Interview: ‘Dune’ Cinematographer Greig Fraser Discusses His Career and Denis Villeneuve’s Sci-Fi Epic

If you love good cinematography, you should be a fan of Greig Fraser. The Academy Award nominated cinematographer has made a career out of always showing you something new. Most recently, it was Denis Villeneuve‘s science fiction hit Dune, with Matt Reeves‘ The Batman coming soon, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s Bright Star, Foxcatcher, Killing Them Softly, Let Me In (a prior collaboration with Reeves), Lion, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Snow White and the Huntsman, Vice, and Zero Dark Thirty, just to name a few. Truly, he’s shown that he can shoot literally anything. Years ago, I got the chance to interview Fraser and it was an illuminating chat. So, when given the recent opportunity to speak to the DP once again, this time about Dune, I was ready and willing. Today, you can hear the fruits of that labor.

Below, you can hear my chat with Fraser. This is just the latest Dune discussion for me, too. Previously, we spoke to composer Hans Zimmer (here), editor Joe Walker (here), as well as stars Oscar Isaac (here) and Rebecca Ferguson (here). This conversation, however, is one of my favorites, in part because Fraser is just so interesting to talk to. He’s passionate about his craft, but eager to hear your opinion. It’s truly one of the more compelling talks we’ve had here on the site. I certainly hope you agree, but even if you don’t, it should give you a newfound appreciation for Fraser. For my money, he’s one of the most underrated cinematographers in the business. Another Oscar nomination should help with that, but he’s easily someone too many are sleeping on as one of the current greats.

In my review out of the Toronto International Film Festival, I had this to say about his work on Dune:

Denis Villeneuve was passionate about this and it shows. Not just directing but co-writing with Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts, Villeneuve wants to capture your imagination at all turns. Having composer Hans Zimmer working overtime to immerse you in the sounds of Dune doesn’t hurt, nor does the awe-inspiring visuals from cinematographer Greig Fraser. The editing from Joe Walker keeps you focused in all of the right places. The editing is where this easily could have crumbled, so he deserves amble credit. Villeneuve the director is really knocking it out of the park here. 

Here now is my interview with Dune cinematographer Greig Fraser. Enjoy:

Dune is in theaters now and available to own on 4K and Blu-ray next week!