Denis Villeneuve Enforces Strict No-Phone Policy on Film Sets for Creative Focus

Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed director of Dune and Dune: Part Two, has implemented a strict no-cell-phone policy on his film sets to foster creativity and concentration. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Villeneuve explained the reasoning behind this rule, highlighting the importance of being fully present during the filmmaking process.

"Cinema is an act of presence," Villeneuve said. He compared the art of filmmaking to a painter focusing on every brushstroke or a dancer perfecting each movement. The director believes that complete immersion and collaboration are essential to creating impactful art.

On his sets, Villeneuve insists that everyone, from the crew to the actors, remains fully engaged. “When you say cut, you don’t want someone going to his phone to look at his Facebook account,” he said. For him, cell phones disrupt focus and connection, which are vital to the creative process.

Villeneuve also expressed concerns about society's reliance on technology, calling it addictive and likening it to a drug. He believes this dependency has led to shallow thinking and a disjointed world dominated by algorithms.

The director’s vision for Dune has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Based on Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novels, the first film was released in October 2021 and its sequel followed in March 2024. The second installment features returning stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, alongside newcomers Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Austin Butler.

Both Dune films are now available for streaming on Max.