Andrew Garfield’s New Film Explores Timely Themes

Andrew Garfield consistently chooses roles that convey messages. His performances in The Social Network, Under the Banner of Heaven, and soon, Artificial, where he will portray OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, demonstrate this commitment. Discussing his career choices, Garfield told Newsweek’s Parting Shot podcast, “I think everyone’s just called to different things.”

His latest movie, The Uprising, directed by Paul Greengrass, also carries a significant message. Set in 1381 England after the Black Death, Garfield plays an unnamed ploughman under King Richard II’s oppressive rule. His character, faced with economic hardship and high taxes, initiates a revolt that reimagines the Robin Hood legend. Garfield believes the film’s narrative is relevant today. “It feels very, very prescient for today,” he states.

“What’s wonderful about that aspect of the film for me is that it’s an everyman’s story. It’s all of us in some secret and maybe not-so-secret way, longing to reconnect to life,” Garfield explains.

Viewers of The Uprising will notice parallels to current economic challenges, as the story mirrors ongoing financial woes, such as rising prices and inflation. Garfield suggests this film underscores the need for accountability in power structures. He argues change begins within individuals, not with political leaders. “Looking to political leadership for recalibration and restoration of justice is a fool’s errand,” Garfield says. “Change is burgeoning within the individual.”

Garfield emphasizes the importance of internal transformation, believing true reconnection is found within oneself. If individuals bring their authentic selves to the forefront, collective renewal becomes achievable.

“We start building something new from the outskirts in,” he reflects.

Garfield remains committed to roles with impactful messages, even if they aren’t his sole drive. “Sometimes you can write a song about a sweater, sometimes about a revolution,” Garfield muses, quoting Paul Simon. “And I love that, but I’m also like, oh, I wish I could write a song about a sweater.”

Like the ploughman he portrays, Garfield didn’t set out seeking an uprising in his work. He simply responds to the prevailing culture. “I’m always trying to go, ‘What’s my note?'” he shares. “This is a project that feels very much a note that I wanted to sing.”