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Making a place for himself among critically acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese, Denis Villeneuve has turned himself into an extraordinary icon following his take onDune. While previously the novels were considered “unadaptable” following David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s failed attempts, Villeneuve proved his capabilities with his sequels.
Apart fromDune, Denis Villeneuve also has other acclaimed projects likeArrival, Blade Runner 2049, and more under his belt. But much like most filmmakers, even Villeneuve’s proficiency comes from his appreciation for cinematic brilliance. Naming a few of his favorite films of all time during an interview withBBC Radio 1, the filmmaker held one movie in high regard that he even paid homage to inDune.
Denis Villeneuve’s Appreciation for Cinematic Gems
Following the release ofDunesequels, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, French-Canadian directorDenis Villeneuveturned into an icon with an extraordinary cinematic vision. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Christopher Nolan, Paul Thomas Anderson, Martin Scorsese, and more, the director made a name for himself in Hollywood.
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But while people are recognising the filmmaker for his recent sci-fi thrillers, Denis Villeneuve also has contemporary sci-fi classics likeArrivalandBlade Runner 2049under his belt. Further, dedicating himself to innovating the art of filmmaking, Villeneuve opened up about the source of his inspiration. Admitting how a major portion of his proficiency comes from iconic movies, Villeneuve noted his favorite films toBBC Radio 1.
Naming Akira Kurosawa’sSeven Samurai, Paul Thomas Anderson’sThere Will Be Blood, and David Cronenberg’sDead Ringersas a few of his all-time favorite movies, Denis Villeneuve noted another movie that he holds in even greater esteem. CallingFrancis Ford Coppola’s iconic 1979 war movieApocalypse Now, as a gem “close to perfection”, Villeneuve noted his appreciation for the film.
Denis Villeneuve Paid Homage to One Movie inDune
During his interview withBBC Radio 1, Denis Villeneuve admitted how he watchedApocalypse Nowthe most number of times throughout his life. Having a sheer love and appreciation for the masterpiece, the filmmaker addressed how Coppola’s film was a damning indictment of the atrocities of conflict, flawlessly demonstrating the madness of war, explosion, and death.
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“I think probably it’s Apocalypse Now. I saw that movie, I studied that movie. I saw that movie, yeah, a million times… it’s a movie that for me is close to perfection and is deeply inspiring.”
Starring the likes ofMartin Sheen, Dennis Hopper, and Harrison Ford, although Francis Ford Coppola’sApocalypse Nowmade headlines for reeling with controversies regarding animal rights, the movie ended up being Denis Villeneuve’s inspiration. Having an undying love for the classic, the filmmaker even paid a subtle tribute to the movie in his magnum opusDune.
Apparently, only eagle-eyed fans ofDuneandApocalypse Nownoticed the homage paid to the latter by Denis Villeneuve. According to a scene in the sci-fi film, when Baron Harkonnen takes a dip in a vicious black liquid in a pool, it is set as a direct tribute to theApocalypse Nowscene where Martin Sheen comes out of the lake. The particular scene elucidates a striking parallel between Harkonnen and the unforgettable sequence in the 1979 movie.
While both scenes are eerie, they purposefully draw audience’s attention to the depths of the characters.Shedding light on the haunting scenefromDunethat breathes malevolence,Timothée ChalamettoldCinemablend, “I think it was from Apocalypse Now. It was the inspiration forthat”. Well, although the scene was terrifying, the tribute was so subtle that most fans might have overlooked the depths of it. Next time when you watchDune, don’t forget to look for this trivia.
Apocalypse Nowis available on Prime Video
Duneis available on Max.
Dune: Part 2is still in theaters.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
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Denis VilleneuveFrancis Ford CoppolaMartin SheenTimothée Chalamet
