Steven Spielberg Praises Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two, Calls It A ‘Visual Epic’

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg recently praised Denis Villeneuve's sequel, Dune: Part Two, on the DGA's Director's Cut podcast. Spielberg, renowned for sci-fi classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and ET, hailed Villeneuve's direction and the Timothee Chalamet starrer film's visually stunning presentation, noting its deep character development and cinematic brilliance.

TN Entertainment Desk

Updated Mar 28, 2024, 14:12 IST

In a recent episode of the DGA's Director's Cut podcast, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg shared his admiration for Denis Villeneuve's sequel, Dune: Part Two. Spielberg, known for iconic sci-fi classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, lauded Villeneuve's direction and the film's visual grandeur.

Visual Epic with Deeply Drawn Characters

Spielberg commended Dune: Part Two as a "visual epic" with richly developed characters despite sparse dialogue. He highlighted the cinematic quality of the shots, praising Villeneuve's ability to create breathtaking visuals without pretension.

Also Read: Denis Villeneuve Reveals Why Harkonnen Is Black And White In Dune Part Two

Yearning for Water and Sand as Liquid

The filmmaker noted the thematic importance of water in the desert setting of Dune, describing it as a metaphor for yearning and life. He particularly praised a scene featuring Paul surfing the sand worm, likening the desert to a liquid landscape.

Detailed Filming Techniques

Villeneuve revealed his meticulous approach to filming, including shooting specific scenes at the same hour over multiple days for continuity. He also discussed the careful selection of sand dunes to achieve desired visual effects, calling it the "strangest casting" he's done.

Enhanced Effects and World-Building

Spielberg applauded the enhanced effects work in Dune: Part Two, particularly the intricate details of the spice harvesters. He humorously speculated that Warner Bros. invested in more pixels for the sequel, jokingly attributing it to the success of the first film.

Villeneuve's Place Among World-Building Directors

Spielberg placed Villeneuve among the esteemed list of world-building fantasy directors, acknowledging his contribution to cinematic storytelling. He praised Villeneuve's ability to craft immersive and captivating worlds, likening him to filmmaking pioneers like George Méliès and Walt Disney.

Zendaya's Potential Behind the Camera

Villeneuve highlighted Zendaya's keen interest in filmmaking, noting her dedication to observing and learning on set. He speculated that Zendaya might pursue directing in the future, recognizing her intelligence and curiosity behind the camera.

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