Andrew Garfield Drawn to Roles That Explore ‘The Mystery Of A Spiritual Life’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Andrew Garfield has played many men across Christian denominations, from a pacifist and conscientious objector in HACKSAW RIDGE to a Catholic priest in SILENCE to charismatc televangelist Jim Bakker in THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE.
Garfield says there’s a reason for that.
“Questions of faith and spirituality, and the mystery of a spiritual life, is what I’m drawn to the most,” Garfield said. “If I wasn’t an actor, I think I’d be doing some kind of theological study.”
Though Garfield does not profess to be a Christian, he has been open about pursuing the Lord and how these roles have challenged his spiritual walk.
“What was really easy was falling in love with this person, was falling in love with Jesus Christ, that was the most surprising thing,” he said when talking about his preparation for his role in SILENCE. “That was the most remarkable thing — falling in love, and how easy it was to fall in love with Jesus.”
As he told Movieguide® of his experience on SILENCE and Garfield’s thoughts on the role:
That rainy night in Beverly Hills, we got a chance to talk it over with Andrew Garfield, who played Father Rodrigues and his point of view on the meaning. Garfield told us more about his character:
“These two priests actually are coming to the country with this certainty that is very dangerous. It takes the destruction of Rodrigues’ ego that has to die in order for him to truly live a life of service in the faith, humble service. . . . Knowing that he knows nothing and God knows all, to understand the will of God, how do you begin to understand the will of God?”
Garfield has played two characters in the last year who have shown strong Christian faith in the midst of tragedy, first in Mel Gibson’s HACKSAW RIDGE and now in Martin Scorsese’s SILENCE. So, we wanted to know if he too, like his characters, is questioning the will of God.
“Is that something you think about?” I asked.
“Yeah, a lot,” he replied.
“Was it the movies that led to the question of God’s will, or was that something you questioned before?”
“Chicken and egg,” Andrew responded. “I think it’s like I was drawn to it because I was asking those questions already, and then that just kind of enriched my experience by doing these films.”
Garfield was nominated for the Grace Prize® for his role in HACKSAW RIDGE. HACKSAW RIDGE also won Movieguide®’s Faith and Freedom® Award.
Garfield has also appeared in other movies with strong biblical values, including THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
