Gers wrote:
Dune: Part Two
Picked up exactly where part one ended. I enjoyed the first one immensely, and have rewatched it two or three times, so I was really looking forward to this. It didn’t disappoint. Following the source novel quite closely, with Paul not having to shack up with the Freman fighter he killed’s wife. But that apart, it was all there. I particularly liked the fact that the emperor was toned down. In the book, and subsequent film and telly adaptations, he walks around like a more flamboyant Liberace. Not here. Which is credit to the designer, or whatever they’re called. Simple but elegant.
Timothée Chalamet is a good actor, and his transformation from indulged princling to leader of an entire planet was superbly realized. However, Austin Butler as his nemesis was, once again, outstanding. He’s a great actor. In fact the entire cast were outstanding, and Rebecca Ferguson remains the most beautiful woman on Arrakis or any other planet for that matter.
The plot is the plot. Young Paul Atreides, fated to lead the planet in a war against the evil Harkonnens, is transformed into the messiah, and we see him both win the aforementioned war, and slowly transform into something a tad unsavory towards the end.
There are any number of follow-up novels in the series, and the ending points toward a third installment I would imagine.
I think FH wrote 5.
I enjoyed the 'cinematic spectacle' of it when I saw it yesterday - although it must be nearly 50 years since I read the book and so can't comment on how true it was (happy to accept your view Gers) but half the time I didn't know what was going on - couldn't remember what the Bene Geseritt 'thing' was all about at all and so I was at a distinct disadvantage. probably should have looked before going - as I too certainly enjoyed the first film.
Yes, apparently Herbert didn't want the book (or is it - first 2 bookS?) to end as a simple 'hero conquers evil' story and Paul darkly demonstrated this. Yes I'm supposing there will probably be more.
On a flippant level
most of the Fremen scenes had me firmly in mind of 'Life of Brian' and all the various discussions about whether or not he was The Messiah had me biting my tongue not to call out the obvious.
Then there was...The 'rats must be killed' comments that looked/sounded to have been lifted straight from 'Lord of the rings films' ("I don't take orders from stinking morgul rats") said by something (one of those big white orcs) from The Hobbit.
The helicopter attack WAS a straight lift from Apocalypse Now without the tape blaring.
Well worth seeing I'd say
*. One of The Junior Ramones (who also enjoyed it) said it was basically 'a standard old as the hills power grab film'. Maybe....I think I'll read the book again.
*To people 60+ be aware it's 2h 40 mins. With ads/previews added on....consider your fluid intake carefully.