“Denis, Denis, Denis,” shouted the fans gathered at the Scotiabank cinema before the Quebec director’s arrival.
Published yesterday at 11:14 p.m.
His new film “Dune: Part Two” was presented for the first time in Canada on Wednesday evening and almost 600 people had the opportunity to attend one of the two special screenings.
The screening was preceded by a red carpet, or rather sand or spice colored, on which Denis Villeneuve, producer Tanya Lapointe and production designer Patrice Vermette paraded. They were delighted to be able to present their new work “at home” after visiting New York, Seoul, Abu Dhabi, London, Paris and Mexico in recent weeks.
“I told Warner Bros. : “I will take the time, but I really want a screening in Montreal,” said Denis Villeneuve.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Patrice Vermette, production designer, Tanya Lapointe, producer and Denis Villeneuve, director
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Fans were clearly excited to meet a filmmaker they admire.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
The famous bowl of promotional popcorn from Dune that caused such a stir on social networks…
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Denis Villeneuve surrounded by his parents Nicole and Jean
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Moment of complicity between Denis Villeneuve and Tanya Lapointe. The film duo is also a couple in life.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Even cinema employees wanted to be photographed with Denis Villeneuve.
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It's the ultimate test to come and present it in front of my friends, my friends, in front of people who are direct, honest and open. Quebecers have no filter! I'm really excited that the Canadian premiere will be in Montreal.
Denis Villeneuve
The filmmaker also noted that this is the end of a journey. For his partner Tanya Lapointe, who is also a producer, this moment is significant. “These are chapters in our lives that we share with the actors and all the craftsmen. Some, like Patrice Vermette, have been part of our lives since 2018, so it's time to close the file. If there is a third part at some point, I hope to be able to relive this experience with this great team. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
On Wednesday evening at the Scotiabank Cinema, the media had the opportunity to ask Denis Villeneuve a few questions.
The production designer assured us that he would “follow” Denis Villeneuve anywhere. After winning an Oscar for the first film, Patrice Vermette emphasized that his biggest challenge for the sequel was “to take the film to a different place visually without deviating from the invented imagery.” “I had so much fun with the Harkonnens! » About the people who inhabit Giedi Prime, he confirmed to us that the black and white effect of their planet is the result of the light from their black sun. “It’s an idea from Denis and Greg Fraser [le directeur photo]. It’s an infrared camera that does the shooting,” he explained.
Sick actors, optimistic predictions
Timothée Chalamet, who plays the lead role of Paul Atreides, was also scheduled to be in Montreal on Wednesday. Unfortunately, an illness prevented him from doing so.
“Timothy is very sick. Everyone started dropping like flies. He's not alone: Zendaya no longer had a voice. Austin is also sick. We walked around a lot. […] Warner gave it his all [pour la promotion] and believes in the film very much. It is beautiful ! », explained Denis Villeneuve.
According to the Deadline website, Dune: Part Two could gross 170 million worldwide in its first weekend of operation.
[Le box-office] is one of my concerns. The predictions scare me a little because they are starting to put pressure on the film. But the enthusiasm is very strong […] Films exist when they are seen.
Denis Villeneuve
One of our favorite Denis Villeneuve quotes was said when he explained why he decided to make a sequel to Blade Runner. Without pretension and with kindness, he said he wanted to avoid anyone else doing it and missing out (“I didn't want anyone else to screw it up”). We asked him if his approach to Dune was similar.
“The approach was different because Blade Runner was about putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Going into a world that I loved and that had inspired me so much. This time, however, it was like a blank canvas. Dune is not mine. There are probably other people who will one day make films in this universe. It's not the same kind of pressure. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Paige Jacobson came from Toronto to attend the Canadian premiere of Dune: Part Two. “After seeing the first book, I told myself that I had to read the book to get to know this universe. I liked the cinematography and the way the political aspect was told. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Safia Diani-Bernier and Aïcha Bastien-N'Diaye were optimistic that their high expectations would be met after being “influenced” by the first part. “I was particularly touched by the absence of words. “I found enjoying images without always having a supportive dialogue really enjoyable,” Aïcha said.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Thomas Lagloire and Maria Decubellis expected a “very intense” sequel. “The first part was really good and ended on an exciting note. “I hope that the end will be good,” they wished together.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Many fans of the world of Frank Herbet and the films of Denis Villeneuve lined up during the day to get good seats for the two screenings of Dune: Part Two on Wednesday evening.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Sébastien Yergeau, Daniel Dessureault and Kaitlyn Friedman took no risks and set off early in the morning.
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Dune: Part Two opens March 1st, but several theaters are offering performances on February 29th.