Denis Villeneuve’s sequel “Dune: Part Two” was released on Feb. 25, a week early, for one night only. Shown in IMAX theaters around the country, the AMC Easton Town Center 30 showed the film to a sold out audience.
A film credited by “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan as similar to “The Empire Strikes Back,” builds on the previous installment and exceeds expectations.
“If, to me, ‘Dune’ was like ‘Star Wars’, then ‘Dune 2’ is ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’” Nolan said. “I think it’s just a great expansion of all that was introduced in the first one.”
Cinematographer Greig Fraser is quickly becoming one of the best in the industry. After putting “Dune: Part One” on his resume, he went on to create beautiful landscapes in “The Batman” and “The Creator.” Now, he puts up another stunning masterpiece in “Dune: Part Two.” The film’s colors are based around colors of orange and brown tints, with the juxtaposition of the deep blue Fremen eyes.
The best parts of the film are the scenes that were almost impossible to film. Several scenes in the movie are almost all visual effects. These scenes will be examples of why this film will be considered a classic sequel.
The long-awaited film stands at two hours and forty-six minutes, ten minutes longer than its predecessor. Marketed as a movie “filmed for IMAX”, the experience would not have been the same had it been in a standard theater.
The movie follows Paul Atreides as he acclimates himself amongst the Fremen, the ethnic people of Arrakis. He seeks revenge against the Emperor and Baron Harkonnen for the murder of his father and the slaughter of his family.
The film features a beautiful score written by legendary composer Hans Zimmer. Tracks like “Beginnings Are Such Delicate Times” and “A Time of Quiet Between Storms” showcase Paul and Chani’s theme while a more sinister theme is played for Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.
The film revolutionizes the film industry and the way filmmaking will be seen for years to come. The first installment, released in 2021, was a simultaneous release, premiering in theaters and on HBO Max.
The revolutionary film won six Oscars at the 94th Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. All of these categories are built upon in the second film.
On Jan. 24, the first film was reissued to IMAX theaters, teasing the “Fan First” screening for the sequel.
It is difficult to compare the two movies because they are ultimately different. The second installment is more action-heavy, focusing on an overarching epic and the things to come in the third installment, “Dune: Messiah.”
The film’s early domestic projections are surpassing those of “Oppenheimer,” which had early projections of $40-50 million. “Dune: Part Two” has a projection of a $65 million domestic opening.
