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The latest adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune is much more than a visual spectacle; it's a journey into the power of sound and music to shape narrative and emotion. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and scored by Hans Zimmer, this film takes a unique approach, treating sound with the same importance as its stunning visuals. The team behind Dune embarked on a mission to make the movie's soundscape feel not just otherworldly but deeply familiar, creating a sense of immersion that pulls the audience into the vast deserts of Arrakis.
A Psychedelic Journey Through Sound
The soundscape of Dune is described as a psychedelic journey, aiming to make the audience feel as if they are truly part of the story's universe. The goal was to steer clear of exoticism and instead, find a balance between strong imagery and a familiarity linked with our own relationship with nature. This balance was achieved not just visually, but audibly, with a particular focus on creating a soundscape filled with a sense of psychedelia, a task that fell into the capable hands of Hans Zimmer.
Building the Sound Team
The creative team, including Joe Walker, Theo Green, Ron Bartlett, Doug Hemphill, and Mark Mangini, was brought together once again by Villeneuve, following their successful collaboration on Blade Runner 2049. This team was tasked with constructing the movie's auditory world using non-traditional methods. From the outset, they worked closely with the film's production, integrating unique sounds for the ornithopters, the shields, and the iconic voice of the sandworms, ensuring that these elements felt grounded in reality.
The Sounds of the Desert
The desert of Arrakis, with its vastness and silence, plays a central role in Dune. To capture its essence, the sound team undertook extensive research, including recording in real deserts to understand the nuances of sand and silence. This dedication to authenticity extended to capturing the unique phenomenon of singing sand dunes, which provided a foundation for the sound of the sandworms. This approach underscored the team's documentary-style philosophy, emphasizing realism over spectacle.
The Voice and the Worm
One of the film's key challenges was bringing to life the concept of
