How Francis Ford Coppola Became Andy Garcia’s Guiding Light
Andy Garcia opens up about the director who shaped his career, his role in Landman, and his own move behind the camera. Discover how Francis Ford Coppola’s mentorship inspired Garcia’s journey from actor to filmmaker.
Few filmmakers have left as deep a mark on Hollywood as Francis Ford Coppola, and for Andy Garcia, that influence has been nothing short of transformative. Garcia, now starring in the second season of Landman on Paramount Plus, credits Coppola with not only shaping his career but also inspiring his own ambitions as a director.
Rediscovering Stardom in Landman
Taylor Sheridan’s knack for reviving the careers of seasoned actors is on full display in Landman. Garcia, who first appeared as cartel boss Galliano at the end of season one, feels right at home among fellow ‘90s icons like Billy Bob Thornton. Sheridan, a fan of Garcia’s 1986 film 8 Million Ways to Die, created the role specifically for him, giving Garcia a fresh opportunity to shine in the gritty world of West Texas oilfields.
Reflecting on his return to the spotlight, Garcia appreciates the chance to work alongside actors who, like himself, once dominated the big screen. The role has allowed him to reconnect with audiences and showcase the depth of his talent in a new setting.
Coppola’s Lasting Impact
Garcia’s breakthrough came with the 1987 classic The Untouchables, but it was his casting as Vincent Mancini in The Godfather: Part III that truly changed the course of his career. Coppola’s approach to filmmaking left a lasting impression on Garcia, who describes the director as a source of wisdom and inspiration.
“Francis inspires you to dream… (he) inspires you to go out and try things. That’s why he inspired a great director in his daughter, Sofia. He has that effect on you. I see [Coppola] as the man on the mountain you go to for advice and knowledge.”
While opinions on the third installment of The Godfather saga remain divided, Garcia’s performance is often singled out as a highlight. For Garcia, the experience was transformative, pushing him to think beyond acting and consider the art of directing.
“He (Coppola) has done it for me. I’ve shown him movies, and he’s taken time out to sit in a cutting room for 48 hours straight, to talk about it philosophically, and why is that scene there, and why are you going there.”
He adds,
“I went into that movie as an actor, and I came out of it a filmmaker.”
Stepping Behind the Camera
Garcia is now preparing to direct his first feature, Diamond, a modern noir starring Brendan Fraser, Bill Murray, and Dustin Hoffman. The film centers on a man with a unique gift for solving crimes, haunted by his past. Garcia’s journey from actor to director is a direct result of the mentorship and encouragement he received from Coppola.
Meanwhile, Coppola, now 86, has faced his own challenges in recent years. After investing $120 million of his own money into the ambitious sci-fi epic Megalopolis, the film struggled at the box office, earning less than $15 million. The project, nearly five decades in the making, was plagued by setbacks, including studio reluctance and the aftermath of 9/11, which forced Coppola to scrap over 30 hours of footage.