Johnny81’s review published on Letterboxd:
Well, don't I feel like a complete asshole for not making the time to see this on the big screen.
I don't have any real love/history with the story, having never read the book(s) and only seeing Lynch's version for the first time in 2019, which I quite enjoyed actually. Despite its faults its visually interesting and a good introduction for a non dunehead... Sandworm Stan? Herbert pervert??
Although I'm sure watching Lynch's version helped me go into this with a better grasp of the universe, I think Villeneuve and Spaihts do such a deft job of making it digestible that I think I would've been fine had I not seen it.
Such is the strength of the visuals, from the epic vistas to the design of everything within, felt like they had been meticulously perfected to Villeneuve's vast knowledge of that world. It's brilliantly realised. I was drawn in to the point where I was thirsty for that lore.
Because of that, some scenes resonated with me so much more that they did in Lynch's version. The moment with the agony box carried so much more weight conveying the stakes at play. Got proper chills a few times in this.
It is a bit dour and dense in parts. I maybe zoned out for a moment here and there but actually I was so engrossed come the end I'd forgotten all about the time and fully expected it to just carry on, forgetting it was only part one. I didn't even get to see anyone ride a sandworm!
I'm not sure it's something I'd go back to loads, but I'll definitely revisit it again, especially when you can binge parts one and two together.
My only hope is that the phat assed spider who slowly waddles off after being told to leave the room makes a return. Loved that... thing!
