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Disconnect is an ensemble drama film about the way technology affects our relationships and lives in today’s world. The characters — played by Jason Bateman, Alexander Skarsgard, Paula Patton and Max Thieriot — are all dealing with the challenges that the Internet, cell phones and other tech items create in their lives.
When The Hollywood Reporter sat down with the stars of the film, we wanted to find out how the actors view technology in their own lives, and what they remember about items like their first cell phone.
VIDEO: ‘Disconnect’ Trailer: Jason Bateman Seeks Justice for Son
In LD Entertainment’s film, directed by Henry Alex Rubin, Skarsgard plays a former marine who is struggling with his relationship with his wife (Patton). The True Blood star admits that he’s more of a technophobe than a technophile. He reveals that he got his very first cell phone from his father, actor Stellan Skarsgard. But he says he’s never become a big texter.
“I’m a terrible texter. I like to keep it short and, that’s sometimes a problem because it can come across as you’re being rude,” he says. “I’m not trying to be rude. It just takes me forever. I’m not a good texter, and with these big hands, it takes me a long time.”
Skarsgard’s on-screen wife, Patton says she’s warmed up to technology over the years, but has the most difficulty with social media because of how it could affect her as an actor.
“Often times, there’s a fear where if you reveal too much about yourself, people will be like, ‘Oh she wouldn’t do that, she actually likes this.'” she tells THR. “It takes away from the entertainment value of watching a film because you know too much about someone.”
VIDEO: Marc Jacobs Makes Makes His Big Screen Debut in This Weekend’s ‘Disconnect’
Bateman, who plays a busy working father who is always on his phone, says he’s very similar to his character in that he’s also a technophile.
“I’m probably the ‘Do Not’ side of the ledger on this film. I’m pretty involved in my devices,” he says.
Bateman says he remember his first cell phone looking “like a box of soap,” but that these days he keeps very current with his phone. “I stay up to date. I always have the newest and the greatest from Apple. I’m a big fan of theirs,” he says.
Watch THR‘s interview with the stars of Disconnect above.
The film opens in theaters on April 12.
Email: Rebecca.Ford@thr.com; Twitter: @Beccamford
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