Topic: Dune ( 2021 Film)

[Chakan]

Planning on seeing this at the cinema with my daughters, but one's told me that she's been told that it'll make little sense if you're not familiar with the story/books.

Is this true? I've never read any of the books, only seen snippets of previous film/TV attempts. The girls, nothing.

Would we be able to just enjoy it as a film and understand it without it seeming overly complicated?

You can watch it without reading the books. The first film is easy to follow even if you have no idea what the story is.

Just keep in mind it's a series of films.

[surfer. Fuck you generator.]

Planning on seeing this at the cinema with my daughters, but one's told me that she's been told that it'll make little sense if you're not familiar with the story/books.

Is this true? I've never read any of the books, only seen snippets of previous film/TV attempts. The girls, nothing.

Would we be able to just enjoy it as a film and understand it without it seeming overly complicated?

Echo what Chakan posted.  First movie I've seen in months,  didn't check any previews / trailers, wasn't au fait with the Dune universe...

Found the movie very clear in its storyline,  narrative. Won't say more for fear of spoiling,  I enjoyed it. 

[Dench57]

Planning on seeing this at the cinema with my daughters, but one's told me that she's been told that it'll make little sense if you're not familiar with the story/books.

Is this true? I've never read any of the books, only seen snippets of previous film/TV attempts. The girls, nothing.

Would we be able to just enjoy it as a film and understand it without it seeming overly complicated?

you'll be fine. and if not, it's just bloody beautiful to look at anyway

[Kashinoda]

Planning on seeing this at the cinema with my daughters, but one's told me that she's been told that it'll make little sense if you're not familiar with the story/books.

Is this true? I've never read any of the books, only seen snippets of previous film/TV attempts. The girls, nothing.

Would we be able to just enjoy it as a film and understand it without it seeming overly complicated?

Not sure why she's been told that, it's a straight forward plot. There are points of intrigue which either slowly unfold or are left for the sequels, but nothing is dependant on knowing the source material.

I'd make some throwaway comment about the younger generation and their attention span but I'm better than that.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Planning on seeing this at the cinema with my daughters, but one's told me that she's been told that it'll make little sense if you're not familiar with the story/books.

Is this true? I've never read any of the books, only seen snippets of previous film/TV attempts. The girls, nothing.

Would we be able to just enjoy it as a film and understand it without it seeming overly complicated?

The books are nowhere near as complicated as some people make out.

I think a lot of it is down to current 'dumbing down' of absolutely everything.

The complexity and wordiness of the plot and descriptions is fairly standard for most meaty books created in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Reading it again, it's actually a lot more accessible than I remember (But I was about 35 years younger last time I read it)

There are some mind-crushing books out there. You need to keep up with the houses and factions in the book, but it's no more complicated than that.

There is stuff that is happening that they have clearly removed due to brevity, so you'll be fine mate. It's been done very, very well. Lots of time used where it warrants it and plenty of action when it would benefit from it.

[Nobby Reserve]

The books are nowhere near as complicated as some people make out.

I think a lot of it is down to current 'dumbing down' of absolutely everything.

The complexity and wordiness of the plot and descriptions is fairly standard for most meaty books created in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Reading it again, it's actually a lot more accessible than I remember (But I was about 35 years younger last time I read it)

There are some mind-crushing books out there. You need to keep up with the houses and factions in the book, but it's no more complicated than that.

There is stuff that is happening that they have clearly removed due to brevity, so you'll be fine mate. It's been done very, very well. Lots of time used where it warrants it and plenty of action when it would benefit from it.

Well I've read all the ASOFAI books (so far) without too much of a problem.

Second question: Would I benefit from dropping an acid before watching it?

[RedSince86]

Planning on seeing this at the cinema with my daughters, but one's told me that she's been told that it'll make little sense if you're not familiar with the story/books.

Is this true? I've never read any of the books, only seen snippets of previous film/TV attempts. The girls, nothing.

Would we be able to just enjoy it as a film and understand it without it seeming overly complicated?

I tried twice with the audiobook, never even got to a quarter of the way with the novel, i just didn't find the story interesting and zoned out.

Me and the other half just went in like watching a normal film mode at the Cinema, both us were blown away by it, really hope they can do a part 2.

And i just downloaded the Dune audiobook at weekend again , now i'm really wanting to see what happens where the film left left off.

[Zlen]

If there is one thing this movie does extremely well (and there are many things), it is making the story both deeply engaging to the book fans while also being prefectly accessible for those who know nothing about the universe. There are so many small bits of dialogue and shots that serve a dual purpose - depending on who is watching. For book fans - subtle hints from the book lore, for first time viewers - a nice filler shot. For example the repeated shots of the bull head/matador sculpture are framing the state of mind of Leto as his fate unfolds. He is just like his father, or more so than he wants to admit. Though it's mentioned his father, Paul's grandfather died fighting bulls - it's not expanded on at all. Book fans will remember the story from the book and take a hint, others will have a nice side-shot that fleshes out the scene. Both readings work perfectly. Same goes for Duncan Idaho and the scarab beetle crawling on his hand - shot that gave me the chills as Duncan and Tleilaxu (whose symbol is a beetle), have what one might call 'a serious thing going on'.

