Austin Butler Calls Denis Villeneuve “One of the Greatest Filmmakers Alive”

In a conversation with his “Dune: Part Two” co-star Josh Brolin, via Interview Magazine, Austin Butler praised director Denis Villeneuve with the kind of glowing praise some readers here would agree with:

“Denis is one of the greatest filmmakers alive, so the idea of getting to work with him […] was so exciting for me. The thing with Denis is, you’ll give an idea, and then his mind will start to percolate, and then he’ll come back with 10 more, and then you’re feeding off of each other’s imaginations.”

Like or dislike him, Villeneuve has built a considerably impressive filmography ever since his 2010 Oscar-nominated breakout “Incendies.”

These last 12 years, the Quebecois filmmaker has directed “Incendies,” “Prisoners,” “Sicario,” “Arrival,” “Blade Runner 2049” and “Dune.” All critically praised, some with massive fan bases. One can certainly say that Villeneuve’s popularity among movie fans could very soon eclipse fellow rival Christopher Nolan’s.

This past September, a Rotten Tomatoes poll concerning the best directors of the last 25 years had Villeneuve finishing second, right behind Nolan. That’s how popular he is currently.

Now, I’m not saying that Villeneuve isn’t a strong filmmaker, but I do find that he’s become a successful one by copying the filmmaking styles of Fincher, Nolan and a few others. What I’m actually trying to say is that Villeneuve is still a director in search of his own voice. He hasn’t really found it yet. Maybe he will, but he’s already made eight features so far and I don’t really see any sort of unique stamp — just very well done and efficient filmmaking.

One of the greatest filmmakers alive? Not when you have the likes of Scorsese, Spielberg, Coppola, Coen, Tarantino, PTA, Lynch, Fincher, Haneke, Almodovar, and more, still around.

With that being said, we are expecting the “Dune” sequel next year. Then, after that one premieres, Villeneuve might tackle a long-gestating passion project of his: Cleopatra. Or maybe he’ll be chosen as the next Bond director.

Joel Coen’s ‘Jack of Spades’ Is a Gothic Mystery Based on a 1901 Novel, With Patsy Ferran “Dynamite” in the Lead

I can confirm that Joel Coen’s “Jack of Spades” is based on Frances Frederica Montrésor’s 1901 novel “The Alien: A Story of Middle Age.” It’s a ghost story. A gothic mystery.

‘Whitney Springs’: Kendrick Lamar & ‘South Park’ Duo’s Slave-Comedy Balloons to $100M+ Budget, Still Not Finished

Stone and Parker’s “Whitney Springs” still isn’t finished. The budget has skyrocketed to over $100M. Stone and Parker have taken full responsibility for the delay.

Michael Mann Has “Secretly Recut” ‘Miami Vice’ for a New “Director’s Final Cut” to Premiere in October

I’m not sure how this is going to turn out, but Michael Mann “secretly recut” his ‘Miami Vice’ movie, which has now led to the 4k restoration, a “Director’s Fina Cut,” to world premiere on October 3.

Paul Feig to Direct ‘The Italian Job’ Sequel for Paramount

Wait, what? According to Deadline, Paul Feig is going to direct an “Italian Job” sequel for Paramount. No word yet on cast returns. A writer is supposed to be hired soon for the script.

‘Digger’ Final Trailer Teases Iñárritu’s Apocalyptic Satire With Tom Cruise

We’re just 24 days away from its release, yet there doesn’t seem to be much excitement building around this film. The marketing has not worked.

August 19, 2019

3-Hour ‘Midsommar' Director's Cut Screened in NYC

This year’s 12th edition of the Scary Movies festival at Film at Lincoln Center premiered Ari Aster’s extended version of “Midsommar” this past Saturday.

Joaquin Phoenix Reuniting with Mike Mills for Next Film, Shooting in January 2027

Phoenix is set to reunite with Mills on this next film, which is being distributed by A24 and starts shooting January 2027. This will be Phoenix’s first film since “Eddington.”

Paul Thomas Anderson Has Already Chosen His Next Film, Jonny Greenwood Says

“Paul is getting close to pressing the button on the next film, I believe, and I’m already trying to learn a new instrument that would be central to it,” Greenwood tells Screen Daily.

Ridley Scott Says “I Didn’t Say That” After Calling ‘The Dog Stars’ His Best Movie Since ‘The Martian’

In June 2026, Scott told The Buyer that “The Dog Stars” is “probably the best movie I’ve done since The Martian.” He’s now denying he ever said that.

Todd Field-Written ‘The Girls’ Sets Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic to Direct, November Shoot

Cinephiles another Todd Field movie, and although we might have to wait for his next directorial effort, “The Girls” will have to suffice for now.

Fritz Lang’s ‘M’ Tops the Best Films of the 1930s, According to 100+ Critics

We’ve gone through the decades. The ‘40s ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘2000s, and ‘2010s. — all revisited, argued over. Now, here are the results for the best films of the 1930s.

Critics Poll: ‘Citizen Kane' Named Best Film of the 1940s

The results are in, and according to critics, this decade filled with cinematic riches did not have a better film than Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane.” Nobody should be surprised by this result. “Citizen Kane” changed cinema forever.

Critics Poll: ‘Vertigo’ Named Best Film of the 1950s, Over 120 Participants

It was a closer race than anticipated, but Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” has topped our best of the ’50s poll, besting Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s “Singin’ in the Rain” by just two votes.

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