Dune is director Denis Villeneuve’s precious masterpiece. And to ensure that it is unveiled in all its glory, he has requested that no screening links to be sent to the press.
Dune – Part One will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in about two weeks’ time. In his interview with La Presse, Villeneuve expresses that he is “relatively” calm because amidst the pandemic, delays, changes and other crisis, the fact that Dune is finally releasing is wrapped in a little disbelief.
Of course, the excitement will surge once Villeneuve sees the film’s name on cinemas’ marquees.
But noting the rise in Covid-19 cases, not everyone may be comfortable with strolling into a theatre, which is why Warner Bros decided on having all their 2021 releases on HBO Max as well. Villeneuve is not at all happy about this, but he will do what he can to get something out of the bargain.
One of the things he insists on is depriving the press of any viewing links, so that they have to watch it in the theatres.
The director also outlines that the decision to send Dune to the streamer was made before Warner Bros saw the movie. After having viewed it, Villeneuve felt a change in attitude as Warner Bros made more campaigning efforts towards a theatrical release — including its showcase at the Venice Film Festival.
Villeneuve is staunchly against a digital release and/or a hybrid release, as he shows support for Scarlett Johansson in her lawsuit against Disney. He painstakingly explains that the mode of distribution changes cinematography and how a film are made. Known for his visual gems of Sicario, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, it is understandable why he wants Dune exclusively in theatres.
But as the chiefs of Warner Bros knows it and so do we, neither the box office, nor the pandemic is stable and safe enough to risk this blockbuster release. So we will see it on the big screens and small, October 22.
Damn! No streaming services found :/
About Dune
Dune (also known as Dune: Part One) is an American sci-fi film based on Frank Herbert’s novel of the same name, directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Part One introduced the planet of Dune/Arrakis, the only place where the enhancer drug “Melange” is found and sought out by many. The Atreides House is sent to the planet as the ruling Duke, as part of their adversaries’ trap. However, the Atreides are aware of the same and aim to defend Dune and their house.
The ensemble cast is made up of Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.
Source: Lapresse
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