The Dune Saga

I was deeply impressed by Warner Brothers for greenlighting Dune 2, even though technically Dune 1 was a flop. Of course it was all due to Covid and not the movie, but it was very brave of them to support Villeneuves vision with no certainty it would pay off. The dune saga is a bonafide masterpiece, Villeneuve had a profound passion for the material just like Peter Jackson did for LOTR. He took Herberts weird ideas and made them cool, while maximizing the drama and gravitas. The story could easily have devolved into a weird mess, but the writers kept everything lazer focused on the core relationships, without getting lost in the worldbuilding weeds. Pauls arc from noble youth to Fremen rebel leader is brilliant, and while many call him an antihero for using the Fremen, you have to understand he is caught up in things much larger than himself, and using the fremen and initiating a holy war was the only viable option open to him that could reconcile the opposing pulls of destiny and get justice for his dead father. Chanis arc is brilliant too, she acts as a foil for Pauls vaunting ambition, constantly questioning his dubious actions. I know this differs from the books [which I havent read], but it made their relationship a lot deeper and more interesting so I support this narrative choice wholeheartedly. I believe they are supposed to have children together, which will complicate things, but I'm sure the writers will find a skillful compromise. The way the Benejesserit manipulate things behind the scenes is brilliant too, preparing Feyd Rautha to act as a backup in case things with Paul don't pan out, playing each side against each other and guiding the galaxy to fullfil the prophecy they themselves created. The showdown at the end is brilliant, where Paul holds the emperor himself hostage, with the threat of destroying spice production completely. The final battle with Feyd is outstanding, I've never seen a knife fight battle where the fighters use kicks to parry each others attacks, truly fantastic choreography. Truly incredible films, and I cant wait for messiah, I think Villenueve will hit another home run. Dunes future after Messiah is uncertain, because apparently it gets really bizarre after that one, and audiences might not like that. Personally I hope they leave it there, and keep Dune from deteriorating into a weird mess of conceptual anarchy. There is the possibility they can weave the much stranger ideas into something good, but its highly unlikely, and I would rather they don't even try. Wait until some brilliant writer has a brainwave and pitches it to them, but otherwise leave it alone.