A reason the cast is so insane, is that a lot of the actors took lower pay than they would normally take, because of the massive respect they have for Denis Villeneuve, as they wanted to help his passion project do as good as possible.
The thing I love about Dune's chosen one trope (other than future spoilers) is that it's not some divine or miraculous chosen one, it's a carefully crafted scientific and religious plan executed over millenia. So it's kind of like less of a "chosen one" and more of a "crafted one".
Also, and nothing but respect to Frank Herbert as a world builder, the way he puts on shoes is far and away the most ridiculous thing the Order could have chosen as the sign of the Chosen One.
ye like the insane patterns aren't some idiot god in the sky or in a cave its around 6000 to 7000 years of careful manipulation and 700 years of careful planning for the as you said crafted one's birth and like the bene gess say they have several other prospects just as complex in the works at the same time it highlights how over the top in planning everyone in this universe are
@@lordsathariel4384 no its not only 6000 or 7000 years of genetic crafting. the Bene Gesserit breeding program to create the Kwisatz haderach has been going on for over 10,000 years not 6 top 7000 years
When Paul is out of the thopter when the worm attacks the spice harvester, he says, "I recognise your footsteps, old man." We're meant to connect that with the sparring scene with Gurney because he said the same thing to Gurney, and Gurney grabs Paul to run back to the thopter, but the Fremen word for the sand worm, Shai-Hulud, means 'Old Man of the Desert.' Paul isn't talking to Gurney, he's talking to the sand worm. Denis Villeneuve gets it, man.
I've had so many moments like this in the cinema the first time I watched it lol some seemingly innocent slightly odd line of dialogue to the friend next to me, meanwhile my brain is running in circles trying to absorb all the effort and care put into it.
I'e seen this comment on all reaction videos. I think it is wrong. It refers just to Gurney. It would be kinda stupid to talk to/ or refer to the worm, we know it's coming, Paul know it's coming, the worm is racing across the desert. I get that you want the video creators to know that Shai'hulud means old man of the desert, but come on ... :D
Yes, that was a nice little nuance-detail in the book. It had a double meaning, indeed. Guess that was lost in the movie, together with a few other things (like Mentats; wasn't really explained in part 1), but with such a lore-heavy back, that's bound to happen. I think Villeneuve did a pretty good job of reaching the middle-ground of satisfying the Dune-fans with enough lore, but not overwhelming the non-fans with too much lore.
That was legit my reaction, and then I realized I had been watching this movie for 2.5 hrs and it felt like nothing. Excited to finally see Part Two this year.
The best version of dune is the one everybody pans.. The early 200’s Sci-fi channel version.. Everyone hates it because of the early CGI effects, but told the real story of Dune, and Moab-dib..
@@jacobjones5269 I don't pan it. It's a great adaptation. They changed a bunch of mostly unimportant details but the themes were right. And I don't give a shit about the CGI effects. They were fine.
@@jacobjones5269 I've always said that people who like the Lynch versions like it because they are d-bags... it's just a power-revenge fantasy and misses the whole point of the greater Dune series: guy loses family, guy goes into training, guy gets girl, guy comes back and wipes out his enemies, claims his enemy's daughter as a wife, becomes a god, the end. The mini-series respected that Paul wasn't a heroic figure even in the context of the first book, and that the ending wasn't a completely happy one at that either. But what makes the TV version great is the second series; Children of Dune (though it has the same flaws) really dug into what the theme and message of the Dune series was, and we are all waiting for James McEvoy to one day return as the God Emperor of Dune.
Speaking as a fairly hard-core Dune nerd, I can say I was incredibly impressed with this adaptation. It skipped a lot but nothing that was really needed and the changes made were necessary to tell the story in a different format. The only complaint is that they actually filmed "The Banquet Scene" but didn't include it and I kinda wanted to see that. Fingers crossed that we get an extended cut at some point!
@@ScarriorIII Well, there's a first for everything. There must be so much material that they filmed and never included. I really hope Villeneuve gets off his high horse and stop pretending his movies are perfect. I mean, they are, but I wish he was a bit more open-minded about it. Really I just want to see more Dune, I don't care, make it 6 hours long, I'll sit through all of it holding my bladder closed with a pair of pliers if I have to.
Denis Villeneuve has done for Dune what Peter Jackson did for LOTR: take a very complex novel, and present it in a way that those unfamiliar with the books can enjoy it, while still satisfying those who are familiar with the books. Can’t wait for part 2!
@@Bog_Dog Literally my only complaint about the movie, that Gurney doesn't sing and playing with his instrument at all. In the movie he's just like an ordinary officer. :(
Yes but also not really. Peter had the incredible fortune of getting a full budget for all three movies immediately. Denis only got one movie that would MAYBE get a sequel if it did well (which it did). This is not an adaptation on the level of LOTR. That was bottled lightning, stars aligning, EVERYTHING and EVERYONE involved being perfect. Dune is a lot messier and of course it is. They didnt get two years straight of production to do the trilogy justice.
Worth noting, as always, that the calendar in use in this series is "Before Guild" and "After Guild" - but 1AG is approximately 10,000 years in the future, and so 10,191AG is more like 20,000 years in the future.
Correct. The Dune universe / saga; a story that spans 35’000 years, it’s good to know that dates are know as BG (Before Guild) & AG (After Guild). The Guild monopoly on space travel / transport and upon interstellar banking is taken as the beginning point of the Imperial Calendar. Interestingly, the events of Dune when set to our current Earth years, take place 20’000 years into our future; so technically we are part of the Dune story. A little timeline for the Dune universe. 19000-16000BG - Earliest civilisations on Terra (Earth) 16500BG - The Roman Empire 14100BG - 13600BG - Our Solar System is colonised. 13402BG - An asteroid hits Terra making it uninhabitable. 13402BG - 13399BG - The Rescue of Treasures off Terra. 13360BG - Terra is reseeded & set aside as a natural park under Imperial Decree. 200-108BG - The Butlerian Jihad. the crusade to free humans from thinking machines. 86BG - Foundation of House Atreides. O - Foundation of The Guild. 10140AG - Duke Leto is born 10190-10191 - House Atreides moves to Arrakis.
The little parasol was a decision on the day. Dennis saw the actor using it when off camera and told him to use it in the scene. Nice bit of improvisation.
That is so lucky. That parasol is just the most simple but stylish little thing. Fits right in with the costuming. And it makes sense that a mentat would have nothing to prove about being tough withstanding and ignoring the heat, unlike all the warriors, both common and aristocratic.
@@ariadnepyanfar1048 Totally! Orson Welles once said a director is someone who presides over accidents. I think this is a great example of what he meant.
@@jlworrad ie Spielbers's Jaws and it's broken shark prop that forced him to barely show it leading to a (almost involuntary) masterpiece of filmmaking/editing
As for the shields, I figure it's the vibration thing. Vibrations attract the worms, and shields typically work as an energy form with a very high frequency to provide the coverage. Since they're so fast, they create a lot of vibrations the worms can sense and send them into their frenzy. If single footsteps can attract them, imagine what something operating at hundreds or thousands of hertz would do.
Precisely, the worms interpret vibrations as rival worms in their territory and the shield would be what is called a super-stimulus in biology. As an aside: The shields can be set at different speeds as well. Too fast and they even block airflow across, so cannot be operated permanently that way when worn. The Barons shield was set high enough for example to protect him somewhat from the poison gas seeping through.
yes, the Worms are attracted to vibrations in general, but what really draws them is steady constant vibrations. Thats why they are drawn to a regular walking cadence, or the Thumper, or shields, which create a ton of vibration, that is again consistent in measure. It's why the Fremen doing their unique walk don't draw the worms, and its why the Fremen don't ever wear personal shields.
@@KS-xk2so Right. It's the vibration of the frequency of the shields, and for the reason Andreas said above. Also; I see many reactors say: "He should use the sand-walk! the worms will come!" when he gets out of the thopter to rescue the guys from the harvester, and when they escape the thopter after the attack of Harkonnens to look back at the city. But in the first case, it really didn't matter: the worm was already coming, and the noises of the harvester were far louder and already attracted the worm; a few footsteps would make no difference anymore. And in the latter case, it also didn't matter too much, because the sand-walk is only essential when crossing "worm-territory", which is basically the deep desert, certainly for the big ones. Worms seldom come at the fringes (where the city is build), because of the rocks and the shallow sands there. So chances of getting caught and eaten by a worm when walking normally on the sand in non-worm territory is actually pretty low.
I believe that is the intended reason it happens. Of course, for narrative reasons, it removes a "safety net" from people crossing the desert. But, scientifically, it makes sense. The Shields "hum" when on. Which is a sound. And sound vibrates.
I'm glad Simone mentioned the range of performance from Lady Jessica. So many people comment on this film that the cast is stacked and then don't include Rebecca Ferguson when they list off names. I recently caught up with Doctor Sleep (she's Rose the Hat), and the first three episodes of Silo. She's such an intelligent and nuanced actor, one of the best.
Ironically, I think Jessica is probably the part I was most disappointed with in this version. Not a knock on Ferguson, she does what she can with the direction, but the direction isn't anywhere near subtle enough and it kind of butchers the quiet but commanding strength of her character... and has some especially egregious changes and omissions in the script as someone who loves Jessica as a character.
@@rabid_si I don't agree (not saying you're wrong, just different perspectives). Her performance and the character portrayal match the adaptation style. Many aspects of the cultures are toned down from the book, the Harkonnens especially, in terms of look and costume. But it all works and is consistent with the overall film, which is good. It's not better or worse than the book, but a valid version.
Lady Jessica was one of my least liked performances. She always seemed on the verge of tears, far from a noble Duke's consort and a strong Bene Gesserit.
@@rabid_si - I especially disliked the part when Paul tells them to remove her gag. In David Lynch's 1984 movie, she responds with something like, "There's no need to fight over me" with the voice, prompting the crew to fight over her and kill each other. Here, her response is, "Kill him!", with a maniacal look on her face. Not the Jessica I am familiar with.
probably the best reaction you have done in my opinion, really nice to see george familiar with the books guiding without spoiling. epic movie, epic story
@@Crazy_Diamond_75 the "Imperium", technological regressions to the point of using Analogue tech, caused by a deep distrust of AI, due to a devastation galactic War with Cyborgs and AI's. The "Navigators" who are mutated humans using their Psychic powers to travel large distances of Space. The quasi systematic use of Melee and Close quarters combat tactics over long ranged combat, despite long range making more sens in a futuristic setting. The "Emperor's Legions". I mean if you look closer at least 40% of 40k IS litteraly Dune material.
@Zen-RPG Those are good examples. One thing though: the Butlerian Jihad wasn’t quite a “galactic War with Cyborgs and AI's.” A lot of commenters have repeated that the Jihad was a war between humans and robots, like The Terminator or The Matrix. Not so. Frank Herbert wrote in the first novel that it was a war between humans against other humans who were enslaving humanity using A.I.-in other words, people vs people. The prequels and sequels written by Herbert’s son and Kevin Anderson (mediocre fanfiction IMO) disregarded several details that Herbert established, including the alteration that made the Butlerian Jihad a dumbed down fight against the machines.
