice for this whole film. Etching his name into the pantheon of sci-fi directors, and solidifying Dune: Part Two as one of the greatest sequels of all time.

Froth

There were a couple of Dune themed beers I've found over the past year. Many of them I assume were leading up to the original 2023 release date, whcih was delayed due to the strikes. As a quick aside, can you imagine if Dune: Part Two hadn't been delayed and we had to watch Oppenheimer and this film beat the living shit out of each other for cinematic supremacy? If Sandra Hüller was the MVP last year for being in two Best Picture nominated films (The Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall) then we have to have a similar discussion for Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer and Dune: Part Two).

Anyways, I got a bit distracted, but one beer I found was from Fort George Brewing called Crysknife. Appropriate? Yes. Delicious? Also, yes. This IPA is full of fruity wonder and tropical notes as one's come to expect. But the real treat is a more biscuity, malt forward mix that comes to play and delivers one of the more complex yet undeniably delightful IPA flavors in recent memory.

While this would be a fantastic choice, I opted for something a little darker. Not only does this choice mirror the idea of the film and its dangerous warning of fundamentalism and the unescapable crunching of time, but its also fire. Melange from Fremont Brewing is a Barrel-Aged Cuvee that is an amalgamation of some vintage batches of The Rusty Nail (a bourbon barrel aged stout that is also exquisite) and a porter. Basically the brewers at Fremont Brewing put on their Bene Gesserit hats and said let's make the Kwisatz Haderach of beers because this brew made me see through time and space. It is amazing. Dark, thick, sweet yet boozy and all too drinkable for a 10% ABV concoction I can see why the Fremen put Melange in everything.

Ok enough of the Dune wordplay. The Melange was a mid-October limited release but I sincerely hope that Fremont Brewing comes back with more of this brew so I can buy a belligerent amount of it.

For my inevitable hundred rewatches of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two.

P.S. I also paired Dune: Part One with a Fremont Brewing beer and continued that trend here because I believe in continuity.