Denis Villeneuve Storyboard Film: Bringing Dune to Life
Portraying Lady Jessica, the mother of Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two, is Rebecca Ferguson.
Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures
Rebecca Ferguson is Lady Jessica, mother to Paul Atreides, in Dune: Part Two.
After much anticipation and delay, Dune: Part Two hits theaters on March 1. Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, who first delved into Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel Dune at the age of 13, is finally seeing his vision come to life.
“The concept of a boy finding solace in a foreign land deeply resonated with me,” Villeneuve reflects on his initial encounter with the novel.
As a young dreamer, Villeneuve aspired to adapt Dune into a cinematic masterpiece. However, upon the release of David Lynch’s 1984 version, he felt a mix of excitement and dissatisfaction.
“Certain aspects of the film didn’t align with my artistic sensibilities,” he recalls. “I knew then that someday, another rendition would emerge.”
Fast forward to the present, Villeneuve, known for his acclaimed works like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, found himself at the helm of Dune‘s revival.
“I still can’t believe I’m living this dream,” Villeneuve remarks, reflecting on the success of Dune: Part One and the upcoming Dune: Part Two.
Describing Dune: Part One as a contemplative piece focusing on Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, Villeneuve emphasizes the character’s evolution in Dune: Part Two.
“The sequel leans more towards action,” Villeneuve explains, highlighting Paul’s journey towards seizing control of his fate.
Timothée Chalamet and Denis Villeneuve collaborate on the set of Dune: Part Two.
Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures
Timothée Chalamet and Denis Villeneuve confer on the set of Dune: Part Two.
Insights from the Interview
Denis Villeneuve shares his preference for minimal dialogue in films, expressing that dialogue, to him, is more suited for theater or television. He believes that the true essence of cinema lies in visual storytelling, where images convey powerful ideas. Villeneuve aims to create a movie with minimal dialogue, drawing inspiration from the impactful nature of silent films, which he considers the best movies. His ultimate goal is to craft a film that can be understood and appreciated even without sound.
Challenges of Filming in the Desert
During the filming process in the desert with a large crew, Villeneuve faced the formidable challenge of extreme heat. The scorching temperatures posed a significant obstacle, reaching a point where it felt like one’s brain was being cooked during the peak of the day. To combat this, Villeneuve had to prioritize the well-being of his crew by relocating them away from direct sunlight. Additionally, he aimed to capture the movie using natural light exclusively, without compromising on aesthetics. This decision led to meticulous planning around the sun’s position, requiring adjustments to the shooting schedule to align with the natural light conditions. This intricate process proved to be a demanding puzzle for Villeneuve, his senior cinematographer, and the actors involved.
Denis Villeneuve’s Vision for Sandworms in Dune
“The presence of sandworms can be felt through the shifting landscape in the distance,” shared Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune, expressing his fascination with this concept.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Denis Villeneuve was captivated by the idea of sensing sandworms through the changing scenery, a key element in Dune.
When tackling the portrayal of the Fremen riding sandworms, Villeneuve was drawn to the mystery and suspense surrounding these creatures. He emphasized the importance of the unseen, likening it to the impact of the shark in Jaws.
While the moment of riding a sandworm is significant in the book, Villeneuve found the details vague and sought to make it more believable. By studying extreme sports and designing a method for mounting the sandworm, he meticulously planned the execution of this crucial scene.
The filming of the sandworm riding scenes demanded meticulous attention to detail and authenticity. Villeneuve insisted on using natural light, leading to a lengthy shooting schedule spread over several weeks. To manage the complexity, he divided his focus between the main unit and a specialized “worm unit,” a challenging but necessary approach for achieving the desired realism.
Reflecting on his cinematic influences, Villeneuve credited Steven Spielberg’s works like Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Duel for inspiring his filmmaking journey. Spielberg’s mastery of storytelling and visual language sparked Villeneuve’s passion for the art of filmmaking at a young age.
Heidi Saman and Susan Nyakundi produced and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper, and Beth Novey adapted it for the web.
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