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Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' set for epic, starry premiere at Venice

by French Press Agency - AFP

VENICE Sep 03, 2021 - 11:57 am GMT+3
(L-R) Javier Bardem, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Denis Villeneuve, Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac and Josh Brolin, attend a photocall for the film "Dune" at the 78th Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AFP Photo)
(L-R) Javier Bardem, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Denis Villeneuve, Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac and Josh Brolin, attend a photocall for the film "Dune" at the 78th Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AFP Photo)
by French Press Agency - AFP Sep 03, 2021 11:57 am

It’s definitely the most elegant, director Denis Villeneuve had said about the Venice Film Festival among a list that stretched from Cannes to Toronto. It has also been a lucky festival for him in the past. That might be why he chose it for the world premiere of his sci-fi epic blockbuster "Dune," one of the most anticipated films of recent years, which arrived at the festival on Friday.

Journalists and industry folk were ordered to hand in their phones to prevent any shots from leaking out from the screenings.

Meanwhile, fans prepared for a cavalcade of stars to descend on Venice's glitzy Lido island, including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac and Javier Bardem.

With a $165-million budget and a critically adored director in Canadian Denis Villeneuve, hopes are high that the film can shake the curse that has attached to previous attempts to adapt the landmark 1960s novel.

Oscar Isaac (L), Javier Bardem (C), and Josh Brolin arrive for the photocall of the film “Dune” at the 78th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo)
Oscar Isaac (L), Javier Bardem (C), and Josh Brolin arrive for the photocall of the film “Dune” at the 78th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo)

Through hits like "Sicario" and "Arrival," Villeneuve has put himself alongside Christopher Nolan as one of the rare directors who can deliver deadly serious cinema that also pulls in the punters.

He has also proved his worth to sci-fi fans with "Blade Runner 2049," a lauded sequel to the Ridley Scott classic.

The build-up has not been all roses, with the release delayed by almost a year due to the pandemic.

Villeneuve has also clashed with Warner Bros over its decision to release the film on streaming platforms at the same time as cinemas.

He told Total Film that decision was "ridiculous," saying: "The best way I can compare it is to drive a speedboat in your bathtub."

The film is playing out of competition at Venice, which has a particularly starry line-up on Friday, with Kristen Stewart also premiering her biopic of Princess Diana, "Spencer."

Actor Timothee Chalamet signs autographs upon arrival for the photocall of the film “Dune” at the 78th Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo)
Actor Timothee Chalamet signs autographs upon arrival for the photocall of the film “Dune” at the 78th Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo)

Giant worms

Set many millennia in the future, "Dune" follows the tribal battles for control of "spice," a drug that extends life and delivers prophetic powers, on the inhospitable planet of Arrakis, which also happens to be infested with giant worms.

The brainchild of author Frank Herbert, "Dune" was first published in 1965 and became a six-volume space opera of massive influence, not least on "Star Wars."

"It is the biggest-selling and most-read science fiction novel ever, but also the most commented upon and the most studied," said Renaud Guillemin, an eminent member of France's community of "Duniens."

"It was the prototype for the sort of world-building universe in science fiction books, with their own coherence, references and foundations," said Guillemain, comparing it to what "Lord of the Rings" did for fantasy.

Zendaya (L) and Rebecca Ferguson arrive for the photocall of the film “Dune” at the 78th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo)
Zendaya (L) and Rebecca Ferguson arrive for the photocall of the film “Dune” at the 78th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo)

Some of the images and ideas have also become sci-fi staples, including its giant sandworms (hello "Tremors"), suits that recycle sweat, or the Bene Gesserit, an order of female martial arts experts with thought-control powers.

Fans also praise its visionary edge, anticipating debates over global warming and the impact of technology.

Despite its ready-made audience and clear cinematic potential, previous transfers to the film have been famously difficult.

An attempt by horror auteur David Lynch in the 1980s turned into an expensive and catastrophic flop.

A previous attempt by cult Franco-Chilean film-maker Alejandro Jodorowsky fell apart after four years of work.

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  • Last Update: Sep 03, 2021 2:56 pm
    KEYWORDS
    venice film festival dune denis villeneuve premiere frank herbert timothee chalamet zendaya jason momoa oscar isaac javier bardem
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