I watched DUNE over the weekend. I did it the wrong way--on my little laptop rather than in a movie theater. I went to see Bond in the theater a few weeks ago and was a little freaked out about how many people there were and how few masks. So I'm steering clear of the full on moviegoing experience for now--and this film definitely warrants that. It's pretty spectacular visually.
Here's the things about the movie that has thrown me--and I think for today anyway I'm just going to pose the issues, and then maybe I'll talk about them tomorrow.
First, almost none of the characters has a real story. Paul, the future messiah, most def. His mom, who sort of genetically engineered him to be maybe the future messiah, sure. But beyond that, everyone else is kind of a thumbnail character -- one desire, and no real development. Paul's dad wants to connect with the Fremen. Baron Harkonen wants his planet back. Carmen Sandiego Duncan Idaho wants to protect Paul. Javier Bardem and Zendaya want to be cool enough that you're excited to get to know them in the sequel.
Actually, the Emperor, who we never meet, has a more interesting and complex story in this film than almost any of characters in it. This is not good. None of this is a recipe for great storytelling.
Also, the movie has some action sequences, but not many, really. And there's something about them that's odd--they're quietly rendered, somehow. It's so different than a Marvel movie or a big blockbuster. It's almost like the action is not that important. Which is weird, because this is a 2 1/2 hour science fiction movie with a sort of the Bible meets Game of Thrones vibe.
AND the main relationship that the film promises, that of Paul and Chani, doesn't even begin until the end of the film. Meaning, they don't even meet each other. Meanwhile other relationships that seem central--like with Josh Brolin's trainer or Stephen McKinley Henderon's Thufir--end without even a moment to say goodbye to them. THESE ARE WEIRD CHOICES.
Again, not on the surface a great choice.
And yet here's the thing: it's a really enjoyable movie. Truly. I really liked it.
How is that possible?
Come back to tomorrow. Let's figure it out.
