Dune 2 Director Denis Villeneuve Shares Thoughts on AI in Filmmaking: Intriguing Yet Problematic
Filmmaking is evolving with the growing accessibility of Artificial Intelligence. However, Dune director Denis Villeneuve believes that AI will never replace the organic creative process of filmmaking. In a conversation with director Joe Wright, Villeneuve discussed the use of AI in creative projects.
“The aspect of cinema that I love the most is the collective act of creativity, where you aim to create poetry… ultimately, it is cinema, it is storytelling,” he expressed. The director suggested that while using computers to generate stories in the future may be intriguing, it would lack the collective human creativity that makes filmmaking so special.
The acclaimed French Canadian director received praise for his work on the Dune films. Throughout the conversation, he shared insights into his creative process, particularly the inspiration behind the design of the massive sandworms. “Our goal was to make this creature appear as realistic as possible,” Villeneuve shared, highlighting how his background in biology influenced the concept.
He and production designer Patrice Vermette studied various animal species to understand how the worm’s skin could survive in the harsh desert environment. Beyond its grand spectacle, the Dune franchise also delves into intimate moments. “‘Part Two’ revolves around a love story, with the entire film structured on that narrative,” Villeneuve disclosed.
The director focused on enhancing the connection between characters Paul (played by Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (played by Zendaya) to deepen their relationship. Despite challenging filming days, Villeneuve acknowledged the importance of reshooting scenes when needed, despite initial feelings of guilt or shame.
In April, the studio confirmed the development of a third sequel to the Dune franchise, based on Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, which is set 12 years after the events of the first novel.