Dune's Epic Ornithopter Scenes Used A Lot of Practical Effects
VFX supervisor Paul Lambert gives an in-depth explanation of the work that went into Dune's Ornithopter scenes. Dune is based on the first half of the seminal sci-fi novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, while Dune: Part Two will cover the latter half of the book upon its release in 2023. The film was directed by Denis Villeneuve, and became one of the most successful and critically regarded films of 2021 upon its release, earning ten nominations at the upcoming Academy Awards.
The scale of the film, and the fact that it is set across multiple planets, meant that the production design and VFX were key aspects of Dune. The film features huge mechanical vehicles, like the Harvesters, Heighliners, and Ornithopters, which all form part of the backbone of the world-building for the planet of Arrakis. The production team also created highly detailed sets, costumes, and props, which helped to establish the tone and immersive qualities of the film while complimenting the ensemble cast's performances. Alongside the cinematography provided by The Batman alumnus Greig Fraser, all these details built the film from the ground up, making it one of the most visually-rich films of the past decade.
Related: Dune Story & World Explained: Characters, Spice & Sandworms
Now, at a recent Oscars event, the film’s VFX supervisor Paul Lambert has gone into detail about the creation of Dune’s Ornithopters. Lambert described how CG was blended with the use of practical effects to create a visual that was grounded in reality, that audiences could believe in. He also stated that the production crew“built two, twelve tonne, Ornithopters” to work from, which were used as a basis for filming as frequently as possible. Check out his full quote below:
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