The Art and Soul of Dune: Part Two

by Tanya Lapointe, Stefanie Broos

Journey into the making of Denis Villeneuve’s Part Two and discover the incredible creative process that brought this new installment to life.

The Art and Soul of Part Two captures the breathtaking behind-the-scenes journey behind the making of Part Two , the second film in director Denis Villeneuve’s six-time Oscar-winning film adaptation of author Frank Herbert’s science fiction classic.

Written by Part Two producer Tanya Lapointe ( p.g.a. ), this visually dazzling exploration of the filmmaking process gives unparalleled insight into the project’s genesis—from its striking environmental designs to its intricate costume concepts and landmark digital effects. The Art and Soul of Part Two also features exclusive interviews with key members of the cast and crew, including Denis Villeneuve, production designer Patrice Vermette, and many more, delivering a uniquely candid account of the hugely ambitious international shoot.

Showcasing Villeneuve’s visionary approach, The Art and Soul of Part Two is an essential companion to the director’s latest masterpiece.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Film, Media Tie In

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Tanya Lapointe worked for 15 years as a field reporter, interviewer, and TV Host for Radio-Canada/Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, covering international entertainment, news and high-profile events such as the Oscars and the Cannes Film Festival. She is the author of The Art and Soul of Blade Runner 2049. She is also a documentary film writer, director, and producer.

Reviews

[Gerhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Dominic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look at the production of the film. Making this film was as epic as the final product. But I wish it had more about the decisions about the story and script.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its hard not to be biased when the original book was one of the first books I read as I started to explore science fiction. Then to add to that the impressive the 1980s David Lynch version had on me and you can just start to see the level of anticipation I had in waiting for this book to be released - and of course you know I will say I was not disappointed.

The book is lavishly illustrated with a combination of set and concept artwork - along with insights in to the design process and decisions that were made as the film was put together as many scenes were reworked or even cut due to time and other constraints.

What I liked about this book was that it was clearly put together by someone who not only was close to the whole production but genuinely loved the project - you could see that there were so many people who knew the story and wanted to do it the justice it deserved. I think the phrase "labour of love" is sometimes used too often but not in this case - a brilliant book I may have to read again once I have watched the two movies again

[Matthew Rushing · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This is good but I wish it had more on the story decisions.

[Devin Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under our glorious black sun!

[James Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the stunning imagery and insight into the production of Dune: Part 2. Looking forward to even more to a third watch tomorrow now!

Would possibly have liked some more detail in decisions made regarding the story/script/changes to the book and also about the filming of Anya Taylor Joy’s scene and Alia in general. Still well worth a read and I know I will go back to this many times.

[John Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

great coffee table book for a phenomenal movie!

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, some lovely behind the scenes photos and stories.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit as beautiful, informative, and fun as the first one.

This is what happens when experienced artists know they’re creating something special together. The sense of common purpose and unrelenting dedication are palpable in these pages.

[nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

yeah this is the coolest book i own

[jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean this is a coffee table picture book but I learned so much about innovative filmmaking, so I’m counting it as a read. Denis is a genius, and everything they pulled off is unbelievable.

Features stunning B-roll photography, super cool concept art and insights on all the development processes. I really miss how much behind the scenes content we used to get — every DVD used to have bonus features. Creating a series of behind the scenes books is even better, though.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Art and Soul of Dune Part One book a bit more, 5 vs 4 for this one. I was really hoping to see scenes that hit the cutting room floor in this book similarly to how we saw in the Part One book, but unfortunately not. If you are looking for deleted scenes with Thufir or Count Fenring you will be disappointed as they aren't included. It seems Tanya only wanted to cover scenes that made the final cut in this book, which are still very interesting to learn about.

[Katarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly Denis had a very strong vision for Part 2. From concept, to shoot, to final cut, the designs remained so consistent. I’m amazed how the scale and level of detail could even surpass the first film.

It’s just missing page-by-page credit to the concept artists. I wish I could reference who painted each piece. Nonetheless this is an excellent book to draw inspiration from, I’ll come back to this frequently.

[Mac Ferrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: Geidi PRIMAL

Second verse, good as the first. Fantastic, high-quality images and interesting facts about the iconic film and its production, which I will gladly eat up!

It just makes me happy. Films are monolithic commitments, requiring tons of manpower. To put faces and stories to the people behind the colosseum, makes me feel proud to support the book and the wider film community.

With all that being said, if you love the film, or even hated it and prefer the books, then I still recommend you buy. At the very least it looks great on a shelf!

[Ron Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this coffee table item while browsing new books at the library. It has lots of great photography and art about making the second movie. While this and the book about making the first movie pay tribute to Frank Herbert, there is no explanation for why they make changes to the plot. I understand movies and books are different but without going into spoilers, I wish I knew the reasoning behind it. Still, it is far better than the David Lynch movie!

[Shalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Art and Soul of Dune to be more engaging overall, as it features more concept art, but this companion book was still an enjoyable read! I loved learning about the behind-the-scenes process and how they achieved some of the film’s most iconic and challenging shots. It’s clear that Dune stands out among modern films, thanks to Denis’s commitment to building real sets and props rather than relying heavily on CGI.

[Danielle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, a really nice look at concepts and production design for bringing Dune to life on the screen. Much like Part 2, I do feel like there's an Alia-sized hole here (though there's just as much as the movie, a line about visions). Really neat seeing what was practical and what was composite of digital effects, practical effects, and camera work.

[Joakim Ax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in two sittings in preperations for my first rewatch of Dune Part Two. It made me see and think of so many more things while going through the story for the third time (as I now have also read the novel). Denis is gonna be remembered as a cinematic genius for the time to come and Dune has set a new mark and bar for future sci-fi movies. Good luck everybody else!

[Martti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another perspective into the fantastic movie. Walking through the scenes and concept art. This is what "Art" means in my book.

If Dennis Villeneuve will not win the Oscar also this time around, then there will be blood!

I'm so happy I found the second volume in the best bookshop in Stockholm - SF Bokhandeln.

[Federico Lucifredi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come to expect Tanya Lapointe's book immortalizing the architecture and choreography of the movies directed by her husband — this is my second tome. A fabulously illustrated rendition of an imagined world coming alive on the page — a wonderful two-hour read.

[jad · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cool. lots of details but not deep and technical enough for me. it omits very important things from the film and how they achieved them, but it gives you an insight into the herculean effort and artistry to bring the film to life. insane stuff. worth a read

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concept art, close ups of costumes and props, and behind the scenes photos make this a great book for fans of the movie. There are some interviews and essays, but the pictures are what makes this worth reading.

[matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

bless the (film)maker and his water, bless the coming and going of him

[Mike Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

23

[Austin Shirey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome glimpse into the making of an incredible film. A must-read for fans of the film and DUNE fans in general.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of the film who are interested about the doings behind the scenes and ideas.

[Agathe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Edward Correa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Por dicha existe este libro que le permite a uno sumergirse aún más en un mundo tan increíble como el de Dune.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 2 was spectacular and the behind the scenes work eye opening.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a visual experience but well worth it for fans of the serie that want more. Incredible shots are present in there.