For Denis Villeneuve, breathing life into the colossal worlds of “Dune” and its sequel, “Dune: Part Two,” meant embracing a Herculean directorial challenge. Navigating this cinematic odyssey alongside him was Greig Fraser, a cinematographer who defied the conventional demands of his role.
In the throes of this cinematic adventure, Fraser stood by Villeneuve and Patrice Vermette, the production designer, meticulously outlining the tiniest particulars for each scene. While Vermette collected desert sand samples from Abu Dhabi and Jordan, Fraser, citing the book “The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two,” embraced state-of-the-art techniques such as “3D Unreal Engine software, photogrammetry, drones, and ground lidar scanning” to preplan every frame and identify the optimal shooting moments for the film. Of all the events, capturing an actual eclipse in the vastness of the Jordanian desert was the sole instance of serendipity; all else was a product of scrupulous prearrangement.
The intricately choreographed Arena sequence set in the Harkonnen domain of Giedi Prime was no exception. Taking place under an imposing black sun, this was the first visual spectacle of the Giedian expanse presented to viewers. To portray the monochrome landscape described in Frank Herbert’s revered novel, Fraser chose to capture the setting using infrared filming instead of relying on post-production desaturation techniques, to ensure the sequence carried the intended sense of an eerie, alien monochrome.
FAQ Section
What technology did “Dune: Part Two” use for pre-visualizing scenes?
For pre-visualizing scenes, the crew used 3D Unreal Engine software, photogrammetry, drones, and ground lidar scanning.
What is unique about filming the Harkonnen Arena battle in “Dune: Part Two”?
The Arena battle was uniquely shot in infrared to create an otherworldly monochrome effect, rather than simply desaturating the footage in post-production.
Is “The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two” a book that offers insights into the film’s production?
Yes, “The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two” is a book that delves into the details of the film’s production, including the advanced technologies used for shooting and planning.
Did the film team script and plan every detail of the scenes or leave some to chance?
Aside from capturing a real eclipse, which was a chance occurrence, every detail of the scenes was carefully scripted and planned out.
What role did cinematographer Greig Fraser play in “Dune: Part Two”?
Greig Fraser went beyond the typical responsibilities of a cinematographer, engaging in the precise planning of scenes and creatively using technology for visualizing and shooting the film.