Andy Garcia On Working With Al Pacino In THE GODFATHER, PART THREE

Summary

The speaker pays tribute to Andy Garcia, highlighting his depth of artistry and generosity. He shares personal experiences working with Garcia on 'The Godfather, Part Three,' describing him as a great poet and clown, yet someone who should be 'institutionalized' for his dedication to acting. The speaker recounts their close relationship, with Garcia treating him like family and inspiring him greatly. He also humorously notes Garcia's perfectionism, comparing him to Modigliani and Van Gogh, and concludes by expressing his love and congratulations to 'Uncle Michael'.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The speaker praises Andy Garcia's depth of artistry and generosity of spirit.
• 🌟 Andy Garcia is likened to both Modigliani and Van Gogh, highlighting his artistic talent.
• 🤝 Andy Garcia treated the speaker like family, fostering a deep bond and mutual respect.
• 🎥 The speaker reflects on the privilege of working with Garcia on 'The Godfather Part III'.
• 🍽️ The two had a close relationship, often dining together with their families.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Small gestures off-camera, like a tap on the shoulder, symbolized their nurturing relationship.
• 🎬 The speaker shares insights into Garcia's meticulous preparation for scenes, even without dialogue.
• 🎨 The comparison to tearing up canvases by Modigliani and Van Gogh illustrates Garcia's dedication to his craft.
• 💔 The speaker acknowledges the sacrifices Garcia may have made for his career.
• ❤️ The speaker expresses a deep personal affection for Garcia, calling him 'Uncle Michael' and congratulating him.

Q & A

Who is being honored in this speech?

The speech is in honor of Andy Garcia for his depth of artistry and generosity of spirit.

What is the relationship between the speaker and Andy Garcia?

The speaker describes a close relationship, with Garcia taking him in like a son and treating him as an equal as an actor.

What is the significance of the speaker mentioning Van Gogh and Modigliani?

The speaker compares Andy Garcia to Van Gogh and Modigliani to emphasize his artistic talent and the intensity with which he approaches his craft.

What does the speaker mean when he says Garcia should be 'institutionalized'?

This is a humorous way of saying that Garcia's dedication and passion for his work are so profound that they belong in an institution like the AFI, which is honoring him.

How long did the speaker work with Andy Garcia on 'The Godfather'?

The speaker worked with Andy Garcia for 17 weeks on 'The Godfather'.

What did the speaker learn from Andy Garcia about his approach to acting?

The speaker learned that Garcia's approach involves a deep commitment to his work, often spending time nurturing relationships off-camera, which translates into his on-screen performance.

What is the significance of the speaker mentioning small gestures like a tap on the shoulder?

These small gestures symbolize the personal connection and nurturing that Garcia extends to his colleagues, which enhances their performances.

What does the speaker imply when he talks about not being able to give the 'family' yet?

This refers to the trust and camaraderie that takes time to build in a professional setting, especially in a film like 'The Godfather' where family dynamics are central to the story.

How does the speaker describe Andy Garcia's preparation for a scene?

The speaker describes Garcia's meticulous preparation, often doing scenes multiple times to perfect a moment, even without dialogue.

What does the speaker mean by 'tearing up canvases' in reference to Modigliani and Van Gogh?

This is a metaphor for the dedication and perfectionism of artists, implying that Garcia, like Modigliani and Van Gogh, is not satisfied until his work is exactly as he envisions it.

What is the final message the speaker conveys to Andy Garcia?

The speaker expresses his love and admiration for Garcia, calling him 'Uncle Michael' and congratulating him on his recognition at the AFI event.