5 Ways ‘Dune’ Aged Poorly (And 5 Ways It Aged Masterfully)

When ‘Dune’ (2021) arrived, it transformed Frank Herbert’s intricate sci-fi saga into a cinematic spectacle under Denis Villeneuve’s direction. With a stellar cast led by Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, it tackled the sprawling tale of spice, destiny, and Arrakis with bold ambition.

Years later, I find some aspects of the film feel less fresh, while others remain as gripping as ever. Here are five ways ‘Dune’ shows its age and five ways it still dazzles, alternating between the two to reflect on its lasting power.

Aged Poorly – Clunky Exposition

The film leans heavily on voiceovers and rushed dialogue to explain its dense lore, like the Bene Gesserit or the spice trade. This approach feels heavy-handed and disrupts the story’s flow.

On rewatch, I notice how the quick info dumps confuse more than clarify, especially for newcomers. Modern films handle complex world-building with more finesse, making this feel dated.

Aged Masterfully – Cinematic Visuals

Greig Fraser’s cinematography crafts a breathtaking Arrakis, from vast deserts to intricate spice harvesters. The film’s visual scale, blending practical sets and seamless CGI, feels monumental.

Even now, I’m captivated by the sweeping shots of sandworms and starry skies. These visuals hold up as some of the best in recent sci-fi, keeping the film timeless.

Aged Poorly – Flat Supporting Cast

Characters like Dr. Yueh and Gurney Halleck, played by talented actors like Chang Chen and Josh Brolin, lack depth due to limited screen time. Their roles feel more like plot devices than fully realized people.

Rewatching, I’m frustrated by how little we learn about them. This thin development stands out more in an era of richer ensemble storytelling.

Aged Masterfully – Hans Zimmer’s Score

Hans Zimmer’s music is a standout, weaving haunting chants with deep, pulsing rhythms. It captures the mystery and weight of Arrakis in every scene, from battles to quiet moments.

The score still feels fresh and immersive, elevating the film’s emotional impact. I get chills every time the sandworm theme kicks in.

The Fremen, inspired by Middle Eastern cultures, come off as one-dimensional, with little focus on their traditions or agency. The casting lacks significant Arab representation, which feels off today.

On reflection, this approach seems out of step with current expectations for cultural depth and authenticity. I wish the film had explored their perspective more.

Aged Masterfully – Timothée Chalamet’s Paul

Timothée Chalamet delivers a magnetic performance as Paul Atreides, blending vulnerability with emerging strength. His quiet intensity grounds the epic story in a personal journey.

His portrayal remains compelling, especially in scenes like the spice vision. I find his performance keeps the film engaging no matter how many times I watch.

Aged Poorly – Uneven Pacing

The film’s slow, deliberate pace can feel sluggish, especially in the first half with long desert shots and drawn-out dialogue. It struggles to balance quiet moments with action.

Compared to tighter modern blockbusters, the pacing feels off, making some scenes drag. I often want more momentum to carry the story forward.

Aged Masterfully – Denis Villeneuve’s Vision

Denis Villeneuve’s direction brings a cohesive, epic feel to Herbert’s complex world. His knack for blending intimate character moments with grand sci-fi spectacle is masterful.

The film’s ambition still shines, setting a strong foundation for ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024). I’m impressed by how Villeneuve’s touch makes the story feel timeless.

Aged Poorly – Underplayed Themes

The film skims over Herbert’s themes of ecology, religion, and political intrigue, focusing more on Paul’s hero arc. This makes it feel less thought-provoking than the novel.

On rewatch, I miss the deeper exploration of Arrakis’ cultural and environmental stakes. Recent films dive into such ideas with more clarity, highlighting this gap.

Aged Masterfully – Rebecca Ferguson’s Jessica

Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica delivers a powerful performance, balancing strength, fear, and maternal love. Her scenes add emotional weight to the sprawling narrative.

Her portrayal still resonates, especially in tense moments like the Gom Jabbar test. I find her performance a highlight that keeps the film grounded.

What part of ‘Dune’ still captivates you, or what feels off on rewatch? Share your thoughts in the comments!