Javier Bardem – funnyoldworldblog

After completing Frank Herbert’s gigantic sci-fi novel for the first time this time last year my excitement for this film grew to a gargantuan level. Not only is Dune being directed by one of my favourite directors Denis Villeneuve (Arrival is in my top 5 films of all time) but it also features a selection of some of my favourite actors. I have been a fan of Timothee Chalamet since his great supporting performance in Greta Gerwigs 2017 hit, Lady Bird and thus have now seen every one of his films multiple times, he’s a force to be reckoned with, with a range above any young actor of his calibre. Alongside Chalamet are many other big screen favourites of mine, Oscar Isaac (Star Wars), Josh Brolin (Avengers Infinity War and Endgame), Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Jason Mamoa (Game of Thrones) and of course the incomparable Zandaya (Spider-Man: Homecoming and Far From Home). It’s just an absolute power force of talent and massive performers who are undoubtably going to bring so much life to this epic story. With cinematographer Greig Fraser (Rogue One, The Mandalorian), who is proving himself to be one of the best sci-fi cinematographers of the age, in the mix we really are being set up for a Christmas release that could be something incredibly special. So, to say I’m excited would just be a total understatement.

Dune bring up economical, political and environmental issues that was way ahead of its time with an original publication release date in 1965, a time when people chose to ignore these important themes if they were able to. I’m very excited to see what modern cultural references Villeneuve will be ballsy enough to include in the film (without straying from the original source material, of course).

Chalamet is portraying the role of Paul Atreides, the son of the great ruler of Arakis, Duke Leto (portrayed by Isaac) who must overcome challenges expected of a young heir to a powerful thrown, and eventually takes on challenges unbeknown even to him. Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica, is played by Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible, The Greatest Showman) and has to aid her son in the decisions he makes whilst dealing with her own demons and strong abilities she must keep hidden.
Arakis faces challenges which all come from the desired ownership of Spice, the most valuable substance in their universe, causing debate and battle between different settlements.

That’s probably the most basic summery of the plot I can give you without either confusing everyone reading or giving away way too much of the plot.

It really is a mind blowing novel and it’s clear that sci-fi greats like Star Wars, Stargate, Alien, Blade Runner and so many other beloved fictional worlds have taken their inspiration and influence from Herbert’s masterpiece. I can’t wait to see this work of art on the big screen.

These newly released production stills are all we need to increase the hype, I honestly haven’t stopped looking at them since they made their highly anticipated appearance on social media yesterday.