Dune

My first time reading the Dune book was two years before this movie. When I watched the movie, I was instantly brought back to the Dune world I so dearly loved. But, there was something of a disappointment, I still remember it, I expected more. Here I am, 5 years later reading the book again, and I stopped where this film did as well. It is so different watching this film after really reading the book this time, not just reading, but actually taking in the information and retaining it. What I mean to say is, when I read it 7 years ago I was 12. Reading this book as a 12 year old with no visual reference at all, I don’t know how I did it. This book has been called unadaptable and deservedly so. So, watching it now, after reading the book again, and doing so thoroughly, fascinated me.  I want to emphasize the “unadaptability” of this book. Lynch’s portrayal of the book in Dune (1984)  was originally supposed to be a 5 hour epic. Instead the studio forced him to compress the runtime to a much more casual 2:17. Lynch has repeatedly said it was his “biggest failure” and even called the experience a “slow death”. This film is really hard to make.  My biggest critique of this film was that it left you wanting more, left book readers and film watchers both disappointed. After really reading this book now, I understand it. I understand that if Denis Villeneuve had tried to adapt this book into one film, it would be as good as Lynch’s. I understand that what Villeneuve did was absolutely necessary, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.  Having read the material of many book adapted films, I’m often irked by what or how much is left out. If you’ve read the Dune book, you’ll know how much internal monologue and complex politics dominate the pages. Apart from the visuals, this was also a reason that suggested the book couldn’t be adapted. What Villeneuve did, was cut exactly the parts that could be cut, and even added his own ideas to the film as well. This makes the film so refreshing, even for someone who has read the book.  The Dune that is led by directive genius Denis Villeneuve encompasses exactly what I love about cinema. Creativity, innovation, sound, visuals, you name it, one of a kind masterpiece. Bringing this story to life is not easy, it is truly an astonishing feat. That is why this gets full marks from me.  It is incredible that a book that was previously labeled “unadaptable” and a “waste of time” is now on its way to being the greatest book adaptation ever created.