Paul Rudd has voiced strong concerns about the impact of mobile technology on human connection, revealing that he routinely leaves his smartphone behind when working on movie sets. Speaking at the New York Film Festival during the premiere of his period drama "A Statement," the actor candidly admitted that he struggles with device dependence just like the general public, calling smartphones destructive tools that distance people from one another.
A Personal Rule to Disconnect on Set
Rudd explained that avoiding mobile devices during working hours has become standard practice for him. Rather than keeping a phone on hand between scenes, he chooses to leave the device inside his trailer, a habit he noted he has maintained for some time.
Addressing the pervasive nature of modern screens, Rudd emphasized that stepping away from technology is crucial. He openly described himself as being addicted to his phone like everyone else, arguing that handheld devices have fundamentally changed interpersonal communication and are actively facilitating personal destruction.
The Set Rules of 'A Statement'
Rudd's personal protocol aligned directly with the working environment established for "A Statement." Directed by Oscar winner Tom McCarthy, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, John Turturro, and Amy Ryan. McCarthy instituted an absolute ban on mobile devices across the production, creating a unique workflow for the cast and crew.
Set in 1980 at a Florida beach resort, the drama follows 20 experts confined to a conference room over a weekend, attempting to navigate internal conflicts and draft a formal statement to Congress addressing the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on climate change. Rudd portrays the moderator attempting to guide the high-stakes gathering.
According to Rudd, the strict limitation on technology altered the atmosphere of the shoot, making the production mirror the dynamics of live theater. He observed that the absence of mobile screens fostered direct conversations reminiscent of an earlier era, naturally complementing the period setting where performers were already costumed in 1980s attire.
Cast Reflections on Breaking Digital Habits
Co-star Amy Ryan also praised the phone-free atmosphere, urging other film directors to adopt similar practices on their projects. In the movie, Ryan portrays a key figure whose dialogue delivers a major wake-up call to the conference attendees during the story's climax.
Ryan noted that removing constant notifications and social media browsing substantially elevated the quality of the ensemble's work. Instead of retreating into private digital spaces during five-minute production breaks, cast members turned to each other to discuss their mornings, review scenes, and engage in impromptu dialogue.
Comparing the adjustment process to quitting sugar, Ryan noted that the urge to check a screen quickly dissipates within a matter of days. Once the digital dependency cleared, she found that the ensemble stopped missing the devices altogether, expressing hope that such habits will eventually lose their appeal to the wider public.
Following its festival debut, "A Statement" enters the awards and release circuit, showcasing both McCarthy's climate drama narrative and a deliberate, distraction-free approach to ensemble filmmaking.
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Source: Variety
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