My favorite shot is the moment during the Gom Jabbar when you can see Paul master his pain. That look of disdain and confidence is captured so well. I love the dynamic of George seeing how the book is adapted watching with Simone who has no idea what is coming
There is the most subtle flash of fear in the visage of the Reverend Mother when he master's his pain, and that cut from one to the other is terrifying.
When you mentioned influence from Villneuve's other movies, he's said one of the reasons he wanted to get into filmmaking was to create an adaptation of Dune... but he felt he needed a lot of experience and success to secure a budget that would do justice to the landscapes created by Herbert.
Yeah, he said in a interview he specifically wanted to do Bladerunner 2049 and do it right because he knew it would lead to him getting permission for Dune
I believe he said that he was influenced by 2001 a space odyssey, apocalypse now and Lawrence of Arabia. And it’s actually kinda funny for me because Frank Herbert was actually inspired by Lawrence of Arabia himself when he was doing research for the book and when you read about him or watch the movie (masterpiece btw) you can really see it
I am a big fan of the Frank Herbert books. My brother, on the other hand, is not a nerd in any way. He doesn’t normally enjoy anything in geek culture but he became obsessed with this movie when it came out. He kept saying that the movie conveyed a lot of his experience while deployed in the Middle East from the unseen presence of different power factions, the difficult yet understandable relationship between the locals and the occupying forces, and how the harsh environment shaped the local culture.
@@J4ME5_ Sex Nuns From Outer Space is either a really crappy 1980's T&A movie or the kind of indie band that plays at around noon on a tiny stage at Glastonbury.
You said something mentioning that crying is also waste of moisture. Its actually an important little detail in the books, that when Paul kills Jamis - he cries, and its seen as a very big deal by other fremens
Great reaction! Yes, Simone, I encourage you to read the first book before part two comes out. So far they are doing a very faithful adaptation of the book and it’s great. And George, watching your giddy laughter and satisfaction with the dialogue and the story points, I think officially does make you Dune nerd! And that’s a compliment.
Simone's reactions are amazing - love seeing the wonder in her expressions. Hard-core Dune fans seem to fall into two camps on the movie: "OMG This is really well done" or "They left out my favorite scene/detail and I'm grumpy about it".
They left out my favorite scene but well duh I expected them to (as it would be bizarre to spend like 15 min on one of 20 important side-characters aimlessly crawling around the desert having monologues and hallucinating conversations with a parent until finally dying), because that one is better in written form anyway! Love the movie!
I feel like every book turned movies fans divide like that. You have the realistic people, who understand books and movies are two different mediums, and are just happy the overall spirit and tone are correct.... then you have the people who whine watch LOTR's and complain it doesn't have Tom Bombadil... nevermind that would NEVER work in a movie lol
Yep, now we can properly experience how Lord of the Rings fans felt with the Peter Jackson movies. I personally really like this version of Dune. Yeah, some really good scenes were cut, but the look and feel of the world is absolutely stunning and the story is still conveyed succinctly. People who haven't read the novel are easily able to understand the themes and story and I think that's what's most important. Dune is a very dense book and some things absolutely had to be cut or we'd have a 15 hour runtime.
@@vsGoliath96Yes! Same with Fellowship. It wasn't entirely necessary for Gandalf to be gone for 4 years in between the party and the day he sets frodo and Sam off on their trip. I mean, sure, maybe it would have been interesting, but not necessary for the overall adaptation.
I have to say, I’m of the opinion that the novel is a genuine masterpiece and someone once said a masterpiece has already found it’s perfect medium. With that in mind, I don’t think any movie could possibly capture the absolute brilliance of the book; but I think this is as good as any movie could possibly do in the attempt.
I was stunned by how good the translation was. I could not have more respect for Denis Villenueve as a director, but this was a huge task. I think what makes this so good is that he pretty much goes by some rules: 1. Don't change anything that doesn't need changing. Verbatim dialogue where it fits, no huge plot divergences to amp the drama. 2: Don't pander. You could make this 10 hours, and some people would still have trouble following details, so don't sweat the details. Do just enough to reward those who are really paying attention, but not so much that it slogs the movie down with exposition. 3. SCOPE, big and epic (and Villenueve is superb at this).
@@mjj3132 completely agree; also spot on casting and great performances all around. I can’t think of anything I’d really have changed about the movie. I even like the small change of the Harkonnen appearing more physically vile than they actually were in the books.
@@MikePhillips-pl6ov the one thing I’ll give the LOTR movies over the books is the character of Aragorn. I feel like the movies actually gave him more depth and development than the books. Other than that I totally agree.
I loved the movie with Sting as a kid. Like George I've only read the first few books. My mom was a big Dune fan and this movie came out the day of her funeral. It was nice to watch it and think of her that day.
David Lynch’s version is worth a watch as well. When I read “Game of Thrones,” the first thing I thought of was “Dune.” Ned Stark faced a similar fate as Leto and they both sire messianic sons.
I had to watch this one immediately. I'm so pumped about the second part coming out. I truly enjoyed the points you guys were making. As a new Dune fan, I can also see all the inspiration that other filmmakers took from the original works. It's quite something.
I know why you guys don't have a long discussion at the end but man I wish I could watch you guys talking about this movie for another 30 minutes. Simone's reaction to this movie was amazing because she felt all the things I felt while watching this.
Why? A discussion enhances the reaction. They express what we felt and what they too now feel after watching. It seems to be a mistake. Even a ten minute discussion would suffice
@@BJBee I didn't understand your comment. I don't know if you wanted or didn't want a longer discussion. They don't do long conversations after the reaction because most of the viewers stop watching at that point. So I was saying I understand why they stopped filming the discussion part but I wish they had longer discussions.
@@Adamas97 I do want longer discussions. I was asking why they didn't do them. Thank you for explaining. I still think they should do them for audiences who want them. There might be people who don't subscribe because there's no discussion.
@@BJBee About the one only "movie/tv" reactor who I consistently give a damn about is the TBR Scmitt, channel, despite them watching tons of TV series which I couldn't care less about. It's because they have usually at least 20 minutes of talking about the movie afterwards. Not necessarily saying I would subscribe to this channel if they did, but it certainly would help.
So cool you finally watched this! BTW, David Lynch's Dune adaptation from 1984 is also worth checking out, if only because of how wonderfully weird it is. And it does have really cool production design, as well!
It's just another take or deconstruction of a "chosen one" trope. Because if there is a chosen one, there is a reasonable question "chosen by whom?" Paul walks a path of a chosen one but the fact that there is someone who crafted this fate for him adds another layer to the common trope.
Dune nerd here, and I love this adaptation! I love all the details, yet they don’t kill the film with spoken exposition! Things like seeing the mentats’ eyes rolling up in their head and the stained lips; not even explaining what a mentat is but showing that they are “different”. I want to see Denis Villeneuve do a movie about the Butlerian Jihad.
"Chalomet's Mandarin is really good!" I love small additions like this from reaction channels, it's something I wouldn't really reflect on since I'm not able to identify authentic Mandarin, but knowing that Chalomet got a pass from someone who speaks it fluently just gives me such satisfacc. It means they took the time and effort to bring in someone who speaks Mandarin to coach Chalomet, even though it was only for a few lines, and they shot the line and (probably) the ADR over and over again until he got it just right. :)
I love the Guild Heighliners in this, they're like a literal tunnel through space/time. The ship folds space, you fly in one end and come out the other at your destination.
It was interesting, but probably the least well adapted thing from the books. Most everything else was pretty spot on. But the way they're shown to work doesn't make a lot of sense from the standpoint of why spice is even important to the Navigators, and it's made further inconsistent by Gurney's reaction to looking up and seeing one in orbit. Why wouldn't one be in orbit if they just act like wormholes? You'd think there'd be one there all the time in that case.
I hope Thufir Hawat gets some more time, or at least a more complete explanation of exactly what he is, in the 2nd half. Here he just comes across as a calculator...which he is in some respects, but he's also so much more
What I loved about your reaction is that we got to see someone new to the Dune world, and someone who clearly knew the book experience it at the same time. It was a lovely juxtaposition.
Seeing this movie in imax was one of the best movie experiences I've ever had in my life; so glad you're reacting to it! And you guys must read the books, at least the first one, they're soooooo good
And if you read the first one, you must read at least the second one, because it's like a crucial fourth third of the novel that makes sure the main lesson is impossible to miss! And if you read the second one, you must read the third one, because it follows a ton of remaining open threads that were planted from the start! And if you read the third one, well why would you stop at the book that the first three were just the set up for?? And so on :'D
@@AdeptCharon pretty much. I do think Messiah is obligatory, and while it sets up a lot it also has a nice end for Pauls reign. I feel like Children feels like the first act of the God-Emperor story-arc, and then Heretics and Chapterhouse are again a contained sequel duology about the aftermath.
7:58 I love that in this shot you can actually see the other planet on the other side of the ship, so it visually tells you that it’s bending/folding space to allow you to move between planets
In the book, Paul's ability to see the future is explained by Mentat training. That, along with the Bene Gesserit training and the spice, basically made him a Jedi.
Paul's Mentat training does not allow him to see the future (that's his Quizatch Haderach breeding). It allows him to process everything he sees because he has to filter all possible outcomes, which would probably drive a non-Mentat crazy.
That's partially true. It's also that he is the product of millenia of selective breeding all with the goal to culminate in someone who has those abilities.
@@Archaneus Yes. In Dune there are basically 3 ways of seeing the future and 4 ways to get there that are explored: Mentat computation that allows predictions, trained by the Spacing Guild, observing patterns of history via genetic memory used by the Bene Gesserit, and finally Actual prescience gained by mutating your body and mind with spice like the Guild Navigators, or having the right genes and then tripping on spice, which is the breeding goal of the Bene Gesserits Messiah, who will have this power and the genetic memories as well, thus seeing both past and future. So in the end Paul has all 3.
@@houseofaction Well, as all noble families in the empire do, they are all eating spice for its health benefits all their lives, but he gets bigger doses of it on Arrakis. It might be a necessity for prescience or not, but it definitely boosts the ability many times over.
Duncan Idaho was the only character to appear in all six of Frank Herbert's original books. Duncan's body was given to the Bene Tleilax, who can use the concepts of cloning, genetic memory, and memory extraction from a preserved corpse to create a ghola. A ghola is a copy of a person that is often conditioned hypnotically to be an assassin. In rare cases they can break their conditioning.
As someone currently reading the book for first time AFTER seeing the movie, i highly recommend it so far. The concepts for when it was written are excellent, and its very well written and captivating even after being "spoiled" by the movie. Go out and grab a copy!
