Denis Villeneuve Reveals Set Rule Shared with Christopher Nolan During Film Production

Denis Villeneuve has unveiled an intriguing policy that mirrors the approach taken by fellow director Christopher Nolan: the prohibition of cellphones on movie sets. Both Villeneuve and Nolan stand as titans in modern cinema, celebrated for their grandiose storytelling and artistic depth. Notable films from Villeneuve include Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, as well as both installations of Dune. The phenomenal critical acclaim these films receive is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both Villeneuve and his dedicated team.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Villeneuve elaborated on his no cellphone policy, emphasizing the necessity for concentration and collaboration on set. He stated:

Cinema is an act of presence. When a painter paints, he has to be absolutely focused on the color he’s putting on the canvas. It’s the same with the dancer when he does a gesture. With a filmmaker, you have to do that with a crew, and everybody has to focus and be entirely in the present, listening to each other, being in relationship with each other. So cellphones are banned on my set too, since Day 1. It’s forbidden. When you say cut, you don’t want someone going to his phone to look at his Facebook account.

Additionally, Villeneuve addressed a common but debunked rumor regarding Nolan’s preference against chairs on set. He revealed that he and cinematographer Greig Fraser chose to stand while working on the Dune films to promote alertness and a fluid working environment. Villeneuve remarked:

I had not heard that. But when I did Blade Runner, I had a back problem because I was sitting a lot. So for the Dune movies, my cinematographer, Greig Fraser, and I decided to stand, to have minimal footprints so we could be flexible and go fast, to keep the blood flowing, to be awakened. No chairs for us. Maybe for the producers at the video village.

Cellphone Restrictions on Movie Sets

In an age where technology often enhances storytelling, the distractions posed by cellphones have led many directors to rethink their use on set. Among these, Christopher Nolan is a notable critic; he abstains from owning a smartphone entirely and prohibits crew members from using their devices during filming. Nolan asserts that cellphones can hinder focus, ultimately undermining the crew’s performance.

The absence of mobile devices has paved the way for groundbreaking cinematic experiences in films like Inception, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer. Each director’s commitment to this policy suggests that eliminating digital distractions significantly elevates productivity and creativity among team members, rendering their cellphone policies entirely justified.

Our Perspective on the Cellphone Ban by Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan

The Positive Impact of the No Cellphone Rule

The stringent regulations enforced by Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan have proven to be effective, as evidenced by the high caliber of their respective filmographies. In a world dominated by digital distractions, taking the necessary time away from devices can foster complete immersion and creative synergy among crew members.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Source & Images