‘I needed to recalibrate, reassess and refill my own cup’

As a seasoned observer of the dynamic world of cinema, I find myself consistently captivated by the enigmatic Andrew Garfield. From his humble beginnings in Surrey to gracing the stages of the National Theatre and battling Daleks on “Doctor Who”, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

What sets Garfield apart is not just his versatility as an actor, but also his ability to navigate the delicate balance between American optimism and British reserve. This intriguing duality has allowed him to embody a diverse array of characters, from a disillusioned student in “Lions for Lambs” to a conscientious objector in “Hacksaw Ridge”.

However, it’s his rare forays into romance that truly intrigue me. Despite a career spanning roles as varied as a Jesuit priest and Facebook co-founder, Garfield has seldom been cast in romantic roles. Yet, when he does, as in the poignant “We Live in Time”, he leaves an indelible mark.

His recent sabbatical from acting seemed to rejuvenate him, not just professionally but also personally. It’s fascinating to see an artist who can find inspiration in waiting, trusting that the energy will return when it’s needed most.

I must confess, I find myself eagerly anticipating his future projects, particularly his collaboration with fellow Marrakech juror Luca Guadagnino on “After the Hunt”. I can’t help but wonder if Garfield and Julia Roberts will set the screen ablaze with their chemistry, much like Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer did in “Call Me by Your Name”.

In closing, let me share a little joke that comes to mind when thinking of Andrew Garfield. As he continues to seek out auteur directors and make personal, impactful films, I can’t help but think of him as the Spider-Man who swings between the worlds of indie cinema and blockbuster franchises, leaving his mark on both with equal aplomb. After all, isn’
t it said that with great power comes great responsibility? Well, Andrew Garfield seems to have mastered the art of balancing both.

We Live in Time is in cinemas from New Year’s Day. Add it to your watchlist

Andrew Garfield is currently experiencing a rejuvenating phase. During our encounter on a delightfully warm day, this renowned Hollywood actor is participating in the Red Sea International Film Festival held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, he was gracing the red carpet alongside Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor, whom he had just encountered at the event, and appears to be enchanted by this historic Middle Eastern city. “It’s a truly enchanting place,” he remarks. “Last night, we dined under the stars on a rooftop in the old town. I feel incredibly welcomed here.

Just previously, Garfield had found himself in North Africa, participating as a juror at the Marrakesh International Film Festival in Morocco. He recounts, “I was fortunate enough to watch two films each day alongside these brilliant filmmakers as part of the jury.” Among them were Luca Guadagnino, who presided over the jury for the movie “Challengers”, Ali Abbasi, the Iranian director behind the recent Donald Trump film titled “The Apprentice“, and India’s Zoya Akhtar. He expresses that it was incredibly inspiring, serving as a testament to the multitude of untold stories out there.

41-year-old Andrew Garfield returns with an emotional romantic tale titled “We Live in Time.” In this film, he portrays Tobias, a divorced man who develops feelings for a chef named Almut, played by Florence Pugh. As Garfield explains, the story revolves around loss and the courage to embrace a life filled with purpose and meaning, even if it’s a humble one. He adds that this is a heartfelt love story about two ordinary people, making it a universal tale of love that resonates with everyone.

The movie, titled “We Live in Time,” is helmed by John Crowley, who previously worked with Garfield on the 2007 drama “Boy A.” This gritty television series earned Garfield a BAFTA for his portrayal of a disturbed teenager serving time for a violent crime. In contrast to the bleak and intense “Boy A,” “We Live in Time” is characterized by its warmth and emotional depth. Since its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, it has been garnering praise from audiences who appreciate its raw authenticity.

According to Garfield, Tobias wasn’t someone who openly displayed his emotions. Instead, Garfield believed that if Tobias behaved well, kept his feelings in check, and stayed focused on tasks, he would eventually be appreciated. However, Almut unexpectedly entered his life, causing a dramatic shift in his world, awakening him emotionally, and even leaving him spellbound by the simple act of watching her crack eggs, as his heart swelled with newfound love.

