“Dune” (Part 1): Instead of a review (En)

Finally watched “Dune” (Part 1).

I try not to hold the greatest expectations about any highly acclaimed film (a fair share of the oldie but goodie scepticism is always handy and helps to fight deleterious bitterness), but I was left in awe: it’s beautifully executed and visually opulent, as Villeneuve did an incredible job to turn a sci fi/fantasy saga (with lots of bows towards all possible sources, from the early classics, such as “Forbidden Planet“ and “2001: a Space Odyssey,” to the brutalist landscapes of computer games and the works of Zdzisław Beksiński) into his own version of Bildungsroman, which is quite rare these days.

Oddly enough, I was reminded of Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon,” too: the character’s growth is different, of course (Regency vs retro-futurism is besides the point in this case) yet delicate, and complex, and, which is perhaps more important, relatable. Chalamet as Duke Atreides was fantastic: I really want to see him in other movies, because he seemingly is very gifted (although his resemblance to my first husband is a bit uncanny: those of my uni friends who knew him, would confirm). The second part is much anticipated.