The Soundtrack Space: Dune

Dune (2021) was an exciting moment for cinema. Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the book by Frank Herbert was a highly anticipated project, and the cast boasts some of the greats of contemporary acting. Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for Dune was also a talking point. Zimmer is no stranger to producing masterful compositions, and this score is no different. With its unique and distinctive sound, it is no wonder that it won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. 

The album opens with ‘Dream of Arrakis’, one of the cornerstones of the soundtrack. It features the iconic drum motif that recurs throughout the film to demarcate significant moments. Zimmer employs a repetitive beat in the background that echoes a heartbeat. This speeds up to increase the tension. Zimmer utilises an alarm sound throughout the soundtrack that evokes a sense of danger. Dream sequences or visions are common in Dune, and Zimmer’s score identifies them. For instance, Zimmer employs a softer sound in the track ‘Visions of Chani’, giving it a mysterious quality. 

‘Bene Gesserit’ is a unique piece. It uses a whispering chant throughout, which crescendos by the end of the track; it escalates into a chanting shout that reflects the supposed religious fervour of the Bene Gesserit. They are a terrifying presence throughout the film. 

It is one of the most iconic pieces of the film as it encapsulates the world of Dune

Extending their threat further, the piece titled ‘Gom Jabbar’ exhibits their influence over Paul as they come to test him. As one of the most memorable scenes of the film, it is important that it has a recognisable score. Zimmer’s composition for this scene is one of my favourites of the entire film because it accurately captures the fear they instill in the central characters and the challenge they represent for Paul. The motif of the shout recurs here, increasing the suspense of this scene. 

‘Leaving Caladan’ uses a striking electronic synth to provide the melody. It is a distinctive sound that permeates Zimmer’s Dune soundtrack. This is interwoven with percussive instrumentation. It is one of the most iconic pieces of the film as it encapsulates the world of Dune. Zimmer’s use of unconventional electronic instruments and sounds in this piece, as well as in others, demonstrates why it was worthy of an Oscar. 

‘Ripples in the Sand’ is a brilliant piece because it effectively builds suspense. It opens with a fast-paced melody, before this drops off. A female vocalist is introduced, which adds a sense of mystery. This melody is then echoed by the synth. The pulsing rhythm of the bass echoes the ‘thumper’, the technology used to confuse the sandworms. This track crescendos in a dramatic moment as the sandworm is revealed. 

Zimmer’s Dune soundtrack has cemented itself as a modern classic

Much of Dune follows the conflict between House Atreides and House Harkonnen, which often sparks violent altercations between the two opposing houses. ‘Armada’ soundtracks a scene of intense battle. Zimmer’s experimental electronic synth sounds combine with haunting vocals and drums to create an unforgettable piece. Halfway through the piece, it shifts to sound even more uncomfortable. The chaos of battle is reflected in the distortion of the piece, as these horrible sounds portray the confusion of the conflict. The soundtrack itself almost resembles panicked shouting. 

The aftermath of battle is depicted through the threatening track titled ‘Burning Palms’, as much of Arrakis is destroyed by the Harkonnen. The immediate fast pace portrays the active threat they present to Paul and his family. This piece dramatically crescendos. 

The film ends with the piece, ‘My Road Leads into the Desert’. The title denotes the open possibilities for Paul’s future, as he ventures into the unknown territory of the desert. This piece features the motif first introduced in the opening track, which provides a cyclical nature to Paul’s journey throughout the film. It dramatically crescendos by the end of the piece to close the film with unanswered questions. 

Zimmer’s Dune soundtrack has cemented itself as a modern classic. It perfectly complements Villeneuve’s cinematography and lends it a dramatic quality that you can only get from a well-written score.