This is the kind of film, no, experience that comes along once in awhile.
Villeneuve and co bring every incredible aspect of filmmaking to bear in this heart-pounding, gasp for breath, sensory assault that truly takes the viewer out of their seat and immerses them in the story.
It felt as if one we're witnessing not just a story unfolding on screen, with masterful sound ( and perhaps infrasound) epic cinematography, sublime sequences, superlative production, fastidious costume design, terrific acting from the entire cast - this viewer felt as if I were witnessing something real, such was the intensity of the roller coaster type experience.
I was initially concerned at the run time, but 3 hours was enough for Viileneuve to translate one of the most difficult novels to screen.
Additionally, and as a keen historian, philosophy and mythology enthusiast I recognised many motifs drawn from the oldest myths - themes that could easily have felt tired, trite, and banal, were displayed refreshingly and with an authenticity that made me smile with satisfaction-such subtle nods and references to old themes so well done it was a celebration of thousands of years of storytelling, allegory, metaphor, and myth.
This, unlike so many tainted films and series of our time avoided tokenism, political messaging, virtue signaling and all the other shallow cultural cliches which was refreshing in and of itself.
The masterful displays by the matriarchal priestesses lead by the inimitable Charlotte Rampling pays homage to the Ancient pre Abrahamic, pre Egyptian cultures of the late Bronze Age where priestesses were matriarchs and exercised great power and influence.
The references to the 'Djinn' was also one that delighted this viewer.
In fact, this story is closer to our own history and mythology with a few exceptions, blurring the line between sci fi and history.
Finally all I can say is that this piece must be experienced on the big screen with dynamic sound to be fully appreciated.
It certainly deserves all the accolades and praise as it is truly an instant classic, and I'm sure will become a cult classic whose influence will persevere for some time to come.
Villeneuve and co bring every incredible aspect of filmmaking to bear in this heart-pounding, gasp for breath, sensory assault that truly takes the viewer out of their seat and immerses them in the story.
It felt as if one we're witnessing not just a story unfolding on screen, with masterful sound ( and perhaps infrasound) epic cinematography, sublime sequences, superlative production, fastidious costume design, terrific acting from the entire cast - this viewer felt as if I were witnessing something real, such was the intensity of the roller coaster type experience.
I was initially concerned at the run time, but 3 hours was enough for Viileneuve to translate one of the most difficult novels to screen.
Additionally, and as a keen historian, philosophy and mythology enthusiast I recognised many motifs drawn from the oldest myths - themes that could easily have felt tired, trite, and banal, were displayed refreshingly and with an authenticity that made me smile with satisfaction-such subtle nods and references to old themes so well done it was a celebration of thousands of years of storytelling, allegory, metaphor, and myth.
This, unlike so many tainted films and series of our time avoided tokenism, political messaging, virtue signaling and all the other shallow cultural cliches which was refreshing in and of itself.
The masterful displays by the matriarchal priestesses lead by the inimitable Charlotte Rampling pays homage to the Ancient pre Abrahamic, pre Egyptian cultures of the late Bronze Age where priestesses were matriarchs and exercised great power and influence.
The references to the 'Djinn' was also one that delighted this viewer.
In fact, this story is closer to our own history and mythology with a few exceptions, blurring the line between sci fi and history.
Finally all I can say is that this piece must be experienced on the big screen with dynamic sound to be fully appreciated.
It certainly deserves all the accolades and praise as it is truly an instant classic, and I'm sure will become a cult classic whose influence will persevere for some time to come.