Denis Villeneuve Recalls How Dune: Part Two’s Epic Sandworm-Riding Sequence Came Together, And I’m Tired Just Thinking About It

Denis Villeneuve Recalls How Dune: Part Two’s Epic Sandworm-Riding Sequence Came Together, And I’m Tired Just Thinking About It

As a gamer with a deep-rooted passion for cinema and a soft spot for the sci-fi genre, I can confidently say that Denis Villeneuve has outdone himself yet again with Dune: Part Two. The sandworm sequence is nothing short of spectacular – it’s like being transported into another world, where reality blends seamlessly with fantasy.


As a devoted fan, I can hardly contain my excitement for Denis Villeneuve’s 2024 release, “Dune: Part Two”. While others may have held high hopes, none could surpass the standards set by Villeneuve himself, who, fueled by his passion for the source material and his pursuit of perfection, took an intense approach to this film. The outcome was nothing short of breathtaking, with critics hailing the “Dune” sequel as a game-changer for the sci-fi genre. Among the many memorable moments, Timothée Chalamet’s first ride on a sandworm stood out, and just thinking about the effort that went into creating it leaves me feeling utterly exhilarated.

Recently, Denis Villeneuve had an engaging conversation with Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso during Screen Talk at the BFI London Film Festival. In this chat, they discussed some of the most significant films in Villeneuve’s filmography, his career journey so far, and even delved into details about his latest blockbuster, Dune: Part Two, which was a box office success. When questioned about the highly anticipated sandworm-riding scene in the movie, the director admitted that his meticulousness made the shooting process challenging. He elaborated on his methodology, revealing (via Variety):

It became clear to me that maintaining my original approach was crucial, as I wasn’t willing to make any concessions. What truly matters in visual effects, I discovered, is the method of filming. I wanted to capture it using natural light, but this meant the shots would require extensive time due to their complexity. Each shot was intricate, and sometimes it took only half a day, other times an entire day, and on rare occasions, a week for a single shot. If I had taken on the task alone, I would still be filming today.

Despite having an experienced cinematographer like Greig Fraser to manage the director’s potentially expansive vision (which might explain why filming on this sequence is ongoing), the production process was clearly a significant undertaking. It took 44 days to shoot this sequence and required a specialized team, fittingly named “the worm unit.” This nickname stemmed from the choice to use CGI for the sandworm in conjunction with natural light in a desert environment. As a result, every shot needed to be flawless, and the setting had to be carefully controlled to ensure optimal results.

Few directors could manage such a task, but Denis Villeneuve did, undeniably with assistance. The worm unit was indispensable in this endeavor, and it was expertly directed by Tanya Lapointe, who seemed to intuitively grasp Villeneuve’s creative vision. (It’s worth noting that she is married to the director of Arrival.)

44 days to shoot just one sequence in a movie might be challenging to comprehend, as some entire films are made in less time. Add to that the physical strain of scenes like Timothée Chalamet riding a sandworm, with dust flying everywhere, and it’s easy to understand why this would be exhausting. Just thinking about all the meticulous work required can make one feel tired. Yet, many fans, including myself, appreciate the effort that goes into creating such an experience.

More on Dune

Denis Villeneuve Recalls How Dune: Part Two’s Epic Sandworm-Riding Sequence Came Together, And I’m Tired Just Thinking About It

Denis Villeneuve Explains Why His Dune Movies Won’t Really Be A Trilogy

As a gamer, let me tell you, that intense show was completely worth the hype! The sandworm scene left me speechless, and the mix of digital and practical effects was flawless, making it feel incredibly real. Each shot was almost perfect, and the effort put into creating a cinematic masterpiece definitely paid off on screen. The sandworm sequence is an unmatched cinematic feat, leaving me eager to see what more Denis Villeneuve has in store for us with the highly anticipated Dune: Messiah. Given how amazing Part Two was, I can only imagine that Villeneuve won’t hold back one bit with the next film.

Viewers can now stream “Dune: Part Two” using a Max subscription. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this spectacular film will be re-released in select cinemas for exclusive showings this month. If you’ve previously missed its theatrical premiere, don’t forget to catch it on the big screen!

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2024-10-13 19:37