As a die-hard fan of Denis Villeneuve‘s work, I find myself utterly captivated by his incredible journey from a humble Canadian filmmaker to a globally renowned director. His story is a testament to perseverance, risk-taking, and the power of passion.
At a BFI London Film Festival event on Saturday, director Denis Villeneuve openly discussed his filmmaking career with Brett Goldstein.
At a Screen Talks gathering in the Royal Festival Hall of the city, the Canadian film director shared insights about his journey, discussing topics like his beginnings, ascension to Hollywood, and the process of transforming Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ into a movie, alongside the star from ‘Ted Lasso’.
Villeneuve further elaborated on why he believes that “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), featuring Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling, is among the riskiest films of his career, alongside “Polytechnique” (2009). “Previously,” he said, “I turned down several sci-fi movies, large productions, as I wasn’t ambitious… However, after ‘Sicario,’ I felt that I had the strength to handle a project like [Blade Runner 2049].
He expressed, “If I were to create a grand science fiction film, potentially risking everything, it would be a stunning conclusion. To produce a sequel to my cherished movie seems like a lovely way to cap off my career.” This idea brought on laughter from the audience. He found it quite romantic. The critically-praised Blade Runner sequel eventually earned over $270 million at U.S. box offices.
Villeneuve discussed the circumstances that led him to direct the film originally intended for Ridley Scott, who directed the initial movie. “During my work on Prisoners, they suddenly halted the meetings and said, ‘I’m sorry. Ridley Scott is in the next room. We’re not allowed to tell you, but we’re working on a sequel to Blade Runner.’ I was amazed.
During my work on the film ‘Sicario’, I received a call… Ridley Scott, known for his excessive workload and numerous projects, was reportedly engaged in three different tasks at the time. It seems that Harrison Ford may have grown weary of waiting for his turn.
2013 saw the completion of the movie “Prisoners,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, during the same week that Villeneuve finished work on “Enemy” (2015). It appears that Villeneuve had a well-thought-out strategy in place. He confided to Goldstein his concerns about Hollywood potentially undermining him: “I was certain that Hollywood would erode me, and that ‘Prisoners’ would erase my filmmaker identity.” He went on to reveal, “So ‘Enemy’ was my hidden weapon… I was anxious about being squashed by the system again. I didn’t desire to produce sequels; I wanted to maintain control over my films.
However, working in Hollywood proved to be an unexpected delight for him. He further explained, “At the time, shooting Prisoners was the most enjoyable filming experience of my career. I had never been treated with such respect before. They provided me with everything I needed… It was a flawless experience, and I got a taste of what it’s like to make a movie with substantial resources.
Goldstein continually praised the director during their 75-minute conversation, especially when they delved into topics like ‘Arrival’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Dune: Part Two’. Villeneuve commented on the hard work behind ‘Dune: Part Two’s success, stating “It takes a lot of preparation.” The science fiction masterpiece, featuring Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, among others, has grossed over $700 million at the global box office.
As a gamer navigating this intricate world-building process, there are moments when I feel utterly drained, as if I’ve stumbled upon the most challenging level in my gaming career. There are days when I question if it’s even possible to make progress, days that I believe will go down as the toughest of my life, Goldstein. For instance, when you asked about that infamous scene involving worm-riding, I can confirm that it took an excruciating 44 days to perfect. It’s like playing a game with a malfunctioning controller, where every move feels awkward and out of sync. My mind, too, seems to be stuck on an endless loop of frustration. But here’s the catch – I’ve learned to adapt. I’ve discovered that no matter how insurmountable the challenge may seem, there’s always a chance to retry, to tweak, and ultimately, to triumph!
The BFI London Film Festival runs from Oct. 9-20.
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2024-10-12 15:54