In 1995, Andy Garcia attended the Cannes Film Festival as the star of Miramax's Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, bringing along his entire family. The presence of his wife and three daughters at the event drew attention from the New York Daily News, which commented on the Hollywood saying, “Wives don’t fit in in Cannes,” and noted, “Don’t tell that to Andy Garcia.”
The Film and Its Reception
The film, directed by Gary Fleder, features Garcia as a former hitman pulled back for one last job, with a cast including Treat Williams and Christopher Walken. Despite its R-rating and dark themes, Garcia chose to share the Cannes experience with his family. THR critic Michael Rechtshaffen described the film as a “derivative, darkly comedic caper,” drawing comparisons to Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, a notion Garcia dismissed as “Hogwash.” He elaborated, “There are no similarities. That was a dark comedy where you laugh when someone gets stabbed in the heart with a hypodermic needle. Ours is a tragic poem. When people get killed, you care about them.”
Garcia's Latest Work
Fast forward to this year, Garcia returns to the crime drama genre with Diamond, which will screen out of competition. Garcia directed the film, acting alongside Vicky Krieps, Brendan Fraser, Bill Murray, and Dustin Hoffman.
Garcia's willingness to challenge Hollywood norms by including his family in the Cannes experience highlights his personal values and approach to navigating his career and personal life. His latest project, Diamond, continues to showcase his dedication to the craft.
Industry Impact
Garcia's presence at Cannes in 1995, and his continued work in film, underscores the evolving nature of star power and personal branding within Hollywood. By prioritizing family while promoting a film, Garcia set an example that contrasts with traditional industry expectations.
As he returns to Cannes with Diamond, Garcia's career trajectory and choices remain a subject of interest and discussion within the industry.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/cannes-flashback-andy-garcia-brought-denver-1995-1236596920/
