I will sprinkle in commentary once in a while to discuss movies I love because of their execution of visual art direction. I’m a massive fan of architecture, interior design, and fashion. And I love how those concepts get executed in a movie’s aesthetics and their crucial role in its mood and psyche. The set and costumes can immerse me. I am by no means an expert; I just love this expression, as it becomes jewels I like to revisit again and again.
For this first foray, I will jump on the Dune bandwagon. With Dune Part II coming out today, let’s look at Dune Part I’s beautiful set. I can’t wait to see the visuals in Part II.
Dune production designer Patrice Vermette also did the set production for the movie, Arrival, which I also loved. The ship’s interior for Arrival was haunting, serene, and unforgettable. For Dune, I read that Vermette drew upon Mayan and Aztec architectural references, as well as Japanese architecture and influence. For the set’s exterior brutalist architecture, his inspiration was Brazilian Brutalist architecture.
Be still my heart.
So, I’m excited to see Dune, Part II. Sure, there’s the Gen Z wet dream of massive star power led by Zendaya and Timotheé Chalamet. But to me, the real star will be Vermette’s art direction. I will be excited to revisit this jewel again and again.
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