Although he seemingly accomplished a feat that few filmmakers have managed when Dune on the big screen, says director Denis Villeneuve Blade Runner 2049 If he had failed, it could have potentially been a much more devastating blow to his career. Having made a name for itself with features such as Sicario And ArrivalVilleneuve brought Frank Herbert’s influential science fiction novel to the screen in a two-part adaptation released in 2021 and 2024, respectively. Villeneuve is set to end his tenure as Arakkis Dune: Messiah In the adaptation, he is also set to explore the life of Cleopatra in the historical drama.
During a recent BFI London Film Festival panel (via Hollywood Reporter), Villeneuve explained that one film he made before Dune made him feel more fear than the revival of Herbert’s world, it be Blade Runner 2049. After having to make himself feel like he was ready to take on the sci-fi drama, Villeneuve decided it was worth the risk since he would not only be moving forward, but would at least be able to complete the film. career on a personal high note:
I used to turn down a few sci-fi movies, big movies, because I wasn’t greedy… But after Sicario, I felt that I had the strength to implement such a project as [Blade Runner 2049]. I said, “Okay, if I do one big sci-fi movie and risk everything, that’s great. Making a sequel to my favorite film is a great way to end my career.” I thought it was very romantic.
Moreover, Villeneuve also admitted that he may have learned about the project’s development earlier than he potentially should haveaccidentally witnessed a meeting to make the sequel, and also goes on to remember why he was ultimately chosen over Ridley Scott, who himself directed the film:
When I did Prisonersone day [execs] stopped the meetings and said, “Sorry. Ridley Scott is in the next room. We don’t have to tell you, but we’re making a sequel. Blade RunnerI said, “Wow!” Then when I did SicarioI got a call… Ridley is the most prolific and overworked director. And when I make one film, Ridley does three things. I think Harrison Ford is tired of waiting.
Other directors have faced similar concerns
For many film lovers aware of the development Blade Runner 2049Perhaps unsurprisingly, the film was an incredible challenge for Villeneuve. While the director shared his concerns about making the project happen in 2020, two other would-be directors with incredible credentials have already backed out of the project.
When the development of the project began, Christopher Nolan was named as the first director to direct the sequel.Although Oppenheimer The director stated that he never intended to direct this film in 2020. In fact, even the original film’s director, Ridley Scott, has signed on to direct. Blade Runner 2049 in 2011, but left the project to work on Alien: Covenant. Thus, Villeneuve took on a task that even experienced filmmakers faced.
Our thoughts on the success of Villeneuve’s filmography
The director succeeded where others failed
To Villeneuve Dune’After the novel’s release, few believed that an adaptation could properly translate the novel to the screen. Since 1971, various directors made their own attempts to bring the story to life.from Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ambitious 1970s attempt to David Lynch’s now cult classic 1984 film, several miniseries and minor failed attempts. Moreover, the director had to face the uncertainty that Dune: Part Two will even be released with complications caused by the change in release strategy given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connected
However, even with Blade Runner 2049 is experiencing financial difficulties, both he and Dune are clear successes in the long term. Blade Runner will be replenished with a new series, and Dune breaks the taboo of past adaptations and goes beyond the rise of Paul Atreides. Thus, Villeneuve has established himself as an influential voice in modern Hollywood and has proven that he is capable of solving even the most difficult problems.
Source: TPP