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Dune: Exposures
Explore the creation of Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptations of Dune through this evocative fusion of actor Josh Brolin’s sublime writing and cinematographer Greig Fraser’s intimate set photography.During the shooting of Part One and Part Two, Greig Fraser went beyond standard unit photography and documented the filming process using still photography on a variety of cameras. This led the cinematographer on an unexpected creative journey that yielded an electrifying gallery of photographs. Meanwhile, Brolin, who plays Warmaster Gurney Halleck in the two films, shares his on-set experience through his vivid, poignant writing. Brolin and Fraser developed a unique bond during production, solidifying a connection that led to this remarkable collaboration that seamlessly juxtaposes the actor’s enthralling writing with the cinematographer’s striking images. An exceptional new way to experience life on the set of the Dune film adaptations, this thrilling ode to the art of filmmaking from two of the most revered artists in the industry is an unmissable publishing event. STUNNING Curated from photos shot throughout the filming of Dune and Part Two by cinematographer Greig Fraser, this remarkable volume features his intimate images coupled with Josh Brolin’s poignant writing. EXCLUSIVE Witness candid moments between director Denis Villeneuve and key cast members, including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, and Javier Bardem. UNPARALLELED COLLECTOR’S Singular and unprecedented, Exposures is a powerful tribute to the films that offers fans a rare and unique look into the experience of creating the movies. COMPLETE YOUR DUNE FILM Exposures is the perfect companion volume to the acclaimed Insight Editions book The Art and Soul of Dune and its sequel The Art and Soul of Part Two
172 pages, Hardcover
First published February 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
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March 19, 2024
I was rather charmed to learn that Josh Brolin spent his time on the set of Dune writing poetry, which are collected here in Dune: Exposures alongside the photography of cinematographer Grieg Fraser and makes for a really lovely coffee table book. As a fan of the books and films, this is quite the treat though the way I came to be in possession of this clothbound collectors volume is quite lovely to me as well. The whole project of this is a cool collaboration of art and artists with Brolin writing verse from the perspective of his character, Gurney Halleck, sometimes from his own perspective as Josh Brolin the actor, and occasionally somewhere inbetween. I’ve long loved Brolin and this further shows how cool he is as well as dedicated to his craft and acutely perceptive about it. These poems sparked some viral fan humour over his poems about Timothée Chalamet—particularly a line about his cheekbones—and while Brolin might not be Poet Laureate for this, these are still so delightful to read and have so much heart and wit behind them. It works wonderfully with the photos, and I do have to admit I’ve always found actors dressed in character but in the moments between shots where they are just themselves to be rather magical imagery. It’s like if you were to catch Mickey Mouse smoking a cigarette or something.
Brolin addresses just that in a discussion with Variety:
I really enjoyed the mini essays Brolin and Fraser wrote about each other, or his poem addressed to Denis Villeneuve in character as Gurney asking if he can finally sing his song on his stupid little lute (the lack of lute in the first film was a bummer for me), or even Brolin describing Chalamet in a poem as looking like a Giocometti sculpture saying ‘I really like you / in The Goonies, man. / That was dope.’ There’s also some cool reflections about being on set in nicely poetic expressions. If you are a fan, this is worthwhile.
Though perhaps more meaningful to me is the way I got it. Its been years since I moved away from my hometown but still keep in touch with one of my good high school friends. He’s the sort you can go months without talking to and pick up right where you left off or as if we were just teenagers playing video games in the basement the day before. We always try to send each other super nerdy gifts, the sort you would never actually buy yourself but like…would actually enjoy having. They’ve gotten pretty over the top in friendly gift giving competition at times, but after planning for 2 years to meet on the opposite side of the state to see Dune Pt 2 on opening night together (we read the books and watched the miniseries together years ago so we felt we should see it how we did movies in high school--go opening night, stay up way to late to watch the first at home, wake up and see the new one again) it was hilarious to discover we both gifted each other this same book. And I thought I was going to have the upper hand on obscure nerdy gifts… We have good taste, what can I say.
So, Dune film fans, definitely flip through a copy of Dune: Exposures if you can. I’m that friend that has this, come find me, we’ll read some Gurney poetry.
Brolin addresses just that in a discussion with Variety:
Brolin doesn’t have a favorite passage but says, “I love haikus.” He reads a passage from the book, “‘Lie down in the light, as fictional characters watch you from afar.’ I love that because it’s pointing out the fact that this is not real, but there’s nothing more real. The light is real, lying down is real, the sand is real, the experience is real, and yet, it’s this great contrasting thing.”
