Film analysis: Dune: Part Two reaps at the Grammys but falls prey to Oscars ineligibility
On Sunday, February 2, Grammys viewers saw Dune: Part Two defy expectations and gain deserved recognition.
Beating American Fiction, The Color Purple, Shogun, and odds on favourite Challengers, Dune: Part Two’s triumph for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media saw Hans Zimmer pick up his fifth Grammy for an original film score at the Crypto.com Arena hosted event in Los Angeles.
Film News Blitz’s Aidan Leo celebrates Zimmer’s work on the science-fiction epic.
What sets apart the score of Dune: Part Two?
Zimmer, known for his unique use and combination of traditional and electronic forms of sound, often gives off a vivid and dynamic atmosphere to ingratiate the viewer into all of his cinematic epics.
Christophe Duquesne (renowned instrument maker-developer and sound designer) told CDM, “There is much more emphasis in Dune 2 on the use of unheard sounds.”
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Seemingly, there was a predetermined goal in the second instalment to further deepen the viewer’s connection with the culture and traditions that exist within the world of Dune.
It is a more in-depth and cultivated listening experience for the viewer.
The score acts as an evolution from the first film to feel closer to the story, the characters, the landscapes and the epic atmospheric feel the franchise offers.
The beauty of Zimmer’s style
Filmed in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Hungary, the goal of Zimmer and his teams’ approach to Dune: Part Two is to intertwine character themes, visuals, and sound to create the most appropriate cinematic expression of the story to the viewer.
There is almost an absurdity to the sound, as the film presents strong themes of existentialism and an otherworldly ambience.
This is notable in the increase in ferocity exhibited by the rhythmic elements and manipulation of drum beats in climactic scenes, whereby each character has a well-thought-out musical pattern to represent their growth throughout.
The relevance of the film’s location seems to also play a role in the realism of the environment and the characters’ experiences, as the endless and rigorous essence of the desert aids the intensity of the sound to illustrate the terror and jeopardy that exists in the world of Dune.
Dune: Part Two’s ineligibility for Oscars recognition
Dune: Part Two’s score was deemed too similar to the first instalment as per the Oscars eligibility requirements.
The rule states, “In cases such as sequels and franchises from any media, the score must not use more than 20% of pre-existing themes and music borrowed from previous scores in the franchise.”
Although this fact is universally accepted among filmmakers and the film’s accompanying producers who send through nominations for recognition, there is a nuance that exists in the case of Zimmer and Dune: Part Two.
The second instalment’s score is being penalised for integrating significant facets of the 2021 release, but the nature of Dune and its sequel is to incorporate elements of its predecessor to act as a development and a furtherment of the story and its plot points.
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To prohibit the film’s inclusion as a nominee and potential winner seems unjust on the basis of the sequel being an extension of the first, not a separate story.
Fans of the franchise will tell you that the first existed to reinforce the gripping and dramatic experience the viewer encounters throughout the second film.
As Zimmer stated himself, “In the world of storytelling, our purpose is to serve the narrative and connect with the audience.
“With Dune: Part Two, we continue the journey we began in the first half of the book at the exact moment we left off.
“The score was always written to expand and evolve its themes and take them, like the book, to a natural ending, planned from the first word to the last note.”
The Oscars’ eligibility rules have created further discussion regarding the ‘snubbing’ that exists this year, and years prior, whereby some of the most dynamic and ingenious scores fell on deaf ears when it came to award season.
Why Dune: Part Two’s score should have received Oscars recognition
At the Oscars, there is always nuance and subtlety when it comes to factors such as filmmaking and cinematography, let alone when it comes to film scores.
If one of the most legacy-defining and influential composers of 21st-century film releases a soundtrack list of what could no less be described as epic, riveting poetry, he is well-deserving of critical acclaim.
With Dune: Part Two being recognised in five separate Oscars categories, the lack of recognition for its score exists solely as an unfortunate consolation.
Zimmer’s impact on the film industry has left a lasting impression that exists far beyond the realms of award ceremonies, and within the hearts and minds of filmgoers everywhere.
A conceptual and majestic genius who will now and forever be at play.
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