‘Dune’ Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve Explains Why Cell Phones Are a No-No on His Sets

A paradoxical dance between artistic expression and digital dominance has marked cinema’s odyssey from its nascent roots to the present day. With the digital age ushering in an era of instant gratification, attention spans have shrunk and the very fabric of cinema as a vessel for knowledge and storytelling has begun to fray. While technological advancements have undoubtedly propelled Hollywood’s progress, the lamentations of this double-edged sword are equally profound. Visionary filmmakers like Denis Villeneuve have taken a stance against the pervasive influence of cellphones on set, recognizing the erosion of creative focus. 

Villeneuve’s recent revelation about the cellphone ban on his film set offers a glimpse at a fascinating filmmaker determined to preserve the integrity of his craft.

Denis Villeneuve sheds light on the no-cellphone theory in his film sets

Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve recently conversed with the Los Angeles Times, lamenting the addiction to digital accessibility in the contemporary era. According to Villeneuve, the uprising of cellphone usage and the availability of information at any given time is a social phenomenon with a crucial cultural impact. “I’m very tempted to disconnect myself,” the director reflected, calling screen time the modern dopamine drip. This is why, Villeneuve revealed mobile devices are completely banned on his movie sets.

“Cinema is an act of presence,” the director explained, mapping why every filmmaker requires a crew to get his vision out there. Hence, with several brains seeking one outcome, the need for undivided attention is non-negotiable because communication becomes a key. If the focus is elsewhere, something or the other gets lost in translation. As it is, when a filmmaker says “cut,” the last thing they want is someone involved in the creative process to check out their “Facebook account.”

While cellphone bans are essential for him, Denis Villeneuve has another on-set rule that is irreversible. 

Denis Villeneuve elaborates on another on-set deal-breaker

In his conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Denis Villeneuve drew a parallel between AI reliance and today’s conditioning of human minds. While several A-listers have criticized the non-contested endorsement of AI, the director likened human behavior to “AI circuits.” Fearing the all-consuming ability of the undisputed, Villeneuve stated his set rules are as stark as the desert of Arrakis—no cellphones to disrupt the creative oasis and no chairs to cramp the workflow.

As per him, during filming Blade Runner, Villeneuve developed a “back problem” as he was “sitting a lot.” Hence, for the Dune movies, he and Greig Fraser decided to do so by standing. This way, they could be “flexible and go fast, to keep the blood flowing, to be awakened.” Of course, chairs were permitted for producers but comfort is unchallengingly the first thing he kept out of his creative door.

What do you think of Denis Villeneuve’s on-set rules? Let us know in the comments below!