I really enjoyed the mini essays Brolin and Fraser wrote about each other, or his poem addressed to Denis Villeneuve in character as Gurney asking if he can finally sing his song on his stupid little lute (the lack of lute in the first film was a bummer for me), or even Brolin describing Chalamet in a poem as looking like a Giocometti sculpture saying ‘I really like you / in The Goonies, man. / That was dope.’ There’s also some cool reflections about being on set in nicely poetic expressions. If you are a fan, this is worthwhile.
Though perhaps more meaningful to me is the way I got it. Its been years since I moved away from my hometown but still keep in touch with one of my good high school friends. He’s the sort you can go months without talking to and pick up right where you left off or as if we were just teenagers playing video games in the basement the day before. We always try to send each other super nerdy gifts, the sort you would never actually buy yourself but like…would actually enjoy having. They’ve gotten pretty over the top in friendly gift giving competition at times, but after planning for 2 years to meet on the opposite side of the state to see Dune Pt 2 on opening night together (we read the books and watched the miniseries together years ago so we felt we should see it how we did movies in high school--go opening night, stay up way to late to watch the first at home, wake up and see the new one again) it was hilarious to discover we both gifted each other this same book. And I thought I was going to have the upper hand on obscure nerdy gifts… We have good taste, what can I say.
So, Dune film fans, definitely flip through a copy of Dune: Exposures if you can. I’m that friend that has this, come find me, we’ll read some Gurney poetry.
February 13, 2024
If my Co-worker wrote a poem about me I’d be weirded out but slightly honoured.
February 12, 2024
this is my milk and honey
February 21, 2024
First off, this is honest to god, the most beautiful and talented cast of all time. Everyone just exudes care, dedication, and understanding of the source material, no one more than Josh Brolin
I wish that I could go back in time and know him before he was Thanos. He is such a talented poet, photographer and artist, so much more than a Disney studio ever deserved.
Theres a poem about half way through that deals with manhood, fatherhood, and adulthood, which was one of the most impactful poems I have ever read in my life. It's something I will be sharing with all my friends and loved ones for years to come.
I am beyond grateful that we get to live in a world where such a complex and emotional story such as Dune can get told on the grandest scale. And its even better there is such a great audience reception to it, and that such a caring and wonderful cast who fully understand not only the source material but the importance and relevance in modern life that it has.
In shorter words, Josh Brolin is a national treasure and we do not deserve him.
I wish that I could go back in time and know him before he was Thanos. He is such a talented poet, photographer and artist, so much more than a Disney studio ever deserved.
Theres a poem about half way through that deals with manhood, fatherhood, and adulthood, which was one of the most impactful poems I have ever read in my life. It's something I will be sharing with all my friends and loved ones for years to come.
I am beyond grateful that we get to live in a world where such a complex and emotional story such as Dune can get told on the grandest scale. And its even better there is such a great audience reception to it, and that such a caring and wonderful cast who fully understand not only the source material but the importance and relevance in modern life that it has.
In shorter words, Josh Brolin is a national treasure and we do not deserve him.
January 19, 2025
Through this book I learned that Frank Herbert was a professional photographer and an army photographer in WW2. Beautiful photos, very full-circle.
July 4, 2024
"If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough."
First of all, what an amazing birthday gift this is. If anything, it inspires me to get into the field again and make some photographs and create things like these.
Greg Fraser's work will always amaze me from the batman to dune to the creator.
Thankyou scheetje
First of all, what an amazing birthday gift this is. If anything, it inspires me to get into the field again and make some photographs and create things like these.
Greg Fraser's work will always amaze me from the batman to dune to the creator.
Thankyou scheetje
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July 7, 2024Josh Brolin a little obsessed with Timothée Chalamet, but also a little freaked out by Timothée Chalamet. The stars, they really are just like us
April 1, 2025
I was prepared for this to be a bit pretentious, but I instead found it really quite affecting.
Dune: Exposures is a beautifully presented collection of photographs taken on the set of the two most recent Dune films.
The photos, taken by Greig Fraser (the director of photography) are paired expertly with sparse and astute poetry written by Josh Brolin, who in the films portrays the philosophical warrior poet character Gurney Halleck.
