‘Dune’ Exemplifies The Power Of CGI In Sci-Fi

It’s undeniable that the rise of computer generated imagery has given way to a new generation of spectacle films. Movies in decades passed had to rely on practical effects to achieve incredible science fiction and fantasy scenes. Many films accomplished with great results, but there was never a true element of realism. They could always be imagined as something created in a studio and not existing in real life. However, the computer generated effects of today look so seamless that it’s now possible to get truly lost in these fantastical settings. Dune is it great example of this.

The two-part film is such an out of this world story that casual viewers may not even realize that it takes place far in the distant future of our own timeline. In this far-off time, humans have explored the stars and populated an array of worlds. There is interstellar space travel with amazingly designed ships and planets with remarkable landscapes. On the main planet of Arrakis, also known as Dune, there are giant sand worms that play an integral role in the story. They are massive creatures that completely dwarf humans and provide an incredible spectacle on the screen.

Previous adaptations of Dune never had this level of CGI effects. Regardless of how the story and characters were adapted, the effects alone for the films directed by Denis Villeneuve are incredibly impressive. They realize massive sand worms riding through the desert with Fremen on their backs. The spaceships seemingly glide forward into massive cities in front of strolling desert vistas. Sure, some of this was filmed on site and not in a studio, but green screens were used everywhere to extenuate the science fiction nature of the story and provide an accurate setting that’s more immersive than anything in recent memory.

Dune (parts 1 & 2) is now streaming on Max.