When you look at the creative level most people hope to achieve when crafting a sci-fi/fantasy film, the original “Star Wars” trilogy is really that high water mark, particularly ‘Empire Strikes Back.’ So when anyone compares the upcoming “Dune: Part Two” to ‘Empire,’ that is high praise. But for it to come from the mouth of Christopher Nolan, that makes it a bit more meaningful.
At a recent Q&A between Christopher Nolan and “Dune: Part Two” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (shared via Raiders of the Lost Podcast, seen below), the former was gushing about his friend’s new sci-fi epic. It’s abundantly clear Nolan and Villeneuve have a deep respect for each other’s work, but in the case of Nolan, he heaped some immense praise on the upcoming ‘Dune’ sequel, comparing it to one of the best sci-fi/fantasy films of all time.
“For me, I don’t think it says too much to say that if ‘Dune: Part One’ was ‘Star Wars,’ [‘Part Two’] to me is very much ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ which is my favorite of the ‘Star Wars’ films,” Nolan said. “I just think it’s an incredibly exciting expansion of all of the things you introduce in the first one.”
“I have to say to you, Chris. This is a massive compliment,” replied Villeneuve. “‘Empire Strikes Back’ was one of the most intense screening experiences of my life… It is, by far, the best ‘Star Wars’ movie to me.”
Obviously, in context, it’s not like Nolan is directly comparing the ‘Dune’ sequel to ‘Empire,’ but he is saying the leap that was evident between the first ‘Star Wars’ movie and ‘Empire’ is the same sort of creative leap between the two ‘Dune’ films. That alone is a massive compliment, as many were hoping ‘Part Two’ would just equal the quality of the first film.
“Dune: Part One” would go on to earn 10 Oscar nominations, taking home six of them, mainly in the technical categories, such as Cinematography, VFX, and Production Design. That said, if ‘Part Two’ can somehow prove to be even more successful, it would be an awards season powerhouse much like the first.
“Dune: Part Two” arrives in theaters on March 2.
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