The poetry is lovely, but if poetry isn't really your thing - also included are small, well written and intriguing semi-biographical pieces, written from both the perspective of Gurney (the character), Josh (the actor), as well as, briefly, Josh's young daughter, in a particularly moving piece that I took to be about parental responsibility, fatherly motivations and daddy-daughter bonding.
I adore the Dune books (those that I've read so far) and I think the Denis films are superb; this collection captures a slice of the magic that goes into (and comes out of) both.
Seeing this iconic environment, and these superb characters and their associated a-list actors in repose, through the eyes of a peer no less, is really quite a unique experience.
I am very glad that this book was made.
Dune: Exposures is a beautifully presented collection of photographs taken on the set of the two most recent Dune films.
The photos, taken by Greig Fraser (the director of photography) are paired expertly with sparse and astute poetry written by Josh Brolin, who in the films portrays the philosophical warrior poet character Gurney Halleck.
The poetry is lovely, but if poetry isn't really your thing - also included are small, well written and intriguing semi-biographical pieces, written from both the perspective of Gurney (the character), Josh (the actor), as well as, briefly, Josh's young daughter, in a particularly moving piece that I took to be about parental responsibility, fatherly motivations and daddy-daughter bonding.
I adore the Dune books (those that I've read so far) and I think the Denis films are superb; this collection captures a slice of the magic that goes into (and comes out of) both.
Seeing this iconic environment, and these superb characters and their associated a-list actors in repose, through the eyes of a peer no less, is really quite a unique experience.
I am very glad that this book was made.
March 10, 2024
mooie fotografie en mooie woorden van josh brolin
May 23, 2024
I could stare at the pages within this book all day. The marriage of poetry and photography that tells the raw, intimate story of being on set is captivating and profound. I knew these images would be etched into my mind from the moment I saw them. Fraser’s efforts to capture moments between filming so beautifully all the while lighting some of the most epic scenes in cinematic history are proof that “the mind goes on working no matter how we try to hold it back.”
March 21, 2024
The photos in this book are stunning. Everyone was talking about the gorgeous poems he wrote about Timothée, but the one about Florence Pugh might be my favorite
December 1, 2024
To be clear.
5⭐️ for the photos
2.5⭐️ for the cringey, borderline creepy poetry Brolin writes.
I can tell he put his soul into it but there were a couple lines that I was a little uncomfortable with.
Example, the poem about Florence is damaging because it lends to the societal pressure that women face. Brolin compares her to Marilyn Monroe, which is flattering but problematic as if Florence needs to be the next generation’s it girl. The entertainment industry is always trying to find the next thing and consistently comparing women to other women instead of just appreciating their work as their own.
5⭐️ for the photos
2.5⭐️ for the cringey, borderline creepy poetry Brolin writes.
I can tell he put his soul into it but there were a couple lines that I was a little uncomfortable with.
Example, the poem about Florence is damaging because it lends to the societal pressure that women face. Brolin compares her to Marilyn Monroe, which is flattering but problematic as if Florence needs to be the next generation’s it girl. The entertainment industry is always trying to find the next thing and consistently comparing women to other women instead of just appreciating their work as their own.
November 1, 2025
Been wanting to pick this up for over a year. It felt like the right time. It was the right time.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
December 13, 2024
All those photos.... The poetry... Dune is art.
January 29, 2025
Fun behind the scenes book, a bit pretentious in parts but Brolin's sincerity and affection for filmmaking is intoxicating.
October 6, 2024
“There's something about perpetually staying on top of understanding how light behaves with film and how that can morph a face into a behavior; how the photographer's job is not only to capture a moment but to fill the moment with his perspective, his chosen composition and, ultimately, his taste of that momentary world of light. As it becomes more personal, light begins to have a personality that you project onto the image you're creating. Light starts to speak with you, and asks you how you would like for it to sit upon your subject.
[…]
These images sing that relationship with art. They prioritize art and in doing so reveal its subjects artistically: with light, with dark, with emotion, with behavior, with a word or a sentence that the viewer might attach to it that resonates most with them. Denis Villeneuve pushed for this because he knew that to allow art to win out in the end is to win.
That's when the mystery becomes an obsession and the obsession becomes paintable.”
[…]
These images sing that relationship with art. They prioritize art and in doing so reveal its subjects artistically: with light, with dark, with emotion, with behavior, with a word or a sentence that the viewer might attach to it that resonates most with them. Denis Villeneuve pushed for this because he knew that to allow art to win out in the end is to win.
