The First "Dune" Trailer is an Exhilarating Mystery

Scene from Dune (2020)

There is a popular notion that "Dune" is an unfilmable book. Even if there is a David Lynch version out there (as well as a fun "could've been" in Jodorowsky's Dune), it remains a cult favorite at best, proving that its towering plot is difficult to pin down into something accessible. And yet there's Denis Villeneuve, eager to take a crack at the source material with his own take. While this should fill the viewer with some skepticism, Villeneuve is a director who has proven himself up to the tasks of at least trying, which in 2020 is more than most filmmakers are willing to try. Come hell or high water, his Dune will be released this winter with a star-studded cast that promises to update everything with more of technical proficiency. If the first trailer is any sign, it's going to be an enjoyable epic the likes of which sci-fi deserves.

If you must know why I have any faith in Villeneuve with Dune, it's because of Blade Runner 2049. It's a highly unnecessary sequel to a beloved classic. The decision to do it was bold, let alone with a near three-hour running time that was more of an immersive tone poem than a coherent narrative at times. And yet, it's one of the most enjoyable sci-fi movies of the past decade, finding ways to explore mortality and loneliness in these ambitious ways. It was a type of film that could've been an easy cash-in, and yet it exceeds all expectations. While it's more Villeneuve than a Ridley Scott continuation, it's evidence of something greater in the young director's mind. Given his recent track record of hits like Prisoners and Arrival, he has quite the stamp of approval.

To be totally honest, Dune is not a film that I'd be looking forward to if the cards weren't in place. It's because you have an accomplished filmmaker like Villeneuve at the helm and actors I like, such as Timothee Chalamet, that makes me curious to at least see how this goes. I'm not a hard sci-fi fan and am baffled why this is the tent pole movie of 2020, save for the fact that the pandemic has made high quality entertainment scarce. I'm not a particular fan of David Lynch's version, and if anything it makes me even less interested to spend time in this world. Still, there's enough components at play that give me some hope that this will be a surprise. 

Check out the trailer below:

Looks decent. Here's the plot description according to IMDb:

Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert's science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.

The scope is definitely exciting, reflecting an immersive landscape that makes me miss the big screen even more. I imagine that, much like Blade Runner 2049, the big screen will be the most rewarding experience for the film. I imagine it overwhelming the senses and the visuals popping, even if they come across as these dark and esoteric ideas right now. Otherwise, it looks decent, well-made, and reflective of someone who clearly has control over their project. That was a big issue for Lynch and a big reason that it may have been a mess. Here it feels like one cohesive vision, and that is somewhat reassuring.

In a year where the fall season doesn't feel particularly rich with potential front-runners (yet, anyway), it does feel right to assume that Dune will be in the high conversation. Provided that Villeneuve succeeds, it does feel like these big-budgeted blockbusters (see also: Tenet) will get special favoring because of their desire to remind us of big-screen magic. Whereas that seems a bit silly in some years, for 2020, it feels like the perfect symbolism. It's a miracle that a film like Dune is even coming out right now, so long as it doesn't turn out to be an outright mess. Even then, it feels like a technical marvel that will energize us all after months of lacking options.

Do I think that Dune looks great? Not really. While I am captivated by the scope, I'm more attracted to the idea of being in a theater and watching it. I don't know if that will happen, especially given that California theaters have yet to restart operation. It may do it for those with access, but I'm sure watching it at home (which feels likely right now) will take something away, like all of those Oscar voters who judge films only by screeners. I still hold out hope that Villeneuve will continue to excite me, though I hope there are more mystery and awe hidden just out of frame, waiting to surprise me. He did it with Blade Runner 2049, and I'm not doubting that he can do that again.