Dune

The release of the first trailer for part three led me to three things: question my mind which is overtaken by that damn war chant; start reading God Emperor again; rewatch Dune. I hope to revisit both parts this year on the big screen again before part three. Because watching it on a TV at home is not the same. Part one already cements itself as a audiovisually defining cinematic experience. One that gives me too much to ever fully grasp. Perhaps the advantage of a smaller screen gives me a chance to not be overtaken by the spectacle. Breath more. Because especially Part Two left me breathless in cinemas. Rewatching Part One now makes me appreciate the quiet moments. The slower scenes. It underlines the pacing that feels never really slowed down. But after the opening monologue and the first glimpses at Arrakis is the only time to really breath longer than 20 seconds. Where we meet Paul and his parents. Where Caladan gives us a more familiar, quieter view before the mythical grandeur of the desert planet. Before the betrayal and the start of a war. When we, with Paul, leave the tranquility of Caladan and go on a life changing journey discovering the secrets of Dune. When the spectacle redifines our cineastic senses. When the boy starts his vengeful quest. The thing that makes Part I hard to watch is, that it's kind of a long prologue. It's mostly just about setting things in motion. It's glimpses at everything that is yet to come. It's early goodbyes that will be overshadowed by coming hellos. Because with Part II this one felt like a distant past. Not just because we waited some time between them. Because even if the second directly follows up the first it still feels like so much happens in these two and a half hours that it does feel like a life time. Everything comes crashing down in a moment. But there is no going back. Because there is a path layed out. It is destiny and curse. It's due to hate, faith and love. Its a cautionary tale. An epic like nothing else. But this is just the beginning of it.