That's when the mystery becomes an obsession and the obsession becomes paintable.”
March 16, 2024
Beautifully produced book. Great behind the scenes stills from Fraser and really nice poems from Brolin. It's a beautiful coffee table/ art book, but I still read it straight through. Really nice.
March 17, 2024
Poetry in images and words, a glimpse I to the adventures Dune filming was. A book made for dreaming.
January 15, 2025
Masterpiece. Especially the photography. Greig Fraser is simply something else
May 27, 2024
I really love this book! It’s mostly pictures! Awesome pictures by my favourite cinematographer! But it’s really cool to see how he takes his casual behind-the-scenes photos with such artistry and care. There are so many shots in here that I would love to plaster all over my walls.
Josh Brolin’s poetry is beautiful too. The kind that makes you want to write. I feel like there are only so many ways you can get to know actors/actresses outside of their performances, but I feel a little bit closer to Josh Brolin after reading his poetry and it helped me to see him less as a performer/entertainer and more as a human being.
As much as I’m trying to become a book person I will always be a movie person first. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series is one of those pieces of art that just has a grasp on my being. It activates every part of my curiosity but not in a way where I’m trying to understand it, in a way where I simply need more. So much work goes into creating art (specifically movies in this case) and there are so many stories that happen simultaneously in order for whatever is on screen to feel complete.
I appreciate how this book allowed me to see into the lives of Greig Fraser and Josh Brolin on the set of Dune and Dune Part Two. Thank you to Joon for lending me their copy, can’t wait to get my own.
Josh Brolin’s poetry is beautiful too. The kind that makes you want to write. I feel like there are only so many ways you can get to know actors/actresses outside of their performances, but I feel a little bit closer to Josh Brolin after reading his poetry and it helped me to see him less as a performer/entertainer and more as a human being.
As much as I’m trying to become a book person I will always be a movie person first. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series is one of those pieces of art that just has a grasp on my being. It activates every part of my curiosity but not in a way where I’m trying to understand it, in a way where I simply need more. So much work goes into creating art (specifically movies in this case) and there are so many stories that happen simultaneously in order for whatever is on screen to feel complete.
I appreciate how this book allowed me to see into the lives of Greig Fraser and Josh Brolin on the set of Dune and Dune Part Two. Thank you to Joon for lending me their copy, can’t wait to get my own.
December 29, 2024
I really wanted to crap all over this book just for the extremely petty reason of the publisher screwing me out of my 1st edition/1st printing by failing to send it to me when it was originally released. Even though I ordered the book directly from the publisher well in advance!! Thanks Simon and Schuster.
Is it also partially my fault for not getting in touch with the publisher sooner asking WTF?? Where's my Arrakis? My Dune?? Sure. Still... Being a book collector I know, if it's not a 1st, it's a $0.00.
That being said this book is absolutely beautiful and I cannot give it a bad review just because some publishers ruined one little thing about it for me. The photography is beautiful obviously, but what really stood out was Josh Brolin's essays/poetry/film journal/fever dream contribution to the book. Josh is an incredibly talented writer, and I'm an now very excited to read his biography.
When it comes out in paperback 😉
Is it also partially my fault for not getting in touch with the publisher sooner asking WTF?? Where's my Arrakis? My Dune?? Sure. Still... Being a book collector I know, if it's not a 1st, it's a $0.00.
That being said this book is absolutely beautiful and I cannot give it a bad review just because some publishers ruined one little thing about it for me. The photography is beautiful obviously, but what really stood out was Josh Brolin's essays/poetry/film journal/fever dream contribution to the book. Josh is an incredibly talented writer, and I'm an now very excited to read his biography.
When it comes out in paperback 😉
January 14, 2025
“Hold your knife in the air for all to victory. It is you we have relied on. It is you, young pup, who has scaled the sandy walls to the painful glory of self-assessment.
Denial does not become you. Into the fire you leap and in that fire that burns away the forced paradigm that so many of us cling to: the imprisoned life of an adolescent feigning as adult without the painful transition of what it is to develop character. But you are free, free to feel and free to care for a bubble bigger than the one made around the idea of your own safety. You are free to smile and embrace a wider landscape whose music sings a more violet tune. It's in your eyes that sweet colors surpass me, and into that sky you go - me looking upwardly; me gazing toward something we can all look forward to.”