I immediately bought the movie after i saw it in the theater (sadly not in imax) and watched 4 or 5 times since then. I never read the books but watched the Lynch movie several times as a teenager and the 2000 movie, so i know what is coming now, and i can´t wait for the second part. Especially after they dropped the trailer few days ago.
@@Dularr oh yeah, the 84 movie basically missed THE MAIN POINT of the novel completely, instead of being a critique of the messianic hero, it was literally a direct messianic hero story :'D
The Lynch one has plenty of valid criticisms, but I still enjoy it a lot. This one i would say is all around superior, but the 1984 one has a certain vibe that works.
FULL BODY CHILLS throughout this movie.... I am SO looking forward to the second part!!! I remember watching this on IMax and I was in TEARS from the beauty of it...
I absolutely love this movie. Villeneuve is one of my favorite directors after seeing 2049 and this, along with Arrival. Dude is hitting it out of the park!
in the end fight, another part of the reason paul doesn't kill Jamis faster is all his training was against shielded opponents so very fast on the defence but slowing down too pass through the shield giving jamis the time to get out of the way of paul's blade
Its important to recognize that Dune is a deconstruction of the 'chosen one' trope - the book does a much better job but looking forward to part 2. I also highly recommend Matthew Colville's three part breakdown of DUNE (three critical elements of Dune that are usually glossed over).
Book or not, definitely worth a rewatch to pick up on the things you missed, and to think about the context of various dialogue. But one thing to definitely understand is this - Paul's vision of possible futures shows him dark places, with him at the center of it. He's afraid of what will happen if he leans into the Fremen prophecy to survive, but also afraid of where the universe might go if he ISN'T there to guide it. Now watch the Part Two trailer! Austin Butler gladiator fights! Florence Pugh podcasting!
I went to the cinema to watch in IMAX. It was DEAFENING, I'm sure they had it turned up to 11, the music was incredible. Also when that first harkonnen bomb dropped during the night attack, the entire room went from complete darkness to being lit up like an actual explosion went off.
The audiovisual experience in IMAX was... something else. I saw it twice in that format and almost melted into my seat multiple times. Never had an experience like that in theaters.
This was an amazing experience watching in IMAX, the theatre was literally shaking during the Harkonen assault. Not long to wait now for part 2 which is my most anticipated film this year.
Really don't think they clearly communicated just how valuable water is, which seems extremely important to me. The "spit" scene gave a bit, but I agree that the shedding of tears would have been such a simple thing to include that leaving it out seems a very poor choice.
I think they'll put a much bigger emphasis on the scarcity of water in the second film. I would have liked a lot more of that emphasis in the first film, and there were key scenes that could have conveyed that better, but I understand why they focused more on the other aspects of the story for Part One. But they really need to go deep on the ecology in the second film or it just won't be a good adaptation.
The scene where we first meet the Baron reminds me so much of the scene in Apocolypse Now where we first meet Brando's charcter Colonel Kurtz where you just see his face and hand with everything else in shadow.
Masterpiece. There are fascinating docu's on how they designed it all, and the sounds, way of 'first person view' camera work etc. As for brilliance, they made a short minute scene introducing the sardukar, and it's all people needed to understand much about them. Brilliant filming.
Nice one , sadly studio spoiled the first attempt by David Lynch ,1984 Dune , his movies was also going to be 4 h long , you really cant make short version from that book . Dune is heavily influenced by Islam even when Frank Herbert was more of a Zen Buddhist , he really did his research for his books .
Nominated for 10 Oscars including Best Picture, but won for Best Visual Effects Best Sound (Editing and Mixing) Best Original Score Best Costume Design Best Production Design Best Cinematography.
I read the first book when it came out (1965, has it really been that long ago?) and wore out that copy then a couple more. So I guess you could call me a fan. I saw this streaming and then gritted my teeth to go to the theater for the first time since the shut down to see it in IMAX. It was well worth it. I can't wait for Part 2. And I would pay to see an extended version of this one.
I had the EXACT same feeling as Simone after watching this the first time; I needed WAY more! I'm super excited for part two coming up later this year. One thing that I learned in the time since this movie came out is that the Sardaukar language is basically English at it's most bare-bones and efficient; just like the rest of Sardaukar culture. They drop as many syllables and shorten as many spoken sounds as possible (except for the actual word "Sardaukar", which is always spoken in full) while still being able to convey the meaning of whatever is being spoken. In fact, if you listen closely and pay attention to the captions during that scene where the Harkonnen mentat is speaking with the Sardaukar soldier (starting at 23:08), you can clearly hear how this was implemented in the movie. I've somehow only read God Emperor of Dune (which I believe is the fourth book?), so this was probably established at some point earlier in the literature. Regardless, I thought it was a really cool way to integrate something that seems so alien on the surface, yet is based on such a commonly-used language in today's world.
Couple of things about this movie: the spider thing is not in the books. Also, they mention its the year ten-thousand-something. That’s only partly true. There had been a couple of eras that reset the timeline and they should have mentioned ten-thousand-something Guild Era (or whatever the exact era name-I forgot). As far as today is concerned, its more like year 26,000-something.
The reason they use hand weapons and not laser guns. They do have Lazguns, BUT, if a Lasgun hits someone with an active shield the two interact and BOTH explode! And it's not a small explosion either. In the books, Paul describes how seeing the future is like seeing sand dunes. The farther it is away the less you can see of the path to get to it.
Guys. The 1984 version is not as bad as people say. Especially the visuals and the score. See it! Also there are over 120 minutes more that were not included in this movie. I really hope they make the 4 hour long movie it should be! Holly war is fine. They don't need to go there. They already are using "Arabic" words in other parts to make up for it. The sleeper must awaken.
I saw this in IMAX and the audio was the best part of a movie full of good parts. The Voice in particular shook the building when someone used it, it was very, very impressive. I feel bad for anyone who missed out on that experience!
Remember - one thing that doesn't exist in Dune? Computers. Space navigation? All the math is done on-the-fly by the pilot. The navigators HAVE to be completely jacked on spice to pull it off. Without spice, nobody flies.
This is sci-fi Lord of the Rings caliber stuff. (I’m writing this less than 3 minutes into watching so I’m not sure if either of you end up saying this 😂) Also, anyone reading this, if you like this movie and want to read books like this, I recommend anything by Peter Watts, but especially Blindsight. Also, also, if you want to know how the worm can move like that, almost swim through the sand, look up liquefaction. Another part of this that’s insanely well thought out.
The only couple on UA-cam who appear to have profoundly connected with some of the more profound sequences in the film, especially the hand in the box scene. Excellent reaction!
You have to watch the David Lynch version, explained the shock of Yueh's betrayal with a close-up of Dean Stockwell's forehead and a couple of lines of internal dialogue from Jessica. Also it has the Mentat mantra, which Frank Herbert wanted to make canon. Also Sting, in a leather jockstrap. Yeah. Did you know that the stillsuits from that were reused as the first Borg outfits? They were.
I love that version. This one was very beautifully shot but I feel like it didn’t capture the political intrigue as well. Plus I prefer 80s cheese to modern minimalist acting. More fun to watch.
The perfect metaphor or equivalent to who the Benegesserit are think of how the Witches work in the Witcher. Also the One would basically be the perfect blend of Mentat, Benegesserit, and Navigator and its just funny how its become cliche but Dune beasically started it
I highly recommend listening to the Emperor: Battle for Dune soundtrack. It is, in my mind, the greatest piece of video game music ever made, specifically the Harkonnen tracks. Also, the Westwood Dune games are solid either way, and the cutscenes have great actors. Bi-lal Kaifa, Long live the fighters.
Discovered your channel within the past year, and I can’t express how much I’ve wanted you to watch this. So happy you get to experience it. My favorite aspect of the Dune universe is the concept of technology progressing so infinitely that it becomes nearly undetectable. Frank Herbert’s imagination that eventually, weapons will simply keep getting more advanced that it actually becomes easier to make guns obsolete (e.g. the shields) is one of the things that makes it so realistic like Simone mentioned.
I've probably watched this 4 or 5 times now....once in IMAX (I HAD to see this in theaters at least once). So many great scenes and the imagery is incredible. I can't wait for the next one! One of my favorite scenes is with Paul's hand in the box and he looks up at the Reverend Mother in (seemingly) defiance.
A watermelon Pizza would probably be the most valuable thing on Arrakis. Heck a watermelon would be worth dozens of people's lives there. 5:34 The Voice isn't a psychic power they've just figured out a way to control people using just the sound of your voice. The tones and sub vocals that you create a compulsion in the person receiving the command. 8:00 I Remember the Baron being described as having rolls of fat and being so obese he couldn't walk on his own. He had to use gravity nullifies to move around and he bounced around like he was in very light gravity.
Denis knocked it out of the park, what a crazy adaptation! I saw this in theatres - something I rarely do at all - and the sound design simply blew me away! You can literally feel the power behind the desert, the worms, the Voice, etc. Stunning work!
As a Dune fan I'm very happy with the result. Dennis loves Dune and you can clearly see he respects the source material. Which is not so obvious these days...
he respects it too much imo, which is actualy one of the big dangers in adapting a book to film (Jodorowsky has some..choice words in this subject in the documentary about his unrealised Dune project) - it's such a straightforward adaptation of the book with no authorial flair. When I heard Villeneuve was making Dune, the finished product is basically exactly what I imagined. Never once did it surprise me. Despite being a 'bad' movie that's kind of a mess and doesn't come together very well, Lynch's Dune had more creative inspiration in the Guild Navigator scene alone than there is in this entire movie - b/c it came from a cinematic imagination, instead of being lifted straight from the pages of an infamously sparse novel.
@@helvete_ingres4717 Not agree at all. This adaptation is much better than Lynch's. Even David said, that was the worst movie in his career. Even though there is few good things in his adaptation. And also Dennis and the crew added many subtle but amazing creative thing. Music is stunning, using tibetan throat singing was amazing (these rituals on sadaukar planet), design, dark atmosphere, cast, special effects. You can learn more about it from great channel of the Dune fan called: quins ideas. I personally love this adaptation. It's a pity we got only 2 parts. I think it should be 3 like LOTR. And of course I know about Jodorovsky's project, it's a shame we didn't have a chance to see it. It would be something interesting for sure. Anywat I love Dennis and his work and respect for F. Herbert.
