We are all aware of Hollywood’s so called ‘masterpieces’ - films that are objectively considered the classics of cinema. Films like Citizen Kane (1941), The Godfather (1972) and Goodfellas (1990) undeniably changed cinema both from an audience and filmmaking perspective. Nevertheless, I’d like to shed some light on the films that I believe should be considered ‘masterpieces’ in the modern era of cinema.
Dune? Really? Yes. I genuinely believe that Denis
Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel should be considered a
masterpiece of modern times. I don’t believe this because I personally loved
Dune, I actually enjoyed other films in 2021 more (like The French Dispatch)
but I do feel that stylistically and technically, Dune was a masterpiece
that showcased the possibilities and scope that cinema can offer today, and for
many years to come. Dune is part one of the mammoth tale. Paul Atreides
(Timothee Chalamet) must assist his father Leto (Oscar Isaac) as his family is assigned
with the control and protection of Arrakis, a vast desert landscape containing
the galaxy’s most prized asset – Spice. Spice is the fuel that powers all life
and even acts as a kind of fountain of youth for the people who use its
powerful properties. The natives of Arrakis are known as the Fremen, a blue-eyed
group of desert warriors suspicious of the outsiders who invade and abuse their
natural home. Dune also introduces the rival household of Harkonnen, a treacherous
group of people, hellbent on corruption, deceit, and power.
Even though I mentioned that Dune wasn’t my favourite
film of 2021, I couldn’t help but feel exhilarated by the cinematic experience
that was this movie. Denis Villeneuve is a director that has excelled in
creating big scale epics, specifically in the Sci-Fi genre, and even though I wasn’t
blown away by Bladerunner 2049 it is clear to me that Villeneuve has
created a pathway for a new kind of science fiction film. While any good Sci-Fi
film is defined by its score and worldbuilding cinematography, it also needs a
story that is worth being invested in. Dune has all of these provisions
on a level never seen before.
Many people left the cinemas feeling amazed, puzzled, and euphoric
by Dune’s deeply original score, an organic experience designed by the
legendary Hans Zimmer. Zimmer himself has actually found a fair bit of criticism
of late for supposedly recycling some of his tried and testing methods on new
projects, this however was not the case in Dune. A score that is
interwoven into the picture and landscape of Arrakis, Hans Zimmer cultivates
the danger and excitement of Frank Herbert’s dystopian world perfectly.
As Villeneuve nails the technical and artistic moments of Dune, his flawless cast only serve to elevate the picture to masterwork levels. From Oscar Isaac who shines as the noble Duke Leto Atreides to Zendaya’s idyllic representation of Chani, one of the Fremen’s leading warriors, the cast are immensely devoted to what isn’t just a piece of epic cinema, but a project of large scale that can only work when it’s on-screen performances are supported by 100% talent, effort, and commitment. As Timothee Chalamet glows as the leading man in this world, his diverse supporting cast create a landscape in Dune that is intoxicatingly intriguing.
David Lynch’s flawed dream piece Dune (1984) was stylish
and memorable in it’s own way, and despite all of the other various adaptations
of Frank Herbert’s universe that have come previously, Denis Villeneuve’s work
is undoubtedly the most faithful and inventive representation of this unique Sci-Fi universe.
I may be jumping the gun with this suggestion that Dune (2021) is a masterpiece of modern times, but I’m happy to stand by what I say, if I have egg on my face in 5 year's time then so be it! But there’s absolutely something special about this film.
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