By Sara Bright
When two of the most captivating actors of their generation – Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh – team up for a new film, audiences expect magic on screen. What they might not expect, however, is for that magic to extend beyond the confines of the script. Yet this is exactly what happened during the filming of We Live in Time, when a love scene between Garfield and Pugh continued longer than intended due to an amusing and awkward mishap on set.
During an interview at the 92nd Street Y in New York, Garfield opened up about the unscripted moment that occurred while filming a “very intimate, passionate” love scene with Pugh. The actors, immersed in their characters and the scene’s choreography, missed the director’s cue to cut, leading to an extended, unplanned take. As Garfield recounted, both he and Pugh were fully invested in the performance, only realising something was off when they noticed the camera and boom operators awkwardly turning away in an attempt to give the actors some privacy.
Chemistry on and off the screen
It’s a testament to the palpable chemistry between Garfield and Pugh that they were so absorbed in the scene. In the world of filmmaking, intimate scenes often come with a certain level of discomfort, given the technical nature of movie production. Yet, Garfield and Pugh, with their deep mutual trust and professionalism, were able to create a safe and respectful environment, allowing them to push the boundaries of the performance. This chemistry is likely to be one of the highlights of We Live in Time, as their on-screen relationship appears to reflect the same connection they shared during the filming process.
The film’s narrative centres on a surprise encounter between the characters of Garfield and Pugh, which fundamentally changes their lives. The emotional and psychological depth of such a story requires two actors who can communicate vulnerability, passion, and connection – a challenge both Garfield and Pugh seem to have embraced fully. Garfield’s playful retelling of the awkward moment showcases not only their professionalism but also the kind of natural rapport that makes for truly compelling performances.
The power of collaboration
Collaboration in filmmaking is key, and nowhere is this more evident than in the director-actor relationship. John Crowley, the director of We Live in Time, entrusted Garfield and Pugh to fully embody their roles, encouraging a collaborative approach that allowed the actors to take ownership of their scenes. Crowley’s choice to direct the love scene from a separate room shows the trust he placed in his actors, fostering a creative space where they could explore their characters’ emotions without distraction.
However, this distance between the director and the set inadvertently led to the now-famous missed cue. As Garfield humorously recalled, both he and Pugh eventually realised that the scene had gone on for longer than expected, “telepathically” acknowledging the length of the take without breaking character. This anecdote illustrates the subtle communication between actors during intense moments of performance – a skill that takes years of experience to hone.
Andrew Garfield: A journey of versatility
For Andrew Garfield, this moment is another addition to a long career marked by its versatility and intensity. From his breakout role in The Social Network to his Oscar-nominated performance in Hacksaw Ridge, Garfield has built a reputation as an actor who fully commits to each role, often immersing himself in the character’s emotional and psychological landscape. In We Live in Time, his collaboration with Florence Pugh – an equally dynamic force – has already generated significant buzz ahead of the film’s release.
What makes Garfield’s career so intriguing is his ability to seamlessly shift between genres. Whether he’s tackling the emotional complexities of real-life figures like Jonathan Larson in Tick, Tick… Boom! or portraying larger-than-life superheroes as Spider-Man, Garfield’s performances consistently reflect a deep understanding of his craft. His work with directors such as Martin Scorsese, Mel Gibson, and now John Crowley showcases his ability to adapt to different directorial styles while bringing his unique energy to each project.
Florence Pugh: The rising star’s meteoric ascent
If Garfield’s career is defined by his versatility, Florence Pugh’s rise in Hollywood is marked by her fearless choices. Since her breakout role in Lady Macbeth, Pugh has quickly become one of the industry’s most sought-after talents, with performances in films like Midsommar and Little Women demonstrating her range and depth. Known for her ability to bring emotional truth to every role, Pugh has carved a space for herself as a leading actress who consistently delivers complex and nuanced performances.
In We Live in Time, Pugh once again pushes boundaries, working closely with Garfield to create a relationship that feels authentic and raw. The missed cue during their love scene highlights Pugh’s dedication to the moment, showcasing her commitment to fully inhabiting her character, regardless of the circumstances. It’s no surprise that her career has continued to ascend at such a rapid pace, with each new project building on the last.
The legacy of We Live in Time
We Live in Time is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year, with critics and audiences alike eager to see the chemistry between Garfield and Pugh unfold on screen. While the story of their unscripted love scene provides a humorous behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process, it also speaks to the professionalism, trust, and creative synergy that the two actors share.
As the film prepares to premiere in UK theatres, there’s no doubt that this unique moment will only add to the intrigue surrounding the movie. Garfield and Pugh’s unintentional extension of the love scene may have been an amusing mishap, but it also reflects the dedication they bring to their craft – an unwavering commitment to delivering performances that resonate with truth and authenticity. Their collaboration on We Live in Time is likely to leave a lasting impact, not only in the film but also as a standout moment in their respective careers.
With We Live in Time hitting cinemas soon, audiences can look forward to a film that promises not only stunning performances from its leads but also a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human connection. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh’s on-screen partnership is sure to leave an indelible mark, capturing the kind of emotional truth that cinema, at its best, strives to achieve.