@@dougie2150 Lynch's is 'bad' but still interesting, Villeneuve's is kind of boring imo. Like I said, knowing he was doing it and knowing it would be his biggest budget yet therefore it would be the most Hollywood thing he's done, far more so than say his Blade Runner - I pretty much predicted what this movie would be, there's even lots of Marvel-esque film language in this (the ad nauseum premoitions of Zendaya, her and Paul in his vision stnading there looking so bada$$ n stuff, it's superhero shit). Artistically it's a mixed bag imo. Some of the costume designs were good, but the armor the Atreides troops wear looks god-awful imo, and that's one of the costumes you see the most. I liked the abstract design of the spaceships, the guild heighliners and so on - still not as intersting as Lynch's weirdly sexual baroque cathedral spaceships, they were really unique. Hans Zimmer is a hack imo and his score here has neither texture nor form, it mostly relies on just being..well, loud. I did like how the attack on the Atreides was handled - that was my favourite section by far. Predictably that was going to be more of an action set-piece than it was in the book but I liked how they did it, liked the scene where you see the Guild heighliners hovering overhead releasing troop-carriers (those shots had a much better sense of scale than the much more talked-about worm scenes imo) and the Odessa steps thing with the Sardaukar was nice. Only lame thing was the constant emphasis on just how totally bada$$ Jason Momoa was, whose inclusion, again seems like a concession to the Marvel crowd. Imo it didn't really get what I consider the key aesthetics from the book which maybe the art directors just didn't pick up on - like the contrast between the old-school military nobility of the Atreides with the mercantile nouveau riche Harkonnens
@@helvete_ingres4717 Still don't agree. Zimmer invented new instruments to make this music. It's not only loud. But you have the right to have your own opinion.
Dune is one of the most pivotal Scy Fy piece of modern Scy Fy. Dune is literaly One of the biggest source of inspiration for the Warhammer 40.000 setting for example.
RE: The "Chosen One," Herbert wrote the books as a direct challenge to that trope. Paul wasn't chosen by destiny or fate or a higher power, he was the product of genetic engineering and mental conditioning. The Fremen see him as a messiah because the Bene Gesserit have embedded themselves into multiple cultures to construct mythological roles that their end-product can fulfill. The whole idea was to use the "chosen one" as a puppet that the Bene Gesserit could use to exert control over the entire empire. Because Paul was not part of the plan, he throws the whole process into disarray and ultimately a lot of death and mayhem results from his actions.
Not just for their 'end product', the Protectiva seeded mythology among every world in the Empire so that if any BG were stranded among the local populace, the legends would assist their efforts. Which is exactly what Jessica does with the Fremen.
The joke of Dune is that Paul is not the chosen one. Kwisatz haderach is meant to be under the Sisterhood's control as an omniscient precog, allowing them to see all possible futures and thus control humanity. The "prophesy" that the Fremen and others believe in is part of the missionaria protectiva of the Sisterhood, where they plant seeds of prophesy on planets to sire the coming of the kwisatz haderach and also to allow the members of the Sisterhood to seek refuge among the people. Paul and Jessica used this to their advantage to gain the trust of the Fremen and strike back at the emperor and the Harkonnen, but also leads to the [holy war] that decimates the known universe.
One thing to clarify is that Paul isn't really The Chosen One. One of the interesting things about the setting is that there's really no indication of anything supernatural (or even alien). There are people who have almost superhuman abilities (to perform complex math in their head in an instant, or to see glimpses of the future, for example), but that's all explained as a result of training and/or breeding programmes. So there's no God and no Fate pointing at Paul and going "he shall be The One". Rather, he's the result of the Bene Gesserit's millenia-long breeding programme. He's bred to be The One, not chosen by fate.
A great adaptation, but I'll always have a soft spot for David Lynch's Dune from 1984. As well as wonder what Alejandro Jodorowsky's could have been in the '70's.
You can get an idea of what his vision of Dune might have been like by reading the Saga of the Metabarons, a comic book written by him and illustrated by Juan Giménez, set in a future that bears some resemblance to Dune.
The Lynch adaptation is a pretty good companion piece. There are some egregious elements that are not great (the weirding modules, and the deus ex raincloud at the end) but taken as a series of vignettes alongside the book, there's great casting, great performances, fucking fantastic set and costume design. There are definitely scenes in there that I would take in a heartbeat over Denis' version, which suffers a little to slavish dedication to the medium. As a filmmaker he absolutely obsessed with the idea that seeing a movie in the theatre is the only right way, and that the theatrical cut is the correct cut, so I don't think we're ever getting any kind of director's cut (and we know for a fact there's a wealth of iconic scenes on the cutting room floor). Great film craft, but at the cost of density of detail and connection to the characters, which is a shame.
@@rabid_si He had ZERO involvement in it being cut down to what was released, that really disgusted him. He does not have the rights, and that footage may be lost. Only great thing to come out of it for him was Dino D. green lit Blue Velvet, and promised him final cut on it.
That was very entertaining. Thank you. George, you are definitely a fan, it showed and I loved every minute of it. From what I heard the crew kept going back to the book for every detail that raised a doubt or question. Denis Villeneuve's talent is quite impressive, so is his respect for the source material. I was so happy when part two was green lighted. November third. Can't wait.
A couple of things... There are 6 books. By Frank Herbert. Regarding the time line, this movie takes place at 10191 AG (after guild) (after the formation of the Spacing Guild), but the guild itself was only formed some 11200 years after interstellar spacetravel became possible. Therefore Dune takes place more than 22000 years in the future.
I'm about to start reading the book. I was going to wait until after Part Two but I'm too eager. It's really amazing to me that despite this being published almost 60 years ago and inspiring countless science fiction and fantasy works, the film feels incredibly new and original. It really gets me excited.
You can stop reading the book where the film ends, if you want. It will still enhance your understanding of the films, knowing more of the characters and world-building, and more of the plot to destroy the Atreides.
I think it's cool that there isn't just one "chosen one". They've been trying to orchestrate many possible lineages for it & whichever one rises to prominence and achieves the goal would be retroactively branded as "The Chosen One". Great bit of world building.
Great reaction! Dune is up there with LoTR as my absolute favorite books. It was a lot of fun to compare your reactions. I don't think I've ever seen a better adaptation of a novel...it's unbelievable how efficiently and interestingly the world-building was carried over. There's just an insane amount of detail and story in the books, but the way this was stitched together, there's very little that feels left out. And that little bit is like some of the things left out of LoTR, too, it didn't really push the story and would've messed with the pacing. And Dune's pacing is incredible; it's almost always slow and steady, but never drags.
Villeneuve is one of my favorite director's but surely at this point we recognize that movies are better for short stories and TV is better for novels/series like Dune?
This is so true. Take Stephen King adaptions as an example. Every single praised King adapted movie is based on one of his short stories or shorter novels. Shawshank is based on a short story in a collection of short stories. It’s just too difficult to adapt an 800 page book into a 2 hr movie.
"I wonder who plays the emperor", George said. Well...remember that Fatboy Slim hit song about 20 years ago where the lyrics were Dune references about Paul's Voice ability, the Sandwalk, etc? It was called Weapon of Choice. Remember what the - very popular - video for the song was? Well, there's your emperor.
The entire Dune series, let alone just this one story, is almost impossible to put to screen. That Denis was able to put THIS much in, is all by itself a miracle. As a VERY long time fan, I was beyond impressed. 💯!
A reason the cast is so insane, is that a lot of the actors took lower pay than they would normally take, because of the massive respect they have for Denis Villeneuve, as they wanted to help his passion project do as good as possible.
True passion at the top is so important to massive artistic products. It affects every aspect in ways that can’t be quantified.
I hope they will keep with it because a recast would be horrible imo. I think they will since the first one is soo good but you never know.
@@Humstuck There is no way they won't keep with it if the quality remains at this level
@@Humstuck I wouldn't worry, they are already filming Dune Part Two.
@@Baelzar Set for release this November.
The thing I love about Dune's chosen one trope (other than future spoilers) is that it's not some divine or miraculous chosen one, it's a carefully crafted scientific and religious plan executed over millenia. So it's kind of like less of a "chosen one" and more of a "crafted one".
Also, and nothing but respect to Frank Herbert as a world builder, the way he puts on shoes is far and away the most ridiculous thing the Order could have chosen as the sign of the Chosen One.
That is an excellent point!
ye like the insane patterns aren't some idiot god in the sky or in a cave its around 6000 to 7000 years of careful manipulation and 700 years of careful planning for the as you said crafted one's birth and like the bene gess say they have several other prospects just as complex in the works at the same time it highlights how over the top in planning everyone in this universe are
that in itself is a "chosen one" there is no difference between a chosen one and a crafted one
@@lordsathariel4384 no its not only 6000 or 7000 years of genetic crafting. the Bene Gesserit breeding program to create the Kwisatz haderach has been going on for over 10,000 years not 6 top 7000 years
When Paul is out of the thopter when the worm attacks the spice harvester, he says, "I recognise your footsteps, old man." We're meant to connect that with the sparring scene with Gurney because he said the same thing to Gurney, and Gurney grabs Paul to run back to the thopter, but the Fremen word for the sand worm, Shai-Hulud, means 'Old Man of the Desert.' Paul isn't talking to Gurney, he's talking to the sand worm.
Denis Villeneuve gets it, man.
I've had so many moments like this in the cinema the first time I watched it lol
some seemingly innocent slightly odd line of dialogue to the friend next to me, meanwhile my brain is running in circles trying to absorb all the effort and care put into it.
I'e seen this comment on all reaction videos. I think it is wrong. It refers just to Gurney. It would be kinda stupid to talk to/ or refer to the worm, we know it's coming, Paul know it's coming, the worm is racing across the desert. I get that you want the video creators to know that Shai'hulud means old man of the desert, but come on ... :D
I think he’s talking to both in that spaced out moment.
Yes, that was a nice little nuance-detail in the book. It had a double meaning, indeed. Guess that was lost in the movie, together with a few other things (like Mentats; wasn't really explained in part 1), but with such a lore-heavy back, that's bound to happen. I think Villeneuve did a pretty good job of reaching the middle-ground of satisfying the Dune-fans with enough lore, but not overwhelming the non-fans with too much lore.
@@VoloMalVor Paul can communicate with the sand worm. It's a Thing in the books.
The fact that Simone yelled "No!" at the end proves that it's a good movie.
That was legit my reaction, and then I realized I had been watching this movie for 2.5 hrs and it felt like nothing. Excited to finally see Part Two this year.
I thought it was pretty bad.. Looked good, looked like a good film, but it just suffers from the story not being filmmable..
The best version of dune is the one everybody pans.. The early 200’s Sci-fi channel version.. Everyone hates it because of the early CGI effects, but told the real story of Dune, and Moab-dib..
@@jacobjones5269 I don't pan it. It's a great adaptation. They changed a bunch of mostly unimportant details but the themes were right. And I don't give a shit about the CGI effects. They were fine.
@@jacobjones5269 I've always said that people who like the Lynch versions like it because they are d-bags... it's just a power-revenge fantasy and misses the whole point of the greater Dune series: guy loses family, guy goes into training, guy gets girl, guy comes back and wipes out his enemies, claims his enemy's daughter as a wife, becomes a god, the end. The mini-series respected that Paul wasn't a heroic figure even in the context of the first book, and that the ending wasn't a completely happy one at that either. But what makes the TV version great is the second series; Children of Dune (though it has the same flaws) really dug into what the theme and message of the Dune series was, and we are all waiting for James McEvoy to one day return as the God Emperor of Dune.