It’s true that authentic love often doesn’t follow a straightforward path, as demonstrated in the movie “We Live in Time”. Although its complex storyline may not readily reveal its hidden depths, it showcases an outstanding performance by Florence Pugh, a talented British actress who has graced roles in films such as “Dune: Part Two” and “Oppenheimer”. Garfield praises her natural acting ability, stating, “Florence is such a gifted actress that once you set her in motion, she takes off.” He adds, “I feel incredibly fortunate to work with someone I can truly connect with, as it makes the entire experience so much more enjoyable.

But is We Live in Time a reaction to a dearth of romantic dramas in cinemas these days?

After a moment’s reflection, Garfield expresses doubt, stating, “I can’t say for certain, but looking back, it seems that perhaps the absence of genuine emotion is prevalent in today’s cinema. It’s also noticeable in our culture as a whole, especially in the West. I wonder if the lack of sincerity and meaningful connections is more widespread here.

Garfield, born to parents from California (father) and Essex (mother), displays an interesting blend of American enthusiasm and British composure. At the age of three, he moved to England and spent his childhood in Surrey, where acting became his passion. This led him to attend London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. Upon graduating in 2004, he swiftly found himself performing on national stages and battling Daleks in a few episodes of the popular series, ‘Doctor Who’.

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His significant achievement occurred in 2007 when he portrayed a disenchanted student in Robert Redford’s film “Lions for Lambs.” Since then, he’s developed into a true heavyweight in the industry. Throughout his career, which includes roles as a Jesuit priest (“Silence”), Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin (“The Social Network”) and a conscientious objector (“Hacksaw Ridge”), Garfield has seldom been chosen for romantic roles. Was this something he was pursuing? “I wasn’t searching for anything,” he says nonchalantly. “I was seeking tranquility, a chance to gaze out the window. And I did. I spent a year or so doing just that.

It’s no surprise he found himself drawn to gaze out of the window; it seemed as if everything around him was undergoing transformation. He explains, “I felt compelled to witness this change firsthand.” Additionally, he admits, “I had been expending an immense amount of energy in a way that was productive, though draining. I knew I needed to take a step back, reevaluate my circumstances, and replenish myself so that I could approach my tasks with renewed vigor.

After taking some time off, the experience reinvigorated his passion for performing and storytelling. As soon as I stepped onto the set, my energy returned, and I found myself saying, “I love this! I really do!” It feels like the break has given me a fresh start, renewing my enthusiasm for acting and storytelling. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and wait for inspiration to strike, rather than forcing it. I prefer to let creativity flow naturally, without pushing myself too hard. And fortunately, I’m in a position where I can live like that. So, I’m feeling much more motivated and inspired now.

More recently, Garfield finished working on the campus-based thriller “After the Hunt”, co-starring Julia Roberts. This movie is directed by Luca Guadagnino, a fellow juror from Marrakech, who was also behind Timothée Chalamet’s rise to fame in “Call Me by Your Name”. Garfield praises Guadagnino, saying, “He’s someone who truly enjoys crafting stories straight from his heart, and he doesn’t worry about anything else. He’s incredibly productive, so I find that really motivating.

Despite Garfield’s appreciation for the expansive superhero genre that has dominated cinemas over the last two decades, it’s evident he remains committed to collaborating with visionary filmmakers. He specifically mentions his friend Brady Corbet, whose critically acclaimed film “The Brutalist” is a strong contender for awards this year. “In essence, I aim to create work that resonates deeply on a personal level, yet can adapt to various forms and dimensions. The success or failure isn’t my primary focus; the emotion it evokes is. When I see something like Brady’s work, I think, ‘That’s the emotion.’ No matter the end result, that’s the emotion.

2025-01-01 06:04

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