Director Denis Villeneuve explains how working onBlade Runner 2049contributed to the stellar VFX inDune. After directingSicarioandArrival,Villeneuve pivoted into directing beloved science-fiction propertieswith the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’sBlade Runnerand his two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s originalDunenovel.Blade Runner 2049,Dune, andDune: Part Twoare now all considered to be amongDenis Villeneuve’s best movies, and are widely praised for their stunning VFX.
While speaking with Matthew Belloni onThe Townpodcast,Villeneuve explains that working with cinematographer Roger Deakins on Blade Runner 2049taught him invaluable lessons that he used to createDune’s VFX. Deakins' acclaimed work has earned him 16 Academy Award nominations and two wins, one of which was forBlade Runner 2049. Villeneuve breaks down how Deakins taught him VFX techniques that he later incorporated intoDune. Check out Villeneuve’s comments below:
I spent a year working on the effects on Blade Runner with Roger Deakins. So I was in contact with the master on a daily basis during post-production, listening about how to bring an image to life and about the light and the contrast and the density and I learn so much. I was able to do Dune because I did that. I did that kind of master class with Roger. You know, it’s like I already had some knowledge with VFX, but I learned so much working with him.
What This Means For Dune And Dune: Part Two
Their VFX Is Unparalleled
Even though Deakins did not work onDuneorDune: Part Two, his influence on the unparalleled VFX is still present.Dunewon Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effectsand the sequel is likely to be nominated in both of these categories as well. Herbert forever changed the science-fiction genre and captured the imagination with his original novel, but it was Villeneuve and his understanding of VFX that visually broughtthe world ofDuneto life in ways that did the source material justice.
Dune 2 Ending Explained: Paul Atreides' Fate & What It Sets Up
Dune 2’s ending delivers an epic conclusion to this chapter of Paul Atreides' story, as the sequel also teases what is next for the sci-fi franchise.
Villeneuve’s adaptations depict the desert planet of Arrakis with a harsh beautythat perfectly portrays the world filled with spice that belongs to the Fremen. The impressive VFX also shines with the formidable scale of the sandworms, also known as Shai-Hulud, which makes it convincing that these creatures can be both terrifying and revered. The black-and-white aesthetic used to distinguish theHarkonnens' home planet, Giedi Prime, inDune: Part Twofurther accentuates the lessons Villeneuve learned from Deakins.
Our Take On Denis Villeneuve’s Comments
He Is Currently One Of The Best Directors In Hollywood
Part of what makes Villeneuve one of the best directors working in Hollywood today is his commitment to the artistry in his movies and his investment in telling a striking visual story. WhileDune’s cast of charactersare essential to the narrative, world-building has always been equally important to the science-fiction universe Herbert created.Villeneuve’s understanding of how to create unforgettable VFX ensures that Herbert’s world-building translates well into his adaptations, and he will undoubtedly do the same in the upcoming thirdDunemovie.
Dune
Cast
Dunethe big-screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal bestseller of the same name. A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey,Dunetells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