Speaking as a fairly hard-core Dune nerd, I can say I was incredibly impressed with this adaptation. It skipped a lot but nothing that was really needed and the changes made were necessary to tell the story in a different format. The only complaint is that they actually filmed "The Banquet Scene" but didn't include it and I kinda wanted to see that. Fingers crossed that we get an extended cut at some point!
Its Villanueve, he specifically stated he never does extended cuts. We'll never see it.
@@ScarriorIII goddammit, didn't know that was his stance. Ah well.
@@ScarriorIII Well, there's a first for everything. There must be so much material that they filmed and never included. I really hope Villeneuve gets off his high horse and stop pretending his movies are perfect. I mean, they are, but I wish he was a bit more open-minded about it. Really I just want to see more Dune, I don't care, make it 6 hours long, I'll sit through all of it holding my bladder closed with a pair of pliers if I have to.
It is very hard to make a movie that includes everything, but he does honour the story which is awesome. I can watch it all day
I just wish some adaptation would address CHOAM. The financial core of the Empire is a huge motivator in the books.
Denis Villeneuve has done for Dune what Peter Jackson did for LOTR: take a very complex novel, and present it in a way that those unfamiliar with the books can enjoy it, while still satisfying those who are familiar with the books. Can’t wait for part 2!
Just wish that like Lotr we were getting extended cuts!! I want to see the banquet scene and Gurney playing the Balliset!!
@@Bog_Dog yeah and the "chess scene" between Piter De Vries and Thufir Hawat
@@Bog_Dog Literally my only complaint about the movie, that Gurney doesn't sing and playing with his instrument at all. In the movie he's just like an ordinary officer. :(
@@KaleighCee Yeah, I love Brolin too.
Yes but also not really. Peter had the incredible fortune of getting a full budget for all three movies immediately. Denis only got one movie that would MAYBE get a sequel if it did well (which it did).
This is not an adaptation on the level of LOTR. That was bottled lightning, stars aligning, EVERYTHING and EVERYONE involved being perfect. Dune is a lot messier and of course it is. They didnt get two years straight of production to do the trilogy justice.
Worth noting, as always, that the calendar in use in this series is "Before Guild" and "After Guild" - but 1AG is approximately 10,000 years in the future, and so 10,191AG is more like 20,000 years in the future.
So they are half way to warhammer 40k?
Correct.
The Dune universe / saga; a story that spans 35’000 years, it’s good to know that dates are know as BG (Before Guild) & AG (After Guild). The Guild monopoly on space travel / transport and upon interstellar banking is taken as the beginning point of the Imperial Calendar.
Interestingly, the events of Dune when set to our current Earth years, take place 20’000 years into our future; so technically we are part of the Dune story.
A little timeline for the Dune universe.
19000-16000BG - Earliest civilisations on Terra (Earth)
16500BG - The Roman Empire
14100BG - 13600BG - Our Solar System is colonised.
13402BG - An asteroid hits Terra making it uninhabitable.
13402BG - 13399BG - The Rescue of Treasures off Terra.
13360BG - Terra is reseeded & set aside as a natural park under Imperial Decree.
200-108BG - The Butlerian Jihad. the crusade to free humans from thinking machines.
86BG - Foundation of House Atreides.
O - Foundation of The Guild.
10140AG - Duke Leto is born
10190-10191 - House Atreides moves to Arrakis.
@@davidanderson1639 Bit of a typo. You wrote "Dune universe" when you obviously meant to type "Duniverse".
@@RodrigoTakehara New God Emperor, same as the old God Emperor.
@@RodrigoTakehara GW steals from the best.
The little parasol was a decision on the day. Dennis saw the actor using it when off camera and told him to use it in the scene. Nice bit of improvisation.
That is so lucky. That parasol is just the most simple but stylish little thing. Fits right in with the costuming. And it makes sense that a mentat would have nothing to prove about being tough withstanding and ignoring the heat, unlike all the warriors, both common and aristocratic.
@@ariadnepyanfar1048 Totally! Orson Welles once said a director is someone who presides over accidents. I think this is a great example of what he meant.
@@jlworrad ie Spielbers's Jaws and it's broken shark prop that forced him to barely show it leading to a (almost involuntary) masterpiece of filmmaking/editing
This movie is a perfect example how you respect the source material
It’s absolutely glorious, I loved the old Dune for being wacky but this one is just brilliant.
well said
He showed the same respect to Blade Runner.
Sad that that's become a rare thing...
@@Raums Frank Herbert like what he saw of what DL was doing.
As for the shields, I figure it's the vibration thing. Vibrations attract the worms, and shields typically work as an energy form with a very high frequency to provide the coverage. Since they're so fast, they create a lot of vibrations the worms can sense and send them into their frenzy. If single footsteps can attract them, imagine what something operating at hundreds or thousands of hertz would do.
Precisely, the worms interpret vibrations as rival worms in their territory and the shield would be what is called a super-stimulus in biology. As an aside: The shields can be set at different speeds as well. Too fast and they even block airflow across, so cannot be operated permanently that way when worn. The Barons shield was set high enough for example to protect him somewhat from the poison gas seeping through.
yes, the Worms are attracted to vibrations in general, but what really draws them is steady constant vibrations. Thats why they are drawn to a regular walking cadence, or the Thumper, or shields, which create a ton of vibration, that is again consistent in measure. It's why the Fremen doing their unique walk don't draw the worms, and its why the Fremen don't ever wear personal shields.
@@KS-xk2so Right. It's the vibration of the frequency of the shields, and for the reason Andreas said above. Also; I see many reactors say: "He should use the sand-walk! the worms will come!" when he gets out of the thopter to rescue the guys from the harvester, and when they escape the thopter after the attack of Harkonnens to look back at the city. But in the first case, it really didn't matter: the worm was already coming, and the noises of the harvester were far louder and already attracted the worm; a few footsteps would make no difference anymore. And in the latter case, it also didn't matter too much, because the sand-walk is only essential when crossing "worm-territory", which is basically the deep desert, certainly for the big ones. Worms seldom come at the fringes (where the city is build), because of the rocks and the shallow sands there. So chances of getting caught and eaten by a worm when walking normally on the sand in non-worm territory is actually pretty low.
I believe that is the intended reason it happens. Of course, for narrative reasons, it removes a "safety net" from people crossing the desert. But, scientifically, it makes sense. The Shields "hum" when on. Which is a sound. And sound vibrates.
I'm glad Simone mentioned the range of performance from Lady Jessica. So many people comment on this film that the cast is stacked and then don't include Rebecca Ferguson when they list off names. I recently caught up with Doctor Sleep (she's Rose the Hat), and the first three episodes of Silo. She's such an intelligent and nuanced actor, one of the best.
Ironically, I think Jessica is probably the part I was most disappointed with in this version. Not a knock on Ferguson, she does what she can with the direction, but the direction isn't anywhere near subtle enough and it kind of butchers the quiet but commanding strength of her character... and has some especially egregious changes and omissions in the script as someone who loves Jessica as a character.
@@rabid_si I don't agree (not saying you're wrong, just different perspectives). Her performance and the character portrayal match the adaptation style. Many aspects of the cultures are toned down from the book, the Harkonnens especially, in terms of look and costume. But it all works and is consistent with the overall film, which is good. It's not better or worse than the book, but a valid version.
Ferguson is definitely an A-level actress who isn't getting nearly enough respect.
Lady Jessica was one of my least liked performances.
She always seemed on the verge of tears, far from a noble Duke's consort and a strong Bene Gesserit.
@@rabid_si - I especially disliked the part when Paul tells them to remove her gag.
In David Lynch's 1984 movie, she responds with something like, "There's no need to fight over me" with the voice, prompting the crew to fight over her and kill each other.
Here, her response is, "Kill him!", with a maniacal look on her face. Not the Jessica I am familiar with.
probably the best reaction you have done in my opinion, really nice to see george familiar with the books guiding without spoiling. epic movie, epic story
Yes George was great. Though he had to hold himself back many times!
Dune had a huge influence on both Star Wars and Warhammer 40k. Certainly a classic.
Didn't know about the influence on WH40K, but now that you mention it, I can totally see it.
@@Crazy_Diamond_75 the "Imperium", technological regressions to the point of using Analogue tech, caused by a deep distrust of AI, due to a devastation galactic War with Cyborgs and AI's.
The "Navigators" who are mutated humans using their Psychic powers to travel large distances of Space.
The quasi systematic use of Melee and Close quarters combat tactics over long ranged combat, despite long range making more sens in a futuristic setting.
The "Emperor's Legions".
I mean if you look closer at least 40% of 40k IS litteraly Dune material.
@Zen-RPG Those are good examples.
One thing though: the Butlerian Jihad wasn’t quite a “galactic War with Cyborgs and AI's.” A lot of commenters have repeated that the Jihad was a war between humans and robots, like The Terminator or The Matrix. Not so. Frank Herbert wrote in the first novel that it was a war between humans against other humans who were enslaving humanity using A.I.-in other words, people vs people.
The prequels and sequels written by Herbert’s son and Kevin Anderson (mediocre fanfiction IMO) disregarded several details that Herbert established, including the alteration that made the Butlerian Jihad a dumbed down fight against the machines.
Frank Herbert wanted to sue George Lucas when he first saw Star Wars. He thought Luke was a ripoff of Paul.
@@DesScorp Where did you learnt it from, in an article or something ?
My favorite shot is the moment during the Gom Jabbar when you can see Paul master his pain. That look of disdain and confidence is captured so well.
I love the dynamic of George seeing how the book is adapted watching with Simone who has no idea what is coming
There is the most subtle flash of fear in the visage of the Reverend Mother when he master's his pain, and that cut from one to the other is terrifying.
When you mentioned influence from Villneuve's other movies, he's said one of the reasons he wanted to get into filmmaking was to create an adaptation of Dune... but he felt he needed a lot of experience and success to secure a budget that would do justice to the landscapes created by Herbert.
Yeah, he said in a interview he specifically wanted to do Bladerunner 2049 and do it right because he knew it would lead to him getting permission for Dune
Wow That sounds freakin cool, do you know where I can find that interview?
I believe he said that he was influenced by 2001 a space odyssey, apocalypse now and Lawrence of Arabia. And it’s actually kinda funny for me because Frank Herbert was actually inspired by Lawrence of Arabia himself when he was doing research for the book and when you read about him or watch the movie (masterpiece btw) you can really see it
It definitely feels like some of Villeneuve's earlier films were an audition for Dune. I'm also hyped he's going to make Rendezvous with Rama.
I am a big fan of the Frank Herbert books. My brother, on the other hand, is not a nerd in any way. He doesn’t normally enjoy anything in geek culture but he became obsessed with this movie when it came out. He kept saying that the movie conveyed a lot of his experience while deployed in the Middle East from the unseen presence of different power factions, the difficult yet understandable relationship between the locals and the occupying forces, and how the harsh environment shaped the local culture.
