Denis Villeneuve. What’s not to love?
It’s just a few hours before I venture to the cinema with my son, to see Dune2. So here’s an interview with the man himself.
“The THR Titan reveals why he took a nine-year break from directing, shares hopes for ‘Dune 3’ and reflects on his fears about working in Hollywood: “You hear all those stories of great filmmakers getting crushed by the system.””
After being unimpressed by his previous films, Villeneuve tells us of his 9 year hiatus in preparation for changing his mindset on directing. That to me speaks of his integrity as a filmmaker. It wasn’t just about the money, but the artistry of his work.
I would love the opportunity to shadow him for a day or two, just to see how he works the room, the department heads, the actors. How he sets up a scene and what it’s like to be a Villeneuve actor on set with him.
How about you, are a Villeneuve fan? Are you looking forward to seeing Dune 2? I must admit that I’m really excited about seeing this film tonight. My sense of anticipation is palpable. Bring it on!
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/dune-part-two-de...
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Big fan of Denis Villeneuve. My biggest criticism is I'd like to see him make some smaller scale movies once more. All the same, I'm excited for Dune 2!
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Adam Harper I would love to see “Incendies”, but it seems it’s only available in Region 1 dvd/bluray. I loved Sicario too, but I think Villeneuve will be fondly remembered for the Dune saga. I just hope he gets to finish it, with Dune: Messiah.
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Same, I've loved all his movies - I really like Blade Runner 2049 and hope it gains more recognition over time. But, it was Sicario and Prisoners that introduced me to him. I wouldn't say no to another Dune film haha
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Did you enjoy the sequel, Geoff Hall?
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Ashley Renee Smith we loved it, Ashley. You can tell DV is bucking the expectations of an ‘action movie’ per se, because of the slow start. In my mind and probably my son’s, it’s all about subtext, which for those who like their dialogue to be direct and hold a comic book KAPOW at the end of every character’s words, then they’d be disappointed.
However, it’s about the dialogue of despotism and the subtleties of seduction. I found it gripping, because we were forever checking the language and giving a mental “aha!” to what was said.
And for sure, we know there’s a third film in the offing and Paul Atreides will feature in it, so you could say the final fight scene already had it’s ending written and so the tension was lessened, but DV has already shown us that this is not your lock, stock and two smoking barrels kind of an action film. The big tell on Paul’s character is his response to a proposal of marriage and you think that there’s been a transformation of his character in the desert, but not what you’d expected! It’s like Jesus succumbing to the temptations of the devil in the wilderness!
So to answer your question in a word or two it would be “Yeah, baby!” And I’m hoping to see it again when I get home.
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Thanks for the synapses, Geoff!
I’m looking forward seeing Dune 2; looks from preview like a longer movie. Is it like some of Star Wars - wheee energies build and fall near the end ?
It’s great to hear about the Artistry of his work.
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That's awesome! I'm even more excited to see it now that you gave it such a glowing review, Geoff Hall!
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Ashley Renee Smith thank you, Ashley. Be prepared to be amazed. It’s a sumptuous film.
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Kerry Kennard it’s like any good film, Kerry, that paces itself well. Action, subterfuge and subtext are the keys to this film. If you like that kind of thing, then you’ll be fine with this one!
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I don't know if I can say that I am a Denis Villeneuve fan, but starting with "Blade Runner 2049" and "Dune", he is on my list of directors which movies I am interested to watch. I like both parts of "Dune", but I heard in an interview that Paul Atreides is an anti-hero and from what I've seen in both of the parts, for me it seems that he is a hero, the hero, not an anti-hero. Maybe that will change in the next part...
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Blade Runner 2049 was kind of weird to me. I like the first Blade Runner JMO.
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Florin Şumălan really, did you not see the power shift in relationships with his denouncement of Chani and saying he’d take the Princess’ hand in marriage as a political solidifying of his power? For me that marks him out as an anti-hero. A hero would have laughed in the Emperor’s face at that marriage of convenience.
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Trina Jackson weird because?
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I just didn't get it. I really tried hard to watch Blade Runner 2049 and that movie went over my head. I like the first Blade Runner .
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Geoff Hall , I forgot about this and about other little details in his behaviour. If I will watch the movie again, maybe I will discover new things.
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Geoff Hall , even if I take in consideration these details, after first time watch, I think I have the impression that he is the hero and I am tempted to accept his immoral behavior, because he is the hero, because the movie is made in that way...perhaps this is similar to how the first Dune book was received by readers...Paul Muad'Dib was seen like a hero and Frank Herbert didn't like that and made some changes in the next book "Dune Messiah". (if I understood well from an interview I listened). Maybe I am wrong.
Anyway, I like the movie (it's a great spectacle and all that things), but maybe this character should be different in the next part; maybe he should be seen by the audience as a villain and the audience should not cheer for him anymore. He could be seen as an example, like a lesson of how can power and other things can change people in a bad way.
I don't know...
If you wish, please say your opinion about these things I said. Thank you.
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Florin Şumălan thanks Florin, I’ve just posted something in the Authoring Lounge where Frank Herbert tells us that Paul starts out well as the hero, but is then seduced and corrupted by power. In Dune: Part Two, we see the inception of this. His message is not to trust that people in power will always get it right.
There are other clues, when he snaps at the Reverend Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) and she recoils. His power is growing in a way that she may no longer be able to control.
Paul Atreides is a character that we see the power of transformation, but sadly it’s a negative one, which we will see in Dune: Messiah.
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Geoff Hall , I will check the Authoring Lounge to see the post. Have a good day!
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I finally got to see it on Sunday, Geoff Hall and it was awesome! I honestly can't wait to watch it again.
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Geoff Hall - Always like Star Wars, .S Trek, and the Matrix ! I've been all in - lol. :~) Ok. need to go ! KK
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Ashley Renee Smith hi Ashley. I'm thrilled you loved it! What were the standouts, for you?
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Geoff Hall, I mean, the visuals were incredible. Greig Fraser outdid himself and I was blown away by how distinct he made things look to provide a sense of time and the passage of time, despite it all taking place in a sprawling desert environment that could have felt the same. The performances were captivating. I thought Tim handled the evolution of Paul's character throughout the film so well and I was blown away by Austin's performance as Feyd, giving another layer to how we look at the Harkonnens. It was all around such a strong film.
I'm a Villeneuve fan, Geoff Hall. I've only seen "Sicario" though. Looking forward to checking out "Blade Runner 2049" (been meaning to for a while) and "Dune 1-2."