A primer on Denis Villeneuve, reported director of ‘Blade Runner’ sequel
Posted February 27, 2015 2:58 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – Quebec director Denis Villeneuve is reportedly in talks to direct a sequel to the beloved sci-fi classic “Blade Runner.”
The Canadian Press presents a primer on the Oscar-nominated director for those unfamiliar with his diverse resume:
Background: Villeneuve was born near Trois-Rivieres, Que. and studied film at l’Universite du Quebec a Montreal before earning acclaim on the festival circuit with his unique point of view.
Best known for: The master storyteller made a name for himself with Francophone arthouse fare including “Maelstrom,” “Polytechnique” and “Incendies.”
Trademarks: Much of Villeneuve’s work is heavy and unnerving, and his distinctive point of view has endeared him to critics and cinephiles alike. Think brooding dramas, hypnotic tales, haunting and sometimes surreal atmospheres.
His work: “Polytechnique” is a black-and-white rendering of the Montreal Massacre, “Incendies” is a riveting account of one war-torn family’s painful past, and the surreal English-language mystery “Enemy” delves into the psyche of a sullen Toronto professor.
Acclaim: Villeneuve was catapulted into a whole new sphere of fame when he snagged an Oscar nomination in 2011 for best foreign language film with “Incendies.” Hollywood came knocking soon after, with Villeneuve following up with two English-language features, both featuring Jake Gyllenhaal: “Enemy” and the big-budget, U.S.-backed “Prisoners.”
English-language breakout: Villeneuve’s most high-profile release to date is the Gyllenhaal/Hugh Jackman thriller “Prisoners,” a dark thriller about the abduction and ensuing hunt for two young girls. That 2013 film marked his U.S. debut and a rare English-language outing.
Up next: Villeneuve’s next movie is said to be “Sicario,” starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro. The crime drama is slated to open Sept. 18.
