Cinematographer Reveals Secrets of Story and Filming Techniques in 'Dune Part Two' | Release #75
cover image by AK
'Dune Part Two', the highest-grossing film of 2024, showcases giant sandworms, vast deserts, and towering structures that appear enormous on screen. Cinematographer Greg Fraser reveals the secrets behind this visual grandeur.
The Secret to Grandeur is 'Human'
Fraser reveals that the secret to creating the grandeur in 'Dune Part Two' lies surprisingly in the presence of 'humans'.
In the movie scenes, the endless desert landscapes, towering structures, and giant sandworms crawling on the ground are depicted as enormous. The actors standing next to these giant sandworms or in the vast desert allow the audience to directly feel the scale's magnitude.
© Warner Bros. | Timothée Chalamet in 'Dune Part Two'
Focusing on Characters
Fraser does not consider the Dune series as a visual effects (VFX) film but focuses on the characters. Even in scenes featuring giant sandworms, the important aspect is the characters' expressions and emotions, allowing the audience to experience the story alongside the characters.
© Warner Bros. | Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), escape from a giant sandworm in 'Dune'
For instance, in scenes where characters ride sandworms, visual effects are incorporated, but the camera closely follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and the characters watching over him. This approach maintains the subtlety of human drama amidst overwhelming visual effects, allowing the audience to experience the moment with the characters.
An Approach to Filmmaking Without Relying on Visual Effects
The filming techniques in 'Dune Part Two' focus on the subtle movements of human emotions to make landscapes and objects appear larger on screen, deeply intertwining this portrayal with the story's development.
© Warner Bros. | Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya share a kiss in the vast desert in 'Dune: Part Two'
By highlighting the subtle emotions and human relationships of the characters, the audience can experience this grand adventure in the vast universe as their own. This balance elevates 'Dune Part Two' from being just a visual effects (VFX) film to a work that evokes deep emotions.
In the highly anticipated sequel directed by Denis Villeneuve, Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, embarks on a journey with the Fremen tribe to reclaim their land on the desert planet.
Join this epic adventure and discover a new experience by watching it. It will surely be an unforgettable time.
