Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and Dune: Part Two have captivated audiences worldwide, not only with their compelling story and stellar cast led by Timothée Chalamet but also with their breathtaking visuals and epic scale. A significant element contributing to this cinematic grandeur is the use of real-world locations that bring Frank Herbert’s desert planet Arrakis and the wider Dune universe to life. The sweeping landscapes and authentic environments are integral to the immersive experience of Dune. So, where exactly did they film Dune to achieve such stunning results?
The Vision of Greig Fraser: Crafting Dune’s Visual Identity
The visual mastery of Dune is largely attributed to the exceptional cinematography of Greig Fraser. Known for his work on visually striking films like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and The Batman, Fraser collaborated closely with Villeneuve to establish the unique aesthetic of Dune. Principal photography for Dune commenced in March 2019, concluding in July, with additional reshoots in the following year. This meticulous approach ensured that every frame contributed to the film’s overall visual narrative, and the choice of filming locations played a pivotal role in this.
Arrakis: The Harsh Beauty of Jordan and the UAE
To authentically portray the desert planet Arrakis, the production team ventured to the awe-inspiring deserts of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, the Wadi Rum valley in Jordan served as a primary location, mirroring the harsh and majestic environment of Arrakis. This region is no stranger to iconic filmmaking, having previously hosted productions like Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The vast, red sand landscapes of Wadi Rum provided the perfect backdrop for the Fremen’s home and Paul Atreides’s journey into the desert.
Adding to the Arrakis landscape, the Liwa Oasis in the UAE contributed to the larger exterior shots, further enhancing the sense of scale and desolation. This area, also familiar with large-scale productions such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, offered a different texture to the desert scenery, enriching the visual diversity of Arrakis. The extreme conditions of these locations, with temperatures soaring above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, were genuinely challenging for the cast and crew, as highlighted by Timothée Chalamet and Jason Momoa. This real environmental hardship translated into authentic performances and visuals, grounding the fantastical elements of Dune in a tangible reality.
Caladan: The Stark Shores of Norway
In stark contrast to the arid deserts of Arrakis, the homeworld of House Atreides, Caladan, required a completely different visual identity. For this, the production turned to Stadlandet, Norway. The dramatic coastlines and rugged, cold landscapes of Norway effectively conveyed the ocean planet Caladan’s atmosphere. These locations provided a visual representation of the Atreides’ origins, a world of water and stone, a world away from the sands of Arrakis, emphasizing the cultural and environmental shift in the story.
Studio Sets in Budapest: Bridging Reality and Imagination
While real locations were paramount for Dune, studio sets also played a crucial role. Origo Film Studios in Budapest, Hungary, provided facilities for constructing elaborate interior sets and accommodating the production’s technical needs. These studio environments allowed for controlled filming conditions and the creation of sets that would be impractical or impossible to build on location. The combination of practical sets and real-world backdrops ensured a balanced approach, merging tangible environments with imaginative set design.
Villeneuve’s Dedication to Realism: Enhancing the Narrative
Denis Villeneuve’s commitment to using real locations for Dune was a deliberate choice aimed at enhancing both the visual impact and the actors’ performances. By filming in actual deserts and on real coastlines, Villeneuve sought to create a more immersive and believable world. He stated that he designed the shoots according to the landscape, indicating the profound influence of the locations on the filmmaking process. This approach not only resulted in stunning visuals but also allowed the actors to physically interact with their surroundings, contributing to the authenticity and emotional depth of their portrayals. Villeneuve’s preference for realism, evident in his previous sci-fi films like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, is a hallmark of his directorial style, blending spectacular visuals with a grounded sense of reality.
As fans eagerly anticipate Dune Messiah, the question of future filming locations remains exciting. The groundwork laid by Dune and Dune: Part Two demonstrates the power of real-world environments in bringing fantastical stories to life, and it’s clear that the locations chosen for filming Dune were as crucial to its success as any other element of its production. The stunning visuals, born from the deserts of Jordan and the UAE, and the coasts of Norway, are a testament to the dedication of the filmmakers to create a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience.
