Dune 2: Denis Villeneuve says filming in the desert left him “traumatized by the sand”

Dune: Part Two is one of the most anticipated films of 2024, a production by Denis Villeneuve that will return us to the desert world of Arrakis. In interview with empire, the filmmaker stated that filming caused him great trauma regarding sand due to the abundance of this resource on the filming set. Unfortunately for the Canadian, the history of Dune will always be full of sand.

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Villeneuve has been noted for its distinctive visual style and its ability to tell deep and complex stories. His filmography includes acclaimed films such as The Woman Who Singed- 92%, Sicario: No Man’s Land – 94%, The Arrival – 94% and Blade Runner 2049 – 88%. Villeneuve is known for his meticulous approach to art direction and cinematography, which has earned him praise for the aesthetics of his films. His style is characterized by a slow and reflective narrative, as well as the exploration of philosophical and existential themes.

The predilection of Denis Villeneuve for science fiction is clear. Her talent lies in her ability to create vivid and believable futuristic and dystopian worlds, and in her ability to address profound questions about humanity and the future through the lens of this genre. Villeneuve has proven to be a master director of these types of stories, capturing the essence of the original works while adding his own unique vision. His focus on sci-fi cinema has contributed to his status as one of the most respected and relevant filmmakers in the industry, and his work in this genre has been particularly influential in contemporary cinema.

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long ago, Villeneuve opted for the direction of Duna – 75%. He then returned to be in charge of the sequel and we will soon witness the final product. But the director’s path in the sequel has not been easy at all, as he mentions it in the new interview:

For my staging, I wanted a dune with a particular shape. But Greig Fraser, on the other hand, needed that same form to stand in a specific light. So Patrice spent weeks and weeks shaping sand dunes in the desert! We looked crazy. I still find (sand) every morning in my shoes. Surely we are traumatized by the sand.

The gem of science fiction

Dune is a science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert and first published in 1965. The story takes place in the distant future in an intergalactic universe, where it focuses on the desert planet Arrakis, known to be the only source of a spice called “melange” or “spice”, which grants psychic abilities and is highly valued. The plot follows Paul Atreides, the young heir to House Atreides, as his family assumes control of Arrakis and struggles to maintain control over the spice while facing intergalactic politics and conflict. The story of Dune encompasses themes of politics, religion, ecology, and power, and focuses on Paul’s struggle to understand his destiny and lead his people in a dangerous and hostile world.

Dune is widely considered a masterpiece of science fiction and has influenced generations of writers and filmmakers. The novel is known for its deep world created by Herbert, featuring intricate interplanetary politics, fictional religions, and unique ecosystems on Arrakis. The plot develops with complex characters and a narrative rich in details that address social and philosophical issues. This first novel lays the foundation for an extensive literary saga and has been adapted to different media, including films and television series.

Denis Villeneuve has earned a solid reputation in the film industry thanks to his ability to take on ambitious projects and his ability to masterfully bring complex stories to the big screen. The choice of him as director of Dune has undoubtedly been perfect. The sequel will hit theaters on March 15, 2024.

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