Andrew Garfield, the young, talented English actor, is one of the most versatile actors of his generation. With a career that has spanned roles in television, feature films, and Broadway, he has proven his range and his commitment to his craft. From his early roles in the run of Red Riding Hood, Boy A, and the Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, through his blockbusters The Amazing Spider-Man and Hacksaw Ridge and up to his recent Berlinale Jury Grand Prix winner Under the Silver Lake, Garfield has been an integral part of some truly great films. A closer look at a few of his most iconic performances reveals the depth and breadth of his talent.
The Social Network (2010)
One of Garfield’s earliest breakout roles was in the David Fincher film The Social Network, in which he starred alongside Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake. The movie, focused on the rise of Facebook, was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three for Editing, Adapted Screenplay, and Score. Garfield portrayed Eduardo Saverin, the best friend of Jesse Eisenberg’s character, Mark Zuckerberg. He portrayed the character with subtlety, struggling with the moral lessons of Zuckerberg’s success, and his diminishing power in the Facebook enterprise. Garfield brings his characteristic sensitivity and depth to the role, making it an incredibly powerful performance.
The Amazing Spider-Man Series (2012–2014)
For many, Garfield is best known for his starring role in the reboot of the Spider-Man franchise. Starring opposite Emma Stone, he took on the iconic role of Peter Parker, the playfully witty yet insecure teen trying to find his place in the world and save it from evil forces as the superhero Spider-Man. If that wasn’t enough to live up to, Garfield also portrayed Liam – Peter’s mysterious and mischievous “other self” – in the second instalment of the series. Through his portrayal of the two characters, Garfield brought a great deal of complexity and humour to the franchise, helping make it the modern classic it is.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
One of Garfield’s most acclaimed performances came in 2016 when he starred opposite Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, and Teresa Palmer in Mel Gibson’s war drama Hacksaw Ridge. Garfield portrayed Desmond Doss, a medic who was the first ever conscientious-objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Bringing a level of intensity and depth to the role, Garfield was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar for his performance.
Breathe (2017)
Garfield’s most recent on-screen role was in Andy Serkis’ directorial debut Breathe, a biographical drama set in the 1950s. The film tells the inspiring story of Robin Cavendish and his wife Diana, who fight against the odds to find a breakthrough in the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Robin is suffering from. Playing Wheelchair-bound Robin Cavendish, Garfield was praised for his portrayal of the lead character, bringing nuance and subtlety to this challenging role.
Under the Silver Lake (2018)
One of the more interesting roles Garfield has taken on recently was in David Robert Mitchell’s 2018 neo-noir thriller Under the Silver Lake. In the movie, Garfield portrays Sam, a Los Angeles slacker who finds himself getting tangled up in a bizarre conspiracy. His performance in the film is both humorous and intense, revealing yet another facet to his vast range of acting skill.
A Versatile Actor
From big blockbusters to independent films, Andrew Garfield has shown his range and how he’s willing to take on a wide variety of roles. With performances that are deeply honest and packed full of feeling, it’s no wonder he is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation. The various performances of Andrew Garfield, including The Social Network, The Amazing Spider-Man series, Hacksaw Ridge, Breathe, and Under the Silver Lake, are just a few examples of why he’s considered one of our most beloved actors.
