Dune: Part Two was an overwhelming work of art. The visuals are relentless and innovative, the script is efficient and reverential – but there are downsides for any overstuffed turkey. Vital character arcs (and entire characters themselves) have to be cut, and even some of our returning favorites have lost some of their intoxicating texture. This extra long discussion investigates the world of Dune with one eye to this adaptation and another to its source material, spiraling through temptation, revenge, color theory, Shakespeare, religion, and the corrosive unknowability of prophecy.

 

00:00 - The IMAX Experience

03:50 - Overwhelmed & Underwhelmed

07:42 - Oversimplified Returning Characters

22:44 - Herbert's Revolving Door

26:56 - Dazzling Images & Reinventions

35:07 - Color Theory: Harkonnen vs. Fremen

40:21 - When Does Paul Turn?

52:58 - Prophecy as Forbidden Knowledge

58:43 - Adaptation Roundup!

01:05:22 - The Quiet Corruption of Leto Atreides

01:13:14 - Tangible Time & Dramatic Pacing

01:21:46 - Dune Messiah & Closing Questions