There's six Dune books by Frank Herbert, the rest are by his son and a co-author. George, you absolutely need to read the last three of the originals
And all of the son's books should be vigorously ignored.
Yeah, the sex nuns from outer space are the best...
Eeeeeh...really it's diminishing returns after God Emperor. Heretics & Chapterhouse are...not great.
@@J4ME5_ Sex Nuns From Outer Space is either a really crappy 1980's T&A movie or the kind of indie band that plays at around noon on a tiny stage at Glastonbury.
@@fusionaddict God Emperor is really good just really hard to read.
You said something mentioning that crying is also waste of moisture. Its actually an important little detail in the books, that when Paul kills Jamis - he cries, and its seen as a very big deal by other fremens
It *IS* important. Shame they left that out.
should happen in 2 at the funeral.
"He gives water to the Dead!"
@@niallrussell7184Most likely they will do it then. I'm sure the extraction will be early in Part Two.
@@jowbloe3673 Spoiler for Part 2.
It's mentioned in Part 2 atleast.
Great reaction! Yes, Simone, I encourage you to read the first book before part two comes out. So far they are doing a very faithful adaptation of the book and it’s great. And George, watching your giddy laughter and satisfaction with the dialogue and the story points, I think officially does make you Dune nerd! And that’s a compliment.
Simone's reactions are amazing - love seeing the wonder in her expressions.
Hard-core Dune fans seem to fall into two camps on the movie: "OMG This is really well done" or "They left out my favorite scene/detail and I'm grumpy about it".
They left out my favorite scene but well duh I expected them to (as it would be bizarre to spend like 15 min on one of 20 important side-characters aimlessly crawling around the desert having monologues and hallucinating conversations with a parent until finally dying), because that one is better in written form anyway! Love the movie!
I feel like every book turned movies fans divide like that. You have the realistic people, who understand books and movies are two different mediums, and are just happy the overall spirit and tone are correct.... then you have the people who whine watch LOTR's and complain it doesn't have Tom Bombadil... nevermind that would NEVER work in a movie lol
Can't I do both? 😁
Yep, now we can properly experience how Lord of the Rings fans felt with the Peter Jackson movies.
I personally really like this version of Dune. Yeah, some really good scenes were cut, but the look and feel of the world is absolutely stunning and the story is still conveyed succinctly. People who haven't read the novel are easily able to understand the themes and story and I think that's what's most important. Dune is a very dense book and some things absolutely had to be cut or we'd have a 15 hour runtime.
@@vsGoliath96Yes! Same with Fellowship. It wasn't entirely necessary for Gandalf to be gone for 4 years in between the party and the day he sets frodo and Sam off on their trip. I mean, sure, maybe it would have been interesting, but not necessary for the overall adaptation.
I have to say, I’m of the opinion that the novel is a genuine masterpiece and someone once said a masterpiece has already found it’s perfect medium. With that in mind, I don’t think any movie could possibly capture the absolute brilliance of the book; but I think this is as good as any movie could possibly do in the attempt.
I was stunned by how good the translation was. I could not have more respect for Denis Villenueve as a director, but this was a huge task.
I think what makes this so good is that he pretty much goes by some rules: 1. Don't change anything that doesn't need changing. Verbatim dialogue where it fits, no huge plot divergences to amp the drama. 2: Don't pander. You could make this 10 hours, and some people would still have trouble following details, so don't sweat the details. Do just enough to reward those who are really paying attention, but not so much that it slogs the movie down with exposition. 3. SCOPE, big and epic (and Villenueve is superb at this).
@@mjj3132 completely agree; also spot on casting and great performances all around. I can’t think of anything I’d really have changed about the movie. I even like the small change of the Harkonnen appearing more physically vile than they actually were in the books.
I felt the same, and about the Lord of the Rings movies. In both cases, a brilliant job was done on them.
@@MikePhillips-pl6ov the one thing I’ll give the LOTR movies over the books is the character of Aragorn. I feel like the movies actually gave him more depth and development than the books. Other than that I totally agree.
Eloquently said !
I loved the movie with Sting as a kid. Like George I've only read the first few books. My mom was a big Dune fan and this movie came out the day of her funeral. It was nice to watch it and think of her that day.
You went to see this film after your went to your mother's funeral?
@Darkstar a crudely drawn cat?
The Voice in cinemas is an experience. They'll definitely be rerealising Part 1 in cinemas again when the next one premieres, go watch it
Ohh shit really again. OMG gona watch it again then.
I hope so.
A double-feature in IMAX would be something
"That word" had exactly the same connotation and meaning, which is why the author used it.
I'll admit, I'm a little disappointed that someone's face wasn't photoshopped onto a worm in the thumbnail.
David Lynch’s version is worth a watch as well.
When I read “Game of Thrones,” the first thing I thought of was “Dune.” Ned Stark faced a similar fate as Leto and they both sire messianic sons.
Not to mention wet cigarette man Tymothy as the Messiah?
At least I can picture Kyle Maclachlan to defeat Sting...
I had to watch this one immediately. I'm so pumped about the second part coming out. I truly enjoyed the points you guys were making. As a new Dune fan, I can also see all the inspiration that other filmmakers took from the original works. It's quite something.
Agreed. I'm a very disappointed they didn't cast Bill Skarsgård as Fayd Rautha, but I still think part 2 will be amazing.
I know why you guys don't have a long discussion at the end but man I wish I could watch you guys talking about this movie for another 30 minutes. Simone's reaction to this movie was amazing because she felt all the things I felt while watching this.
Why? A discussion enhances the reaction. They express what we felt and what they too now feel after watching. It seems to be a mistake. Even a ten minute discussion would suffice
@@BJBee I didn't understand your comment. I don't know if you wanted or didn't want a longer discussion. They don't do long conversations after the reaction because most of the viewers stop watching at that point. So I was saying I understand why they stopped filming the discussion part but I wish they had longer discussions.
@@Adamas97 I do want longer discussions. I was asking why they didn't do them. Thank you for explaining. I still think they should do them for audiences who want them. There might be people who don't subscribe because there's no discussion.
@@BJBee About the one only "movie/tv" reactor who I consistently give a damn about is the TBR Scmitt, channel, despite them watching tons of TV series which I couldn't care less about. It's because they have usually at least 20 minutes of talking about the movie afterwards. Not necessarily saying I would subscribe to this channel if they did, but it certainly would help.
I would gladly watch a several-hour discussion of the first book, after Simone has read it.
So cool you finally watched this! BTW, David Lynch's Dune adaptation from 1984 is also worth checking out, if only because of how wonderfully weird it is. And it does have really cool production design, as well!
It's worth checking out just for the opening monologue.
@@boretrk plus the epic music. Plus the the sick portray of the Harkonnens. Plus the epic one liners. "Sleeper has awaken"
@@riveraharper8166 And creating the Navigator in the no-CGI era.
Dude, Dune 1984 is such a fucking trip! It's the film that convinced David Lynch to never do a large scale movie ever again.
And Josh Brolin's role is played by Patrick Stewart
I don't think Paul would really be considered a "chosen one." He's more of a "created one." Then again, we could probably say the same of Neo.
Well, the Bene Gesserit WERE trying to breed a prophecied messiah. Jessica just threw things off a little.
It's just another take or deconstruction of a "chosen one" trope. Because if there is a chosen one, there is a reasonable question "chosen by whom?" Paul walks a path of a chosen one but the fact that there is someone who crafted this fate for him adds another layer to the common trope.
Dune nerd here, and I love this adaptation! I love all the details, yet they don’t kill the film with spoken exposition! Things like seeing the mentats’ eyes rolling up in their head and the stained lips; not even explaining what a mentat is but showing that they are “different”.
I want to see Denis Villeneuve do a movie about the Butlerian Jihad.
Here for George making Stormlight Archive references and Simone making Crit Role and neither of them getting eachother
hah that's so true!
"Chalomet's Mandarin is really good!"
I love small additions like this from reaction channels, it's something I wouldn't really reflect on since I'm not able to identify authentic Mandarin, but knowing that Chalomet got a pass from someone who speaks it fluently just gives me such satisfacc. It means they took the time and effort to bring in someone who speaks Mandarin to coach Chalomet, even though it was only for a few lines, and they shot the line and (probably) the ADR over and over again until he got it just right. :)
I forget that he learned Italian for Call Me by Your Name, so when I watched that scene, I was very impressed too.
I love the Guild Heighliners in this, they're like a literal tunnel through space/time. The ship folds space, you fly in one end and come out the other at your destination.
It was interesting, but probably the least well adapted thing from the books. Most everything else was pretty spot on. But the way they're shown to work doesn't make a lot of sense from the standpoint of why spice is even important to the Navigators, and it's made further inconsistent by Gurney's reaction to looking up and seeing one in orbit. Why wouldn't one be in orbit if they just act like wormholes? You'd think there'd be one there all the time in that case.
I hope Thufir Hawat gets some more time, or at least a more complete explanation of exactly what he is, in the 2nd half. Here he just comes across as a calculator...which he is in some respects, but he's also so much more
What I loved about your reaction is that we got to see someone new to the Dune world, and someone who clearly knew the book experience it at the same time. It was a lovely juxtaposition.
Seeing this movie in imax was one of the best movie experiences I've ever had in my life; so glad you're reacting to it! And you guys must read the books, at least the first one, they're soooooo good
And if you read the first one, you must read at least the second one, because it's like a crucial fourth third of the novel that makes sure the main lesson is impossible to miss!
And if you read the second one, you must read the third one, because it follows a ton of remaining open threads that were planted from the start!
And if you read the third one, well why would you stop at the book that the first three were just the set up for??
And so on :'D
@@AdeptCharon pretty much. I do think Messiah is obligatory, and while it sets up a lot it also has a nice end for Pauls reign. I feel like Children feels like the first act of the God-Emperor story-arc, and then Heretics and Chapterhouse are again a contained sequel duology about the aftermath.
7:58 I love that in this shot you can actually see the other planet on the other side of the ship, so it visually tells you that it’s bending/folding space to allow you to move between planets
In the book, Paul's ability to see the future is explained by Mentat training. That, along with the Bene Gesserit training and the spice, basically made him a Jedi.
Paul's Mentat training does not allow him to see the future (that's his Quizatch Haderach breeding). It allows him to process everything he sees because he has to filter all possible outcomes, which would probably drive a non-Mentat crazy.
That's partially true. It's also that he is the product of millenia of selective breeding all with the goal to culminate in someone who has those abilities.
@@Archaneus Yes. In Dune there are basically 3 ways of seeing the future and 4 ways to get there that are explored: Mentat computation that allows predictions, trained by the Spacing Guild, observing patterns of history via genetic memory used by the Bene Gesserit, and finally Actual prescience gained by mutating your body and mind with spice like the Guild Navigators, or having the right genes and then tripping on spice, which is the breeding goal of the Bene Gesserits Messiah, who will have this power and the genetic memories as well, thus seeing both past and future. So in the end Paul has all 3.