[Zlen]

I tried twice with the audiobook, never even got to a quarter of the way with the novel, i just didn't find the story interesting and zoned out.

You need to find the version narrated by George Guidall.
It's much more immersive than the other versions.

[RedSince86]

You need to find the version narrated by George Guidall.
It's much more immersive than the other versions.

Just checked the one i have and it has multiple voice actors on it, if i zone out on this version then i'll look for the one you mention.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Well I've read all the ASOFAI books (so far) without too much of a problem.

Second question: Would I benefit from dropping an acid before watching it?

No, I think you should be fine, but I had a few beers which enhanced the experience a little

[Trada]

I was reading that it cost $165m to make that seems cheap in this day and age with all the effects and costumes  etc in it.

[Red Viper]

It was good I guess, I mean, it's not a stand alone film at all is it? It ends

Spoiler

basically mid way through the 2nd act

[close]

Great sci-fi spectacle though. Definitely a "must watch in the cinema" film

[OsirisMVZ]

I was reading that it cost $165m to make that seems cheap in this day and age with all the effects and costumes  etc in it.

They've done well to keep the costs down. I'm sure No Time To Die cost nearly double and needs to make about $900m in a post-pandemic era to be profitable, it doesn't really have a chance of doing that so I'm grateful for Dune being a cheaper movie to make (somehow!) and thus being able to be a success.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

It was good I guess, I mean, it's not a stand alone film at all is it? It ends

Spoiler

basically mid way through the 2nd act

[close]

°

Great sci-fi spectacle though. Definitely a "must watch in the cinema" film

Well it actually said "Part 1" at the start.

If you were surprised that it wasn't a full film then I guess you went to the shitter at the start?

I was disappointed before I went because I thought there was no way on Earth you could ever do the book justice with one film. As soon as I saw "Part 1" I thought "Fuck me. This might actually be decent after all"

[Red Viper]

Well it actually said "Part 1" at the start.

If you were surprised that it wasn't a full film then I guess you went to the shitter at the start?

I was disappointed before I went because I thought there was no way on Earth you could ever do the book justice with one film. As soon as I saw "Part 1" I thought "Fuck me. This might actually be decent after all"

I knew it was Part One, but there are plenty of films that are part of a bigger series that work as standalone films. This doesn't at all, it's very much just act one and a bit of act two in the story.

[classycarra]

Well it actually said "Part 1" at the start.

If you were surprised that it wasn't a full film then I guess you went to the shitter at the start?

He didn't express surprise though?

Don't see what there is to argue with his point? I enjoyed it a lot, but it's not denigrating it to say it's not entirely standalone.

I think they deliberately didn't name the film "dune part one" to avoid putting people off. Either way, well worth the investment (especially now the sequel is green-lit)

[Andy @ Allerton!]

I knew it was Part One, but there are plenty of films that are part of a bigger series that work as standalone films. This doesn't at all, it's very much just act one and a bit of act two in the story.

OK, I can see why this might have upset you, but you also probably need to take into account Science Fiction fans that were made up when they saw "Part 1" pop up


I have seen Science Fiction classic after Science Fiction classic absolutely butchered by Hollywood and it's nice to see a film given a bit of respect.

Examples of films where the producers and directors should have been fired off to Elbonia are things like Adjustment Bureau, I Robot, Battlefield Earth, Annihilation, Enders Game and the list goes on.

Absolute fucking travesties and nothing like the books.

[Trada]

It was strange watching some videos of Grace Randolph (beyond the trailer) on youtube a year ago when the first trailer was released she knew nothing about Dune or the story and said Denis Villeneuve should keep his mouth closed about the film and the delay in release and he's lucky he making any films after his other flops.

Now in the reviews, she talks about how good the film is and talks like an expert on the story and saying Denis Villeneuve is the new Christopher  Nolan odd how loads of great reviews and praise for the director  can turn you into a bandwagon jumper

[Trada]

They've done well to keep the costs down. I'm sure No Time To Die cost nearly double and needs to make about $900m in a post-pandemic era to be profitable, it doesn't really have a chance of doing that so I'm grateful for Dune being a cheaper movie to make (somehow!) and thus being able to be a success.

I bet they regret not making the films back to back now surely that would have keep the costs down even more over both films and the 2nd film would already in the can and would be on post production to get it ready for a release next year.

[elbow]

Amazing movie. I knew bugger all about the books, plot etc.

I loved the Blade Runner sequel, so had good vibes about this.

Phenomenal, I’ll go see it again.

[Red Viper]

I've watched not having read the books and it works absolutely fine on its own.

