We live in time brings Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man) and Florence Pugh (Midsommar) together as a couple who fall in love but face harsh trials in life. Directed by John Crowley (Brooklyn), you can experience this intense relationship story between Tobias and Almut in German cinemas from today, January 9, 2025.
Moviepilot spoke to the two We Live in Time stars in advance about radical haircuts, cooking tricks and the more or less German roots of Florence Pugh’s character.
We Live in Time Interview: Florence Pugh & Andrew Garfield in an interview
Moviepilot: Andrew, you shot Boy A with John Crowley 16 years ago. How did the reunion in We Live in Time go after so long?
Andrew Garfield: 16 years! We were just trying to figure out how long ago that was. Probably even longer, judging by the filming. We had a great experience together back then – I was just such a kid! 23 years, I think. Boy A was my second film and my first leading role. And John was such a gentle, generous director and friend. We had a lot of mutual trust.
After that, we always looked for a new project together. We came close a few times but couldn’t do anything with it. Until now. – Of course I have changed as an actor and he has changed as a director. But it was fun to rediscover yourself.
Florence, you shaved your hair for this film. Was this something you always wanted to do? Were you afraid of that?
Florence Pugh: It should have scared me more, but it didn’t at all. I always knew that if the right role came around, I would be happy to do it. I remember that John [Crowley] and I met and he explained to me that there were other ways to do it. Then I interrupted him and said: “I don’t want Bald Cap [künstliche Glatze] carry. I really want to shoot this beautiful scene.” This is the story of a woman with cancer and it would have been an absolute insult not to [in echt] close. So I was excited to do it in front of the camera. It was one of the most magical days of filming. I really should have been more nervous.
Andrew Garfield: Why?
Florence Pugh: Because people came up to me all day and asked me, “Are you okay? Are you sure you want to do this?” But it was brilliant!
Andrew Garfield: But you love this. You are so daring. You want to play with your image and love changes.
Florence Pugh: Yes, I like to lend my body to each of my characters.
Almut is spontaneous and Tobias is more of a planner. Would you say you are similar to your characters?
Andrew Garfield: Yes and no. For me, the beauty of acting is that you get to explore all parts of yourself. Some you knew existed and others you had no idea about. There were traits about Tobias that seemed more familiar to me than others. But there were also aspects that I found challenging to find within myself. For example, I would say I have difficulty standing still and struggle more with moments of calm and ordinary than Tobias. But the great thing about Almut is that it forces him to break out of his limitations for a meaningful life.
Florence Pugh: I also struggled with parts of the film because I instinctively knew how I would feel in such a situation. But then came John Crowley [als Regisseur] and said: “No, you are not allowed to cry here”. That was a great thing, constantly exploring this different-thinking character with him as a guide. This way you are constantly learning something about yourself and about his figure.
Your character’s name, Almut, is of German origin and your character cooks Anglo-Bavarian cuisine: Did you put something “German” into your performance, Florence?
Andrew Garfield: [sieht sie an und beginnt laut zu lachen]
Florence Pugh: Hmm, did I?
Andrew Garfield: You can say it calmly.
Florence Pugh: Yes…? [lacht] I’m sorry to say I didn’t do that. But I can also think of another answer. [beide lachen]
No, that’s okay. Have you attended a cooking boot camp for We Live in Time?
Florence Pugh: I love food. I grew up in a household that loves food. So I was super-excited to come on board for a film about a food-loving woman. But Almut is also a completely different type of cook than me or my family. It was exciting, in [Sterne-]Going to restaurants and understanding how such kitchens work. My day at the London Hide was fascinating. I took a lot with me and brought it into the film shoot. The attention to detail, respect and silence in these kitchens is magnificent.
About how Almut puts her eggs in
When Live in Time opens, I failed at home…
Florence Pugh: It actually takes a lot of practice. I used three to four dozen boxes. Do you remember, Andrew, how I had to end rehearsal early because I destroyed all the eggs while practicing? Once you get the hang of it, it’s great. But until then, a lot of eggshells end up in the bowl. I remember one take where Andrew said afterwards: “Luckily the camera isn’t filming the bowl right now, because this is horrible!”
In We Live in Time, Almut thinks a lot about her legacy and how she wants to be remembered. Did this question also concern you while filming?
Florence Pugh: I would like to be remembered in a certain way. For a long time, when I was younger, I wished people would remember my work. But as I got older and worked more, I wanted more to be remembered as a person and for my kindness. I would rather people remembered my heart – I always try to keep that in mind. Making sure I’m a good person before anything else.
Andrew Garfield: [andächtig] That is nice. I would like people to remember me because I made them feel good. So my presence in her life helped in some way. Whether through my work or an interaction at the bus stop. – You want to know that you left the world a little better for your presence.