@@antecave paul has his precognitive abilities before ever being exposed to spice
@@houseofaction Well, as all noble families in the empire do, they are all eating spice for its health benefits all their lives, but he gets bigger doses of it on Arrakis. It might be a necessity for prescience or not, but it definitely boosts the ability many times over.
Duncan Idaho was the only character to appear in all six of Frank Herbert's original books. Duncan's body was given to the Bene Tleilax, who can use the concepts of cloning, genetic memory, and memory extraction from a preserved corpse to create a ghola. A ghola is a copy of a person that is often conditioned hypnotically to be an assassin. In rare cases they can break their conditioning.
It took me way too long to comprehend what he meant by "15" books. I just can't bring myself to count Brian's work as Dune canon.
As someone currently reading the book for first time AFTER seeing the movie, i highly recommend it so far. The concepts for when it was written are excellent, and its very well written and captivating even after being "spoiled" by the movie. Go out and grab a copy!
Timeless classic that inspired so much of the current sci-fi pop culture. ie there's no StarWars without Herbert's Dune
Good reading, have a blast
I immediately bought the movie after i saw it in the theater (sadly not in imax) and watched 4 or 5 times since then. I never read the books but watched the Lynch movie several times as a teenager and the 2000 movie, so i know what is coming now, and i can´t wait for the second part. Especially after they dropped the trailer few days ago.
You have to be careful with Dune 84. Keep your mind open to the idea that Paul is not magic or the hand of God.
@@Dularr oh yeah, the 84 movie basically missed THE MAIN POINT of the novel completely, instead of being a critique of the messianic hero, it was literally a direct messianic hero story :'D
@@AdeptCharon I blame the producers. They locked Lynch out of the editing bay.
The Lynch one has plenty of valid criticisms, but I still enjoy it a lot. This one i would say is all around superior, but the 1984 one has a certain vibe that works.
@@IllustriousCrocoduck Frank Herbert liked what he saw of what DL was doing.
FULL BODY CHILLS throughout this movie.... I am SO looking forward to the second part!!! I remember watching this on IMax and I was in TEARS from the beauty of it...
I absolutely love this movie. Villeneuve is one of my favorite directors after seeing 2049 and this, along with Arrival. Dude is hitting it out of the park!
And he's working on Rendezvous With Rama! If he ever turns his attention to Ringworld, I will positively plotz.
@@mito66 oh yeah, that's gonna be Arrival on steroids but with Dune's sense of scale. Bruh.
This is the best film interpretation of Dune yet, the music is epic, the cinematography is fantastic. Can't wait for part II.
in the end fight, another part of the reason paul doesn't kill Jamis faster is all his training was against shielded opponents so very fast on the defence but slowing down too pass through the shield giving jamis the time to get out of the way of paul's blade
Its important to recognize that Dune is a deconstruction of the 'chosen one' trope - the book does a much better job but looking forward to part 2.
I also highly recommend Matthew Colville's three part breakdown of DUNE (three critical elements of Dune that are usually glossed over).
Book or not, definitely worth a rewatch to pick up on the things you missed, and to think about the context of various dialogue.
But one thing to definitely understand is this - Paul's vision of possible futures shows him dark places, with him at the center of it. He's afraid of what will happen if he leans into the Fremen prophecy to survive, but also afraid of where the universe might go if he ISN'T there to guide it.
Now watch the Part Two trailer! Austin Butler gladiator fights! Florence Pugh podcasting!
Terrible purpose!
@@aerthreepwood8021 Yeah, Paul isn't really Muadib. There is another with a golden path!
I went to the cinema to watch in IMAX. It was DEAFENING, I'm sure they had it turned up to 11, the music was incredible. Also when that first harkonnen bomb dropped during the night attack, the entire room went from complete darkness to being lit up like an actual explosion went off.
The audiovisual experience in IMAX was... something else. I saw it twice in that format and almost melted into my seat multiple times. Never had an experience like that in theaters.
This was an amazing experience watching in IMAX, the theatre was literally shaking during the Harkonen assault.
Not long to wait now for part 2 which is my most anticipated film this year.
The tools that the Judge of the Change was using towards the end are called `Maker Hooks'.
Simone's cup is its own character at this point
I should get googly eyes for it!! ☺️
I ADORED this movie. Wonderful acting, great writing, PHENOMENAL music and sound design, awe inspiring visuals.
The one line/scene i missed was the Fremen acknowledging Paul "giving water" to the dead after his fight.
Really don't think they clearly communicated just how valuable water is, which seems extremely important to me.
The "spit" scene gave a bit, but I agree that the shedding of tears would have been such a simple thing to include that leaving it out seems a very poor choice.
I think they'll put a much bigger emphasis on the scarcity of water in the second film. I would have liked a lot more of that emphasis in the first film, and there were key scenes that could have conveyed that better, but I understand why they focused more on the other aspects of the story for Part One. But they really need to go deep on the ecology in the second film or it just won't be a good adaptation.
The scene where we first meet the Baron reminds me so much of the scene in Apocolypse Now where we first meet Brando's charcter Colonel Kurtz where you just see his face and hand with everything else in shadow.
Masterpiece. There are fascinating docu's on how they designed it all, and the sounds, way of 'first person view' camera work etc.
As for brilliance, they made a short minute scene introducing the sardukar, and it's all people needed to understand much about them. Brilliant filming.
Nice one , sadly studio spoiled the first attempt by David Lynch ,1984 Dune , his movies was also going to be 4 h long , you really cant make short version from that book .
Dune is heavily influenced by Islam even when Frank Herbert was more of a Zen Buddhist , he really did his research for his books .
Nominated for 10 Oscars including Best Picture, but won for
Best Visual Effects
Best Sound (Editing and Mixing)
Best Original Score
Best Costume Design
Best Production Design
Best Cinematography.
The Gomm Jabar scene was so well done. I hope they get the opportunity to do the other books.
The year is 10,191 After the [Spacing]Guild. The Guild is/was founded about 13,000 years from now.
I read the first book when it came out (1965, has it really been that long ago?) and wore out that copy then a couple more. So I guess you could call me a fan. I saw this streaming and then gritted my teeth to go to the theater for the first time since the shut down to see it in IMAX. It was well worth it. I can't wait for Part 2. And I would pay to see an extended version of this one.
I had the EXACT same feeling as Simone after watching this the first time; I needed WAY more! I'm super excited for part two coming up later this year.
One thing that I learned in the time since this movie came out is that the Sardaukar language is basically English at it's most bare-bones and efficient; just like the rest of Sardaukar culture. They drop as many syllables and shorten as many spoken sounds as possible (except for the actual word "Sardaukar", which is always spoken in full) while still being able to convey the meaning of whatever is being spoken. In fact, if you listen closely and pay attention to the captions during that scene where the Harkonnen mentat is speaking with the Sardaukar soldier (starting at 23:08), you can clearly hear how this was implemented in the movie.
I've somehow only read God Emperor of Dune (which I believe is the fourth book?), so this was probably established at some point earlier in the literature. Regardless, I thought it was a really cool way to integrate something that seems so alien on the surface, yet is based on such a commonly-used language in today's world.
Couple of things about this movie: the spider thing is not in the books. Also, they mention its the year ten-thousand-something. That’s only partly true. There had been a couple of eras that reset the timeline and they should have mentioned ten-thousand-something Guild Era (or whatever the exact era name-I forgot). As far as today is concerned, its more like year 26,000-something.
The reason they use hand weapons and not laser guns. They do have Lazguns, BUT, if a Lasgun hits someone with an active shield the two interact and BOTH explode! And it's not a small explosion either.
In the books, Paul describes how seeing the future is like seeing sand dunes. The farther it is away the less you can see of the path to get to it.
Guys. The 1984 version is not as bad as people say. Especially the visuals and the score. See it! Also there are over 120 minutes more that were not included in this movie. I really hope they make the 4 hour long movie it should be! Holly war is fine. They don't need to go there. They already are using "Arabic" words in other parts to make up for it. The sleeper must awaken.
Frank Herbert liked what he saw of what DL was creating.
Agreed after part two of this movie you should react to the 1984 version to see how different yet similar they are.
Seek out the "Spicediver" cut. It's right here on YT. Greatly improves the film.
The actress who plays Dr. Kynes has an amazing voice. Great enunciation and tone.
This felt like seeing my imagination come to life. It’s absolutely fantastic.
I saw this in IMAX and the audio was the best part of a movie full of good parts. The Voice in particular shook the building when someone used it, it was very, very impressive. I feel bad for anyone who missed out on that experience!
I watched it at home and regret nothing. Theaters are garbage, filled with garbage people and actual garbage.
Remember - one thing that doesn't exist in Dune? Computers. Space navigation? All the math is done on-the-fly by the pilot. The navigators HAVE to be completely jacked on spice to pull it off. Without spice, nobody flies.
The audio/visual representation of The Voice was *chef's kiss*. First from Jessica's perspective, then from the Paul's...
Amazing.
This is sci-fi Lord of the Rings caliber stuff. (I’m writing this less than 3 minutes into watching so I’m not sure if either of you end up saying this 😂)
Also, anyone reading this, if you like this movie and want to read books like this, I recommend anything by Peter Watts, but especially Blindsight.
Also, also, if you want to know how the worm can move like that, almost swim through the sand, look up liquefaction. Another part of this that’s insanely well thought out.
The only couple on UA-cam who appear to have profoundly connected with some of the more profound sequences in the film, especially the hand in the box scene. Excellent reaction!
You have to watch the David Lynch version, explained the shock of Yueh's betrayal with a close-up of Dean Stockwell's forehead and a couple of lines of internal dialogue from Jessica. Also it has the Mentat mantra, which Frank Herbert wanted to make canon. Also Sting, in a leather jockstrap. Yeah. Did you know that the stillsuits from that were reused as the first Borg outfits? They were.
I love that version. This one was very beautifully shot but I feel like it didn’t capture the political intrigue as well. Plus I prefer 80s cheese to modern minimalist acting. More fun to watch.
Dislike that they really don't give an understanding of just how significant Dr. Yueh's betrayal was.
@@kw7378a1 so, Patrick Stewart with a pug over Josh Brolin?
@@lawrenceschuman5354 you got a problem with Patrick Stewart?
@@kw7378a1 not at all. He was great in that part.
The perfect metaphor or equivalent to who the Benegesserit are think of how the Witches work in the Witcher. Also the One would basically be the perfect blend of Mentat, Benegesserit, and Navigator and its just funny how its become cliche but Dune beasically started it
I highly recommend listening to the Emperor: Battle for Dune soundtrack. It is, in my mind, the greatest piece of video game music ever made, specifically the Harkonnen tracks. Also, the Westwood Dune games are solid either way, and the cutscenes have great actors. Bi-lal Kaifa, Long live the fighters.
That scene with the Gom Jabar - holy cow. I couldn't believe it - almost exactly how I envisioned it when I read the book. I got chills.
