It’s barely spring, but the best movie of 2024 might have already arrived.
Designed for IMAX screens by Canadian filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part Two was released on Mar. 1 after an abundance of anticipation, and I think the sprawling sci-fi epic is an entry into the best sequels of all time. The movie has drawn comparisons to The Empire Strikes Back and that’s not bad company, but after the Dune IMAX experience, I was reminded of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (TDK). Nolan of course is the academy award winning director of 2023’s blockbuster, Oppenheimer, and TDK trilogy.
Both Dune and TDK revolve around their protagonists, Paul Atredies and Bruce Wayne respectively, who are faced with menacing, ruthless, and psychotic villains. Heath Ledger’s Joker is among the most compelling characters I’ve ever seen, so much so that I was disappointed when the end credits started rolling. The Joker was tragically Ledger’s final role, as he passed away prior to TDK‘s release, posthumously winning best supporting actor, and becoming the first actor to win an academy award in a comic book adaptation.
In my opinion, one of the most transformative and layered antagonists since Ledger, is Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two, an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s original novels. In Dune: Part Two, Rautha is first on screen under the Black Sun of his planet Giedi Prime, and seeks his thrills through merciless violence in a battle at Harkonnen Arena. The planet’s black sun is created on screen by filming in infrared, making Rautha’s skin appear plastic and cold. It’s a tremendous way of introducing an antagonist, and is reminiscent of the opening scene of TDK; a technical masterpiece that introduces the Joker to audiences in a way that shows us exactly what this character is all about.
Villeneuve has stated his desire to direct the third film in the franchise, Dune: Messiah; no surprise given that the sequel has already generated a higher gross in just under two weeks than the original did during its entire theatrical run. TDK, also the second installment of a trilogy, was a massive box-office success as well, grossing over $1 billion since its release. Nolan was an early pioneer of filming for IMAX screens; a process that’s been described as “trial and error,” as one of only four IMAX cameras in the world at the time was destroyed during filming on TDK.
The score of Dune: Part Two is generally calm, tranquil, and soothing, but at times becomes metallic, anxiety-inducing, and chaotic. Hans Zimmer has created the original score for both Dune films, and the first won him the Oscar for Best Original Score in 2021. In my opinion, Zimmer’s main theme in the sequel rivals that of the iconic Star Wars franchise, and chimes in beautifully throughout the tracks “A Time of Quiet Between the Storms,” “Kiss the Ring,” and “Only I Will Remain.” Coincidentally, Zimmer also composed the original score for TDK, one of eight Academy nominations earned by the film. The movie’s absence from the best picture category, while serving as one of the year’s most well-received films, prompted the Academy to expand the category’s nominations from five to 10.
We all love our modern TV anti-heroes like Walter White, Don Draper, and Marty Byrde, but there’s something timeless about a classic cold-blooded villain like the Joker and Feyd-Rautha. Most villains are destined, however, to fall to their heroic counterparts like Christian Bale and Timothée Chalamet. Every superhero movie needs its Prince Charming, but it also needs a menace in heavy make-up to get punched in the face and have a decent jab of their own.
Dune: Part Two was filmed on the incredibly rare IMAX 70mm film, which despite the success of the format, is exceedingly difficult to see as a spectator. Only 12 theaters worldwide are showing Dune:Part Two on the director’s desired 70mm IMAX format; and in B.C., The Park Theatre is the only location presenting the movie on 70mm film, but not on an IMAX screen. In cities where Dune: Part Two is playing on IMAX 70mm, the tickets are so highly in demand that showtimes have been added as late as 3:15 a.m.. An all-nighter, collecting spice on Arrakis? Take my money!
