Speaking at the New York Film Festival premiere of his latest film “A Statement,” Paul Rudd revealed that he no longer brings his smartphone to work locations, citing a personal struggle with addiction to the devices. Rudd described the technology as “horrible things” that are actively “facilitating our own destruction” while emphasizing that he shares this dependency with the general public.
The actor, who portrays a moderator in Tom McCarthy’s new drama about a 1980 climate crisis summit, noted that he has maintained this practice for some time. The production enforced a rigorous no-phone policy, a decision Rudd credited with fostering deeper connections among the cast, which includes Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and John Turturro.
“The world has changed since cell phones have existed. We don’t look at each other or talk to each other quite the same way,” Rudd said. He remarked that the ban forced the ensemble to spend quality time together, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a theater production. “Working on a movie set in 1980, we’re dressed in a certain kind of way. It felt like… this feels like it used to feel when people sat around and spoke to one another.”
Amy Ryan, who plays a character delivering a pivotal message in the film, supported McCarthy’s approach. She stated that the absence of digital distractions and “doomscrolling” significantly enriched the acting process. Comparing the detox to quitting sugar, Ryan explained that any initial discomfort fades quickly, suggesting that phones should be viewed as toys that audiences will eventually tire of.
Imagine having the discipline to ignore your phone on set. I’m already scrolling news about this.
Amy Ryan comparing phone addiction to quitting sugar is oddly accurate for me.
Facilitating destruction? That’s a bold claim for a product billions rely on daily.
I tried leaving my phone at home once and almost panicked. Is it really that bad?
Finally, a celebrity admitting the uncomfortable truth. We need more sets like this.