Yeah I had no knowledge whatsoever. It's not that difficult to follow really once you get used to all the weird names and words like Harkonnen, Fremon and errr, Paul. 

[Agent99]

Thought it was great. Hopefully they shot more stuff so an extended version can be released.

[Trada]

Thought it was great. Hopefully they shot more stuff so an extended version can be released.

I bet HBOmax would also like that

[Gili Gulu]

Thought it was great. Hopefully they shot more stuff so an extended version can be released.

Dream scenario for me is a series of 8 or so 1-hour long episodes.

[Barefoot Doctor]

Have mixed feelings on it. Know nothing of the books or previous adaptations - blown away by the visuals and some of the setpieces but I can't say I found the character massively engaging. The sound mix, for me, was dreadful, loads of dialogue that was almost impossible to hear because the background music was so bloody loud.

[TepidT2O]

Have mixed feelings on it. Know nothing of the books or previous adaptations - blown away by the visuals and some of the setpieces but I can't say I found the character massively engaging. The sound mix, for me, was dreadful, loads of dialogue that was almost impossible to hear because the background music was so bloody loud.

the sound will be your cinema.

But I had the same feelings about the book.  To be fair to the book, there’s a load of quasi religious mumbo jumbo mixed in with the main characters, but I still found them to be less than engaging.

[Barefoot Doctor]

the sound will be your cinema.

But I had the same feelings about the book.  To be fair to the book, there’s a load of quasi religious mumbo jumbo mixed in with the main characters, but I still found them to be less than engaging.

Is that the cinema's fault? Felt like the sound mix to me - seems to be loads of the same complaints online about struggling to hear the dialogue because Zimmer's score was so overpowering.

Happened a few times, but the biggest was when Rebecca Ferguson's character was talking (praying) outside the room where Paul was with the Bene Gesserit leader.

[Zlen]

I felt all the moments when dialogue was hard to discern were done on purpose. Jessica reciting the Litany against fear, Paul's scene when they are rescuing the harvester crew and some others. It seemed like it was done deliberately at moments when danger was so overwhelming that it was just rising, unstoppably and permanently - plowing through anything in it's path. Pain from the box building up, the worm approaching - both times protagonist is faced with certain death coming hard and fast.

[Sir Capon of Debaser]

Is that the cinema's fault? Felt like the sound mix to me - seems to be loads of the same complaints online about struggling to hear the dialogue because Zimmer's score was so overpowering.

Happened a few times, but the biggest was when Rebecca Ferguson's character was talking (praying) outside the room where Paul was with the Bene Gesserit leader.

i watched a stream and get what you’re on about with regards to the sound. The mixing is quite poor in parts and clashy

[Kashinoda]

You don't know poor sound mixing until you've watched Tenet

[RedSince86]

You don't know poor sound mixing until you've watched Tenet

[Livbes]

You don't know poor sound mixing until you've watched Tenet

Ha, first thing I thought of. I thought Dune was fine although very, very loud. The exact same screen for Tenet was horrendous though.

[ShatnersBassoon]

id heard complaints about the sound beforehand but it was fine for me. i usually watch everything with subtitles at home too.

so maybe its cinema related?

[Andy @ Allerton!]

id heard complaints about the sound beforehand but it was fine for me. i usually watch everything with subtitles at home too.

so maybe its cinema related?

The sound was fine. It was (as another poster said) done deliberately to make the life-threatening scenes disorientating.

I kind of think maybe that these are people who are in their 20s or 30s who have never really watched cinema as it was done in the 70s and 80s.

Things thesedays are dumbed down and watered beyond belief. This was great for me because it was totally in your face and personal.

Awesome to be able to feel like you've actually been to the pictures for a change.

[mallin9]

Incredible film. SO GOOD

[Sheer Magnetism]

I love the original Dune but this one blew it out of the water inside 10 minutes. Everything you'd expect from a Villeneuve film, the guy's been an A+ level talent for years now. I do have to agree with the people who say some of the dialogue was difficult to make out though, the music was too high up in the mix. It's like if people were carrying out conversations during the PERP bits of Inception.

[WhoHe]

Downloaded a good copy persuaded the missus to give it a go and it lasted a whole 20/25 minutes before she announced it was shit, so be watching rest on my own. The sound is annoying but that seems to be the way now TV does it as well, needless loud music over key parts.

[B0151?]

Around 5 minutes in, I knew that I was going to love it. It's just so big and epic. Really took me some place far away, like fantasy is supposed to.  I didn't care that not much happened considering the length. A magical experience. You're missing out if you don't see it in the cinema imo. I know people have their own reasons for that but it's the type of film that you're missing out if you don't get the cinema experience for it, what the big screen is for, magnificent score and everything. If you can get that same feeling at home though, fair play.

[B0151?]

Personally I knew nothing about the books and had no desire or need to seek any explanations after I saw the film

The fact there wasn't any obvious exposition and you weren't spoonfed anything really added to the immersion for me. I just want to see part 2.