“I don’t go to sets with a phone”: Paul Rudd reveals new habit
Actor Paul Rudd admits to being addicted to his smartphone and explains why he now leaves it in his trailer during film shoots.
Hollywood star Paul Rudd has shared a surprising personal rule that he has adopted during his recent film projects. The actor revealed that he no longer brings his smartphone to movie sets, a decision driven by his own struggle with digital addiction.
A Battle Against Digital Addiction
Speaking at the New York Film Festival during the world premiere of his latest film, A Statement, Rudd was candid about the impact technology has on modern life. He admitted that, like many people, he found himself hooked on his device.
“I don’t go to sets with a phone. I haven’t done that for a while now. It’s important to put it down. Anytime. They’re horrible things. I’m addicted to it like everybody else. They’re facilitating our own destruction,” Rudd told Variety.
By leaving his phone behind in his trailer, the actor has found a way to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the reality of his work environment.
Bringing the Cast Together
The decision to ditch the smartphone wasn't just a personal choice; it was also supported by the production of his new film. Director Tom McCarthy enforced a strict "no phones policy" on the set of A Statement, a move that Rudd says significantly improved the atmosphere for the entire crew.
Rudd noted that the absence of mobile devices made the filming experience feel more intimate, much like a live theatrical performance. He observed several key benefits from this restriction:
- Enhanced Connection: Without the distraction of screens, the cast members were forced to interact and truly spend time with one another.
- Better Communication: The ban encouraged real-time conversations that are often lost in the age of instant messaging.
- Immersive Atmosphere: Since the film is set in 1980, the lack of technology helped the actors stay in character and feel more grounded in the era.
A Nostalgic Experience
The film A Statement follows 20 experts gathered at a Florida beachside resort in 1980, attempting to draft a statement to Congress regarding carbon dioxide emissions and the climate crisis. Rudd mentioned that the period setting, combined with the phone ban, created a unique sense of nostalgia.
“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 explained. “With the phone ban, we were forced to really spend time with each other and talk. It felt like, ‘Oh, yeah. I remember this. This feels like it used to feel when people sat around and spoke to one another.’”
The ensemble cast of the film also features prominent names such as Paul Giamatti, Tatiana Maslany, and John Turturro.