Denis Villeneuve’s Vision For ‘Dune: Part Two’ Sandworm Scene Aims For Realism

Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ movies have faced criticism for their colour schemes and camerawork, particularly in comparison to films like ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, which boasts vibrant desert scenes. ‘The Dune’ films often appear surprisingly colourless, leading some to wonder if they should have been more adventurous with their colour palettes.

Despite these critiques, ‘Dune’ received rave reviews from critics, who praised its visual effects and cast performances. Many consider it one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. The franchise’s muted colour scheme and grounded directing style make it more cerebral and politically oriented than ‘Mad Max’.

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Villeneuve’s approach is showcased in ‘Dune: Part Two,’ especially in sequences like the Harkonnen planet detour in the second act, highlighting his ability to create visually stunning films with a more subtle aesthetic. Villeneuve brought this mindset into the ‘Dune: Part Two’ sequence where Paul rides a sandworm for the first time. While this scene could easily have been depicted in a bombastic, over-the-top manner, 

Villeneuve chose a more restrained approach. He depicted it in a realistic style, aiming to make the audience feel like they were watching a real event, not a live-action cartoon as often seen in the ‘Mad Max’ movies. In the companion book ‘The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two’, Villeneuve explained that his priority was “anchoring the story in realism.”

Villeneuve emphasised keeping the scene grounded. He used long lenses and filmed the worm from a distance in a documentary style, aiming for camera movements that felt “boringly realistic.” This approach was intended to make the brain perceive the scene as real, enhancing the film’s immersive experience.

In ‘Dune: Part Two’, the sand-riding scene is depicted with much of the frame covered in sand, often obstructing the view of Paul’s actions. The worm is shown only from Paul’s vantage point, with sand dominating the frame. While this may disappoint fans of giant worms, it effectively sells the illusion of realism.

-Sushmita Sarkar