Andrew Garfield Reflects on Working with Mel Gibson in Hacksaw Ridge and His New Film We Live in Time
When asked what he learned from collaborating with the Oscar-winning director, Garfield had plenty to say. “I learned that people can heal. I learned that people can change, that people can get help. I learned that everyone deserves respect,” he expressed. He emphasized the importance of second chances, saying, “None of us are infallible.”
Garfield engaged in “deep, important conversations” with Gibson while preparing for the role of Desmond Doss, a pacifist soldier during World War II who refused to carry a weapon. This dialogue is significant, considering Gibson’s controversial past, particularly his anti-Semitic remarks made during a DUI arrest in 2006. Garfield acknowledged the growth he’s seen in Gibson since then, stating, “He’s done a lot of beautiful healing with himself. And thank God. Because he’s an amazing filmmaker, and I think he deserves to make films.”
The actor described Gibson as an emotionally intuitive director. “He’s the kind of director that would come from behind the monitors, just with his eyes wet,” Garfield recalled. “He knew when it was right and when it wasn't right. I just really trusted him. He’s a visceral storyteller who can feel everything. He’s a real empathetic guy.”
After the 2006 incident, Gibson publicly apologized for his comments, acknowledging their harmful nature. “There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark,” he stated, expressing remorse for the hurt his words caused.
Fast forward to today, Garfield is now starring in We Live in Time, a touching romance that follows newly single Tobias as he falls for talented chef Almut, played by Florence Pugh. The film tells their story in a non-linear fashion, showcasing their romance and the challenges they face, including Almut's cancer diagnosis.
We Live in Time is currently playing in select theaters and is set to expand its release on Friday, October 18.