Denis Villeneuve’s Unique On-Set Rule: No Cellphones Allowed
Denis Villeneuve has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary cinema, with a filmography that includes critically acclaimed pieces like “Sicario,” “Arrival,” and “Blade Runner 2049.” While some directors, like Quentin Tarantino, may critique his interpretation of “Dune,” Villeneuve has still amassed a dedicated fan base eager for his next project.
What sets Villeneuve apart, beyond his remarkable storytelling, are the strict policies he enforces on his film sets. In a recent interview, he revealed that he has adopted a rule reminiscent of fellow filmmaker Christopher Nolan: cellphones are not permitted on his sets. Villeneuve articulated his perspective, sharing, “Cinema is an act of presence. When a painter works, he must fully concentrate on every brushstroke. The same applies to a dancer or a filmmaker. Everyone involved in the process needs to be completely present, engaged with one another. Therefore, cellphones are strictly prohibited from Day 1. When I yell cut, I don’t want anyone distracted by checking social media.”
It’s hard to argue against this approach; after all, distractions abound on movie sets. Yet, there’s a silver lining: Villeneuve’s regulations are not as restrictive as Nolan’s in other areas. Notably, Villeneuve does allow chairs on set, even if he opts not to use one himself.
His rationale is fascinating. He explained, “During the production of ‘Blade Runner 2049,’ I experienced some back issues from sitting too much. For the ‘Dune’ films, my cinematographer Greig Fraser and I chose to stand. This way, we could stay nimble and keep the creative juices flowing. Fewer chairs for us, but the producers can still have a seat at the video village.”
In a world where filmmakers like Nolan and Villeneuve believe that cellphones can be detrimental to creativity, it raises questions about the broader implications for others in the industry. Their reasoning suggests that perhaps a streamlined focus can lead to more profound artistic results. At least we can be relieved that Villeneuve extends the courtesy of seating during lengthy filming sessions.
