French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is best known to American audiences for his visually striking science-fiction films, including Arrival and Dune. In anticipation of the third and final installment of Dune in December 2026, this course examines the filmmaker’s earlier French-language films, such as Un 32 août sur Terre [August 32nd on Earth], Maelström and Incendies, alongside his later science fiction blockbusters. By comparing these works, we explore Villeneuve’s longstanding interest in speculative storytelling, immersive worlds and visual atmosphere.
Christina Lord is an associate professor of French at UNCW, with research expertise in French science fiction literature, film and comics from the late nineteenth century to the present day.
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