“Dune: Half Two” was one of many largest motion pictures of 2024, however sadly, not everybody who contributed to the movie’s success can be acknowledged for his or her work on the upcoming Academy Awards. A number of months in the past, it was confirmed that famed composer Hans Zimmer will not be eligible within the Greatest Unique Rating class because of the sequel’s soundtrack sharing an excessive amount of music with the primary movie. The Academy dictates {that a} sequel cannot use greater than 20% of a previous entry’s music in its rating and nonetheless be eligible within the class.
Zimmer’s exclusion is cushioned considerably by the truth that his soundtrack for the primary “Dune” truly gained the Oscar for Greatest Unique Rating. Nonetheless, followers have lamented his removing from this yr’s class, because the sequel arguably has an excellent higher soundtrack, anchored by the already iconic love theme “A Time of Quiet Between the Storms.” Director Denis Villeneuve has now joined that refrain by expressing his personal dismay at Zimmer’s rejection by the Academy.
On January 2, 2025, I attended a screening of “Dune: Half Two” on the Director’s Guild of America in New York, the place Villeneuve gave a quick discuss discussing the movie and its award season aspirations. “I’m completely in opposition to the choice of the Academy to exclude Hans, frankly, as a result of I really feel like his rating is likely one of the finest scores of the yr,” the director mentioned when requested about Zimmer’s contributions to the movie. “I do not use the phrase genius usually, however Hans is one.”
Denis Villeneuve thinks Hans Zimmer ought to have been nominated for Dune: Half Two
It is pure for a director to face behind their group, so after all Villeneuve would again Zimmer in his bid for an Oscar nod. He mentioned the distinctive nature of the “Dune” movies, arguing that the rating for “Half Two” is “rooted in ‘Half One,’ after all, as a result of there’s a continuity” and calling the duology “one large film that’s reduce in half.” Sadly, that appears to be precisely the Academy’s concern, and Zimmer already taking dwelling one trophy for “Dune” most likely did not assist his case (although you might argue it ought to have).
Whereas sure reprieves, devices, and leitmotifs actually do stretch throughout each movies, “Dune 2” has a complete assortment of recent music as nicely. The movie is rather more action-packed and dramatic than the slower burn of its predecessor, and people heightened moments would not work almost as nicely with out the brand new preparations Zimmer composed for “Dune 2.”
Whereas Villeneuve is clearly upset to see the “Dune 2” rating excluded from the Oscars, he made it clear throughout his DGA dialogue that he does not maintain a grudge. “I am not right here to complain,” he mentioned jokingly, although he emphasised, “The soundtrack is known as a continuity of ‘Half One.'”
Hans Zimmer was nervous about one Dune 2 music specifically
It is clear listening to Villeneuve discuss that he and Zimmer had an excellent working relationship on the “Dune” movies, which began with a shared love of the Frank Herbert novel. “Hans has been my companion since day one,” the director mentioned, referring to the start of his work on the primary “Dune” film. “The primary artist I contacted was Hans Zimmer. I knew he beloved the e-book, I knew he wished to work with me on this challenge.” In the course of the early levels, the 2 labored intently collectively, in keeping with Villeneuve, who referred to as Zimmer “my closest ally to debate the underlayer of what the film meant.”
Whereas Zimmer was eager to affix the challenge from the beginning, one a part of his job was apparently a bit daunting, even for such an acclaimed composer. “The one time I noticed Hans Zimmer nervous is once we talked concerning the love theme,” Villeneuve mentioned. “He mentioned, ‘So what can be one thing essential for you,’ and I mentioned, ‘I’d love you to put in writing one thing that will break our coronary heart about that love, that younger girl that falls with this younger man, that younger man that falls with the lady and her tradition.” That love theme, which grew to become the unimaginable “A Time of Quiet Between the Storms,” is likely one of the standout achievements of “Half Two,” however in keeping with the director, Zimmer was nervous at first. “He grew to become pale,” Villeneuve mentioned. “He mentioned, ‘These are essentially the most tough to put in writing.'”
In the long run, each director and composer nailed their assignments, delivering a shining instance of blockbuster filmmaking at its most interesting. And whereas Zimmer will not be taking the stage on the Academy Awards for “Dune:Â Half Two,” his rating will certainly stay iconic for years to return.
For extra on fashionable Hollywood film themes and commentary from composers, take a look at this text we revealed final yr that includes interviews with Michael Giacchino, John Ottman, and extra.
