Trailerblazing -- Dune (2020)

Dune - December 18, 2020 - directed by Denis Villeneuve - starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård

  

After the lyrical, emotionally charged Arrival and the techno-industrial grit of Blade Runner 2049, we know that Denis Villeneuve is more than a director; he is a world builder. This quality makes him the perfect candidate for the job of adapting Frank Herbert's complex cult novel to the big screen and wow, does this film seem to deliver. From its universal themes to its otherworldly landscapes to an eclectic, incredible cast, the film seems destined to be one of those rare contemporary cinematic epics. On that note, why are there not more of those being made? I am sure that audiences would embrace them; however, I digress. Chalamet is the perfect choice for the role of aristocratic heir Paul Atreides and has kept showing his talent and charisma ever since his Oscar-nominated performance in Call Me by Your Name. Ferguson is an acting chameleon, while Isaac has proven his science fiction mettle in the latest Star Wars trilogy. It is also great to see the versatile talents of Jason Momoa and Josh Brolin. In the year of a pandemic that has turned the world upside down, there are too many uncertainties, and it is stories like Dune that keep inspiring and reminding us of creativity that can only surface when we look to our better angels.