Andrew Garfield “learned a lot” from his Hacksaw Ridge director Mel Gibson, and does not believe his past should negatively influence his career.

While speaking with People for the outlet’s Movies of My Life feature, Garfield spoke about his time working with Gibson on the 2016 film, saying that he “learned that people can heal.”

“I learned that people can change, that people can get help,” he continued. “I learned that everyone deserves respect. And that people deserve second chances, third chances, fourth chances. That none of us are infallible.”

In 2006, Gibson was arrested for a DUI, during which he was reported to have went on an antisemitic rant. Gibson has since issued an apology for his remarks. In 2010, Gibson was caught in controversy again when he was recorded on a phone call making racist and misogynistic remarks; has was also charged with domestic violence that same year.

Garfield, who is Jewish, said that he and Gibson engaged in “deep, important conversations” ahead of creating Hacksaw Ridge. The We Live In Time star said Gibson has “done a lot of beautiful healing with himself.”

“And thank God,” he noted. “Because he’s an amazing filmmaker, and I think he deserves to make films. He deserves to tell stories, because he has a very, very big, compassionate heart.”

Hacksaw Ridge, which is currently streaming on Freevee, earned six Oscar nods, and ultimately won Best Filming and Best Sound Mixing. Garfield was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, while Gibson was also nominated for Best Director.

As noted by Entertainment Weekly, Gibson is directing the thriller Flight Risk, which is slated to hit theaters in January. