After winning the hearts of fans worldwide through his 2021 masterpiece which was the first installment of his live-action world of Frank Herbert’s novel series, Denis Villeneuve has returned to capture all those hearts and minds once again through Dune: Part Two. In fact, if anything, he has more than just succeeded in completely acquiring all viewers’ attention.
But as much as he has impressed the book nerds from all around the globe with the simply fascinating live-action world he has created, he also held a specific intention to amaze the people of his hometown through the recently released Part Two as well. This, he intended to do through an exceptionally unique way: By planning to include a French cuss word in the film!
Denis Villeneuve had an evil plan to please the people of his hometown
Denis Villeneuve is a French-Canadian director and is a very great lover of his culture and hometown. This is why he wanted to please the people of his hometown through his recently released second live-action part of Frank Herbert’s novel series.
To do this, the filmmaker decided to include a French-Canadian easter egg in Part Two by planning to have one of the cast members say the French cuss word ‘tabarnak’ in it. As he recently shared with Buzzfeed Canada (via @buzzfeedcanada | Instagram):
“I was convinced that if I was able to put the word ‘tabarnak’ in one of the movies, it will please the people of Montreal.”
For those who may not know, ‘tabarnak’ in general terms is actually a phonetic interpretation of the word ‘tabernacle’, which basically refers to the embellished box used to keep Communion hosts and wine.
However, in Canada’s Quebec, this very term has earned a different meaning and has become a popular swear word that the people of Quebec use to express their anger, annoyance, or surprise at something.
This is why Villeneuve wanted to include it in the second installment of the Timothee Chalamet-led film saga. But little did he know how epically his evil plan would fail in the most hilarious manner possible when put into action.
Why Denis Villeneuve’s plan eventually hilariously failed
Although it was Denis Villeneuve’s heartfelt wish to include the word in the movie, his desire couldn’t be achieved. The reason? Because, in his words, Americans just can’t spell the word, no matter what! As he continued to share in the interview:
“I asked Josh Brolin to use the word at one point, and it didn’t work out. It doesn’t, it doesn’t live well in the mouth of an American. I’m sorry, I failed. I failed.”
Just because Josh Brolin couldn’t spell the word out loud, the filmmaker had to let go of his heartiest desire to please the people of his hometown just like that. Nonetheless, for what it’s worth, they can still enjoy the movie for it has Villeneuve’s iconic touch all over it!
Dune: Part Two is out in theaters now.
