Dune’s Denis Villeneuve Reveals One Item He Prohibits On Set

Key Insights into Denis Villeneuve’s Filmmaking Approach

Denis Villeneuve prohibits cellphones on set, prioritizing actor engagement and focus.
This practice is rooted in a desire to eliminate distractions, similarly to Christopher Nolan’s directorial methods.
The absence of mobile devices cultivates a professional atmosphere that enhances teamwork among cast members.

In a bid to immerse his cast completely in the filmmaking process, renowned director Denis Villeneuve has taken a firm stance against the use of cellphones on set. This measure aims to minimize distractions and ensure that actors remain fully engaged during their performances.

Villeneuve, acclaimed for his films such as Incendies (2010), Prisoners (2013), and the Dune trilogy, elaborated on his filmmaking philosophy in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times. Drawing a parallel between human behavior and artificial intelligence, he expressed concerns about contemporary society’s increasing disconnection attributed to excessive smartphone usage. He noted, “It’s frightening… there’s something addictive about accessing any information or media at any time; it’s like a drug.”These reflections paved the way for his decision to enforce a cellphone ban on set.

For Villeneuve, “Cinema is an act of presence,”necessitating that the entire crew remain focused and interconnected throughout the production. He likened the deeply engaged state required for filmmaking to that of an artist concentrating on their canvas or a dancer perfecting a movement. He insisted that mobile devices should be absent to maintain this focus, stating, “It’s forbidden. When you say cut, you don’t want someone going to his phone to look at his Facebook account.”

Likewise, Christopher Nolan, known for directing films such as Oppenheimer (2023) and the Dark Knight trilogy, shares a similar sentiment. In fact, he has also implemented a cellphone ban on his sets, alongside a strict prohibition on smoking. Moreover, after speculation regarding a ban on chairs, Nolan’s spokesperson clarified, “For the record, the only things banned from Christopher Nolan’s sets are cell phones (not always successfully) and smoking (very successfully),”according to a statement reported by IndieWire.

The perspectives from both Villeneuve and Nolan underline a critical issue in today’s society: our pervasive attachment to mobile devices often undermines personal connections and focus. In public spaces, it’s common to witness individuals engrossed in their phones, even when surrounded by family and friends. This disconnection can detract from meaningful in-person interactions, highlighting the importance of intentional engagement in various facets of life, including film production.

For further insights, visit the Los Angeles Times.

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