Denis Villeneuve indifferently addresses Quentin Tarantino's decision to avoid watching Dune: "I Couldn't Care Less."
It's undeniable that director Denis Villeneuve's Dune films have been a hit, impressing both cinema enthusiasts and fans of Frank Herbert's sci-fi novels alike, regardless of whether they're long-term fans or newly captivated. However, Quentin Tarantino expressed apathy towards these films, to which Villeneuve responded nonchalantly, "I don't care."
There's no animosity between the two directors, despite internet film communities wanting a public feud to unfold akin to Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The dialogue began following Tarantino's appearance on an episode of The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. During the interview, Tarantino expressed that he'd watched David Lynch's 1984 Dune film numerous times, particularly starring Kyle MacLachlan, yet finds no appeal in revisiting the narrative through Villeneuve's lens.
"I don't need to see that story again," Tarantino stated. "I don't need to see spice worms. I don't need to see a movie that says the word 'spice' so dramatically."
Despite Tarantino's affinity for Lynch's film, given Lynch's indifference to it, Tarantino expanded upon his criticisms by placing it within his general weariness towards Hollywood remakes, utilizing FX's Shōgun as another example.
"I saw Shōgun in the ’80s. I watched all 13 hours. I'm good. I don't need to see that story again, I don't care how they do it," Tarantino added. "I don't care if they transport me back to ancient Japan in a time machine. I don't care; I've seen the story."
Now, headlines often captivate readers before they delve into the actual content and manipulate what appears to be a spirited critique into a damning statement. Thankfully, an informed reader sought Villeneuve's perspective on Tarantino's comments during a recent Q&A at Montreal's Concordia University film students.
According to The Gazette, Villeneuve's lighthearted "I don't care" triggered laughter among the audience. Later, Villeneuve addressed both his agreement and disagreement with Tarantino's thoughts.
"I agree with him that I dislike the concept of recycling old ideas," Villeneuve said. "However, I disagree that what I did was a remake. It was an adaptation of the book. I view this as an original. But we are fundamentally different individuals."
With Villeneuve's third Dune film, Dune Messiah, on the horizon, there's a faint glimmer of Tarantino gracing theaters (or any other preferred viewing platform) to observe how Villeneuve will handle storylines that surpass the limits of Lynch's cult classic film.
Unfortunately, Dune Messiah doesn't have a confirmed release date yet, but hints suggest a possible release in December 2026. Until then, viewers can tune into the prequel series, Dune: Prophecy, set to premiere on November 17 on HBO and Max.
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The conversation about Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune' films and Quentin Tarantino's response has sparked interest in film communities, with some hoping for a public feud.IO9 recently reported that Tarantino criticized Villeneuve's adaptation, stating he doesn't need to see the story again and has no interest in spice worms.