Discovered your channel within the past year, and I can’t express how much I’ve wanted you to watch this. So happy you get to experience it.
My favorite aspect of the Dune universe is the concept of technology progressing so infinitely that it becomes nearly undetectable. Frank Herbert’s imagination that eventually, weapons will simply keep getting more advanced that it actually becomes easier to make guns obsolete (e.g. the shields) is one of the things that makes it so realistic like Simone mentioned.
I've probably watched this 4 or 5 times now....once in IMAX (I HAD to see this in theaters at least once). So many great scenes and the imagery is incredible. I can't wait for the next one! One of my favorite scenes is with Paul's hand in the box and he looks up at the Reverend Mother in (seemingly) defiance.
The fourth book was my second favorite in the series behind the original. Definitely read God Emperor of Dune, George!
That's where it starts going really weird. LOL.
A watermelon Pizza would probably be the most valuable thing on Arrakis.
Heck a watermelon would be worth dozens of people's lives there.
5:34 The Voice isn't a psychic power they've just figured out a way to control people using just the sound of your voice. The tones and sub vocals that you create a compulsion in the person receiving the command.
8:00 I Remember the Baron being described as having rolls of fat and being so obese he couldn't walk on his own. He had to use gravity nullifies to move around and he bounced around like he was in very light gravity.
"Potato power?!?" XD
Denis knocked it out of the park, what a crazy adaptation!
I saw this in theatres - something I rarely do at all - and the sound design simply blew me away! You can literally feel the power behind the desert, the worms, the Voice, etc. Stunning work!
As a Dune fan I'm very happy with the result. Dennis loves Dune and you can clearly see he respects the source material. Which is not so obvious these days...
he respects it too much imo, which is actualy one of the big dangers in adapting a book to film (Jodorowsky has some..choice words in this subject in the documentary about his unrealised Dune project) - it's such a straightforward adaptation of the book with no authorial flair. When I heard Villeneuve was making Dune, the finished product is basically exactly what I imagined. Never once did it surprise me. Despite being a 'bad' movie that's kind of a mess and doesn't come together very well, Lynch's Dune had more creative inspiration in the Guild Navigator scene alone than there is in this entire movie - b/c it came from a cinematic imagination, instead of being lifted straight from the pages of an infamously sparse novel.
@@helvete_ingres4717 Not agree at all. This adaptation is much better than Lynch's. Even David said, that was the worst movie in his career. Even though there is few good things in his adaptation. And also Dennis and the crew added many subtle but amazing creative thing. Music is stunning, using tibetan throat singing was amazing (these rituals on sadaukar planet), design, dark atmosphere, cast, special effects. You can learn more about it from great channel of the Dune fan called: quins ideas. I personally love this adaptation. It's a pity we got only 2 parts. I think it should be 3 like LOTR. And of course I know about Jodorovsky's project, it's a shame we didn't have a chance to see it. It would be something interesting for sure. Anywat I love Dennis and his work and respect for F. Herbert.
@@dougie2150 Lynch's is 'bad' but still interesting, Villeneuve's is kind of boring imo. Like I said, knowing he was doing it and knowing it would be his biggest budget yet therefore it would be the most Hollywood thing he's done, far more so than say his Blade Runner - I pretty much predicted what this movie would be, there's even lots of Marvel-esque film language in this (the ad nauseum premoitions of Zendaya, her and Paul in his vision stnading there looking so bada$$ n stuff, it's superhero shit). Artistically it's a mixed bag imo. Some of the costume designs were good, but the armor the Atreides troops wear looks god-awful imo, and that's one of the costumes you see the most. I liked the abstract design of the spaceships, the guild heighliners and so on - still not as intersting as Lynch's weirdly sexual baroque cathedral spaceships, they were really unique. Hans Zimmer is a hack imo and his score here has neither texture nor form, it mostly relies on just being..well, loud.
I did like how the attack on the Atreides was handled - that was my favourite section by far. Predictably that was going to be more of an action set-piece than it was in the book but I liked how they did it, liked the scene where you see the Guild heighliners hovering overhead releasing troop-carriers (those shots had a much better sense of scale than the much more talked-about worm scenes imo) and the Odessa steps thing with the Sardaukar was nice. Only lame thing was the constant emphasis on just how totally bada$$ Jason Momoa was, whose inclusion, again seems like a concession to the Marvel crowd.
Imo it didn't really get what I consider the key aesthetics from the book which maybe the art directors just didn't pick up on - like the contrast between the old-school military nobility of the Atreides with the mercantile nouveau riche Harkonnens
@@helvete_ingres4717 Still don't agree. Zimmer invented new instruments to make this music. It's not only loud. But you have the right to have your own opinion.
Dune is one of the most pivotal Scy Fy piece of modern Scy Fy.
Dune is literaly One of the biggest source of inspiration for the Warhammer 40.000 setting for example.
RE: The "Chosen One," Herbert wrote the books as a direct challenge to that trope. Paul wasn't chosen by destiny or fate or a higher power, he was the product of genetic engineering and mental conditioning. The Fremen see him as a messiah because the Bene Gesserit have embedded themselves into multiple cultures to construct mythological roles that their end-product can fulfill. The whole idea was to use the "chosen one" as a puppet that the Bene Gesserit could use to exert control over the entire empire. Because Paul was not part of the plan, he throws the whole process into disarray and ultimately a lot of death and mayhem results from his actions.
Not just for their 'end product', the Protectiva seeded mythology among every world in the Empire so that if any BG were stranded among the local populace, the legends would assist their efforts. Which is exactly what Jessica does with the Fremen.
i would argue that the bene Gesserit's other memory ability give them a type of Divine authority.
@@houseofaction No more than your local librarian who knows how to work the microfiche stations.
And, ultimately, he was a generation early. All because of the love of a man and a woman.
The joke of Dune is that Paul is not the chosen one. Kwisatz haderach is meant to be under the Sisterhood's control as an omniscient precog, allowing them to see all possible futures and thus control humanity. The "prophesy" that the Fremen and others believe in is part of the missionaria protectiva of the Sisterhood, where they plant seeds of prophesy on planets to sire the coming of the kwisatz haderach and also to allow the members of the Sisterhood to seek refuge among the people. Paul and Jessica used this to their advantage to gain the trust of the Fremen and strike back at the emperor and the Harkonnen, but also leads to the [holy war] that decimates the known universe.
I fully expected Sean Bean to be cast as Leto ...
One thing to clarify is that Paul isn't really The Chosen One. One of the interesting things about the setting is that there's really no indication of anything supernatural (or even alien). There are people who have almost superhuman abilities (to perform complex math in their head in an instant, or to see glimpses of the future, for example), but that's all explained as a result of training and/or breeding programmes. So there's no God and no Fate pointing at Paul and going "he shall be The One". Rather, he's the result of the Bene Gesserit's millenia-long breeding programme. He's bred to be The One, not chosen by fate.
A great adaptation, but I'll always have a soft spot for David Lynch's Dune from 1984. As well as wonder what Alejandro Jodorowsky's could have been in the '70's.
You can get an idea of what his vision of Dune might have been like by reading the Saga of the Metabarons, a comic book written by him and illustrated by Juan Giménez, set in a future that bears some resemblance to Dune.
The Lynch adaptation is a pretty good companion piece. There are some egregious elements that are not great (the weirding modules, and the deus ex raincloud at the end) but taken as a series of vignettes alongside the book, there's great casting, great performances, fucking fantastic set and costume design.
There are definitely scenes in there that I would take in a heartbeat over Denis' version, which suffers a little to slavish dedication to the medium. As a filmmaker he absolutely obsessed with the idea that seeing a movie in the theatre is the only right way, and that the theatrical cut is the correct cut, so I don't think we're ever getting any kind of director's cut (and we know for a fact there's a wealth of iconic scenes on the cutting room floor). Great film craft, but at the cost of density of detail and connection to the characters, which is a shame.
@@rabid_si being a fan of Lynch it is pretty easy to pick out his touches. It did get ne excited to read the book series.
@@rabid_si He had ZERO involvement in it being cut down to what was released, that really disgusted him. He does not have the rights, and that footage may be lost. Only great thing to come out of it for him was Dino D. green lit Blue Velvet, and promised him final cut on it.
That was very entertaining. Thank you. George, you are definitely a fan, it showed and I loved every minute of it. From what I heard the crew kept going back to the book for every detail that raised a doubt or question. Denis Villeneuve's talent is quite impressive, so is his respect for the source material. I was so happy when part two was green lighted. November third. Can't wait.
Liet is supposed to be Chani’s father
A couple of things...
There are 6 books. By Frank Herbert.
Regarding the time line, this movie takes place at 10191 AG (after guild) (after the formation of the Spacing Guild), but the guild itself was only formed some 11200 years after interstellar spacetravel became possible. Therefore Dune takes place more than 22000 years in the future.
I'm about to start reading the book. I was going to wait until after Part Two but I'm too eager. It's really amazing to me that despite this being published almost 60 years ago and inspiring countless science fiction and fantasy works, the film feels incredibly new and original. It really gets me excited.
You can stop reading the book where the film ends, if you want. It will still enhance your understanding of the films, knowing more of the characters and world-building, and more of the plot to destroy the Atreides.
I think it's cool that there isn't just one "chosen one". They've been trying to orchestrate many possible lineages for it & whichever one rises to prominence and achieves the goal would be retroactively branded as "The Chosen One". Great bit of world building.
Don't be sad about Duncan Simone. He's one of the most long lived characters in Dune 🙃
Don't Hayt that he died.
oi oi oi
HEY NO SPOILERS
Great reaction! Dune is up there with LoTR as my absolute favorite books. It was a lot of fun to compare your reactions. I don't think I've ever seen a better adaptation of a novel...it's unbelievable how efficiently and interestingly the world-building was carried over. There's just an insane amount of detail and story in the books, but the way this was stitched together, there's very little that feels left out. And that little bit is like some of the things left out of LoTR, too, it didn't really push the story and would've messed with the pacing. And Dune's pacing is incredible; it's almost always slow and steady, but never drags.
Villeneuve is one of my favorite director's but surely at this point we recognize that movies are better for short stories and TV is better for novels/series like Dune?
This is so true. Take Stephen King adaptions as an example. Every single praised King adapted movie is based on one of his short stories or shorter novels. Shawshank is based on a short story in a collection of short stories. It’s just too difficult to adapt an 800 page book into a 2 hr movie.
"I wonder who plays the emperor", George said. Well...remember that Fatboy Slim hit song about 20 years ago where the lyrics were Dune references about Paul's Voice ability, the Sandwalk, etc? It was called Weapon of Choice. Remember what the - very popular - video for the song was? Well, there's your emperor.
Have y’all ever seen Tremors? For some reason that movie popped into my head while watching both of your reactions to this.
The entire Dune series, let alone just this one story, is almost impossible to put to screen. That Denis was able to put THIS much in, is all by itself a miracle. As a VERY long time fan, I was beyond impressed. 💯!