Steven Spielberg Tells Denis Villeneuve That ‘Dune 2’ Is ‘One of the Most Brilliant Science-Fiction Films I’ve Ever Seen’

Steven Spielberg recently shared his admiration for “Dune: Part Two” during an interview with director Denis Villeneuve on the DGA’s “Director’s Cut” podcast. The Academy Award winner complimented Villeneuve on creating one of the most outstanding science-fiction movies he has ever watched. This praise is significant, given that Spielberg himself is the brilliant mind behind cinematic classics such as “E.T: Extra Terrestrial” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Additionally, Spielberg had more kind words for the “Dune” director.

Spielberg expressed how esteemed he felt to be conversing with the listeners and began by acknowledging the rare group of filmmakers who are known for constructing entirely new universes in their movies. He listed a few cinematic legends, such as Méliès, Disney, Kubrick, Lucas, Harryhausen, and Fellini, who are well-recognized for their contributions in this field. He also mentioned contemporary filmmakers like Tim Burton, Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, and Guillermo del Toro, who have also achieved this rare feat. Although the list is not extensive, Spielberg firmly believes that the audience is witnessing the entry of one of the latest members in this exceptional group.

Villeneuve was absolutely stunned when he received a compliment from one of the most legendary directors to grace the film industry. Spielberg specifically praised the scene in "Dune: Part Two" where Paul experiences riding a sandworm for the first time as an incredible achievement.

In this film that is set in the desert, water is a prominent theme despite the arid surroundings. Spielberg mentioned that the film showcases a desire for water, depicting it as sacred and necessary for life. The way the desert was filmed gives the impression of an ocean or sea, with the sandworms resembling sea serpents. The scene where the characters surf on the sandworms was particularly impressive and memorable. The overall effect was that the desert appeared to be a liquid rather than a dry, sandy wasteland.

According to an article in Variety, it took Villeneuve 44 days to complete filming the sandworm ride part of the movie. A large set piece was constructed, measuring 90 feet in length and 24 feet in width, to depict the worm. Greig Fraser, the film's cinematographer, recollected reading the screenplay and wondering how they would be able to pull off such a feat.

Fraser said that in the book, Paul rides a sandworm, and this may seem strange if not presented well. Therefore, they took great caution to ensure that the audience wouldn't have any difficulty believing in the concept.

Critics and viewers alike are raving about the success of "Dune: Part Two." The film has almost reached $240 million in domestic ticket sales and has exceeded $570 million globally. Warner Bros. is continuing to keep the movie in theaters across the country.

You can tune in to the complete conversation between Spielberg and Villeneuve on the DGA's "Director's Cut" podcast by following this link.