Denial does not become you. Into the fire you leap and in that fire that burns away the forced paradigm that so many of us cling to: the imprisoned life of an adolescent feigning as adult without the painful transition of what it is to develop character. But you are free, free to feel and free to care for a bubble bigger than the one made around the idea of your own safety. You are free to smile and embrace a wider landscape whose music sings a more violet tune. It's in your eyes that sweet colors surpass me, and into that sky you go - me looking upwardly; me gazing toward something we can all look forward to.”
August 16, 2024
Therein lies a dream which stretches as far as God; clenched hands find eyes closed.
Amazing obviously. Truly wonderful pictures from Grieg Fraser and ok Josh, I see you with your poetry! Some of it is funny (see the one about about Dave Bautista), some of it is really lovely (see the one about Florence Pugh or Timothée Chalamet), some of it made me cry (writing from your daughter's perspective!!). I love the way this book is constructed: the page layout, the paper texture, everything chosen with a purpose. I love Dune, I love these films, this book is wonderful.
Amazing obviously. Truly wonderful pictures from Grieg Fraser and ok Josh, I see you with your poetry! Some of it is funny (see the one about about Dave Bautista), some of it is really lovely (see the one about Florence Pugh or Timothée Chalamet), some of it made me cry (writing from your daughter's perspective!!). I love the way this book is constructed: the page layout, the paper texture, everything chosen with a purpose. I love Dune, I love these films, this book is wonderful.
January 6, 2025
The photography in this was beautiful, but in my humble opinion didn’t pair well with Brolin’s poetry.
The poetry too, was underwhelming, but cool to get an insight for life on set of the filming of the first Dune.
A few lines and moments felt dramatized in not great ways, but this was still fun to go through and digest. A beautiful book for display, and will definitely flip through periodically to consume imagery.
The poetry too, was underwhelming, but cool to get an insight for life on set of the filming of the first Dune.
A few lines and moments felt dramatized in not great ways, but this was still fun to go through and digest. A beautiful book for display, and will definitely flip through periodically to consume imagery.
November 15, 2025
To reduce this simply to a 'behind the scenes' book would be a disservice. It captures the otherworldly atmosphere and culture that created what I believe to be the sci-fi film of the decade. The photography is top notch, and the descriptive writing feels surprisingly honest and cutthroat. the only thing I struggled to enjoy was the poetry, but I'm not a fan of that genre anyway so that may well explain it.
September 5, 2024
Never read the books but really appreciated the filmography of the movies. This was more photo album than book but the accompanying writings by Josh Brolin were really interesting to read as the whole thing was a reflection on the time filming. Also, I’m randomly getting into poetry so I kinda loved it.
July 30, 2025
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* Cue Dune theme song* I’m not gonna lie, this is just a coffee table book but it was absolutely still amazing! There is poem and writing in it and it’s absolutely beautiful and goes so well with the photos! The photos are alone what sold me this book and I’m so glad to have a such cool book to own! Amazing, amazing, amazing!!
* Cue Dune theme song* I’m not gonna lie, this is just a coffee table book but it was absolutely still amazing! There is poem and writing in it and it’s absolutely beautiful and goes so well with the photos! The photos are alone what sold me this book and I’m so glad to have a such cool book to own! Amazing, amazing, amazing!!
May 19, 2024
If I ever get a place of my own, I need this for my coffee table.
Who knew Josh Brolin descended from the great poetry gods? The medium mixtures of both poetry and photography were so well done and there's a personal aura to this whole book that makes Dune itself 10x more magical.
Who knew Josh Brolin descended from the great poetry gods? The medium mixtures of both poetry and photography were so well done and there's a personal aura to this whole book that makes Dune itself 10x more magical.
November 20, 2024
I think the pictures were amazing and breathtaking and I absolutely loved the different styles of pictures. They would range from hazy and non-distinguishable to completely crystal clear where you can see every pore and hair on the person. I think the photography work from Greig Fraser was an amazing element in this book. I also would have never taken Josh Brolin to write so incredibly beautiful. The poetry and storytelling was absolutely amazing and captivating. I believe Brolin should definitely write more books because his writing is crazy good. If he ever made a poetry book I would 100% buy it and read it.
March 6, 2024
Beautiful in every sense of the word. Josh Brolin is amazing, and so is Greg Fraser.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews