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.