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| Photo: Aude Guerrucci/REUTERS |
Andrew Garfield, known for his compelling performances, recently opened up about his experience working on We Live in Time, a new film directed by John Crowley. The film, co-starring Florence Pugh, tells a poignant, time-bending love story written by acclaimed playwright Nick Payne.
As the movie prepared to close the 72nd edition of the San Sebastian Film Festival, Garfield shared how the project resonated with him on a deeply personal level.
A Mid-Life Crisis Meets Art
During the press conference, Garfield spoke candidly about the emotional state he was in when the script crossed his desk. At the time, he was navigating a period of introspection, one that many might describe as a "mid-life crisis."
“When I read [the script], I was in deep contemplation of the meaning of life,” Garfield reflected. “At 39 or 40, I was asking myself, ‘What now?’ as I looked forward, backward, and directly at where I was.”
The script, which explores love, life, and the inevitability of death, struck a chord with Garfield. He found it as if the story had been written from his own perspective, a realization that reinforced the film's universal appeal. According to Garfield, the film’s themes are relatable because they delve into common human experiences—love, loss, and the struggle to carry on in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Plot Overview: Time, Love, and Loss
We Live in Time follows the lives of Almut and Tobias, a couple who experience both life’s greatest joys and heart-wrenching sorrows. Their journey is depicted through a series of disordered memories, portraying moments like marriage proposals, parenthood, and tragic events like divorce and a recurring battle with ovarian cancer.
Through these memories, the couple learns to appreciate the transient beauty of their relationship, no matter how painful some chapters may be. The film invites audiences to reflect on the importance of cherishing each moment, as fleeting as time may be.
Garfield’s Connection to the Role
The timing of the project couldn’t have been more perfect for Garfield. He explained that the film echoed many of the existential thoughts that were already occupying his mind. He was in a place of deep reflection, considering life, death, and the meaning of time.
Garfield recalled that the script arrived when he was facing a turning point in his life. "It was as if I had written it from that place. The questions of love, life, death, and time felt incredibly personal, almost as though Nick Payne and I were having the same existential conversation.”
This deep connection to the script made Garfield eager to participate in the film. One scene in particular stood out to him—a sequence involving an ambulance, a traffic jam, and a filthy gas station bathroom. Garfield likened it to the central action sequence of an Indiana Jones movie, adding a sense of excitement to the otherwise heavy narrative.
A Universal Story
Although We Live in Time is undeniably a love story, Garfield and Crowley resist categorizing the film as a purely romantic drama. For Garfield, the story transcends romance; it is an exploration of life’s inevitable hardships and the resilience of the human spirit.
Garfield addressed a journalist’s description of his and Pugh’s characters as “heroes” for enduring the difficulties portrayed in the film, particularly the recurring cancer diagnosis. He expressed discomfort with the term "hero" in this context.
"Anyone who has gone through something like this would reject the idea of being heroic. It’s not heroism; it’s necessity. People find a way to carry on, not out of bravery but because they have to."
He emphasized the incredible strength and desire to live, even when faced with overwhelming loss. Garfield's observations were met with applause, as many in the audience could relate to the film’s themes of endurance and survival in the face of tragedy.
John Crowley’s Vision
Director John Crowley, known for his work on Brooklyn and Boy A, also shared insights into his vision for We Live in Time. He humbly accepted a journalist’s comparison of his film to the works of legendary director David Lean, but clarified that his goal was not to create a traditional romantic drama.
Crowley explained. “When I first read it, I didn’t think, ‘This is a romantic drama.’ I thought, ‘This is a story about death.’ It’s fearless and funny, and it tries to capture the mystery of what it means to fall in love, get married, and have a child with someone.”
For Crowley, the key to the film’s emotional depth lies in its authenticity. He aimed to tell a story that allowed audiences to find their own experiences within it, rather than constructing a narrative solely around romantic ideals.
Production and Future Release
Produced by Studiocanal and Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch, We Live in Time made its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. The film will receive a limited theatrical release in the United States on October 11, distributed by indie powerhouse A24.
With its powerful performances, relatable themes, and thought-provoking narrative, We Live in Time promises to be a film that resonates with audiences long after they leave the theater. Both Garfield and Crowley’s reflections on the project emphasize its emotional weight and the universal human experiences it seeks to capture.
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