How Dune (2021) Captures The Atmosphere Of An Alien Planet
In 1965, Frank Herbert wrote Dune, a complex sci-fi masterpiece which, in 2003, was declared the most successful sci-fi novel ever written. While the book was an undeniable success, it has been considered by filmmakers as somewhat of a cursed concept, much like the theme of pirates before the first Pirates of the Caribbean came along. Each big-screen iteration of the book failed miserably. With content that is so complex and so intricate, it only makes sense that most filmmakers are unable to tackle it, at least without descending into the same madness that previous directors David Lynch and Alejandro Kodorowky succumbed to in their individual interpretations. However, Denis Villeneuve, director of the 2021 reincarnation of Dune, might just have gotten away with it, in part due to his masterful understanding and depiction of the famous desert Dune is so well known for.
Villeneuve was successful for two reasons, one of which was an incredible art department that invested hundreds, if not thousands, of hours into creating this beautiful universe. Before audiences are even shown the main setting of the planet Arrakis, they are introduced to two very different alien planets: Caladan, the ocean planet ruled by House Atreides; and Giedi Prime, the homeworld of the villainous House Harkonnen, who are set to return for the sequel. The two places are worlds apart (literally) and are reflections of the two houses. Caladan is shown much as it is depicted in the book, as a beautiful, natural planet with large open spaces and an environment that symbolizes freedom and life. The interiors are spacious and minimalist, showing a level of decadence along with huge respect for the past. While a highly advanced human civilization, the
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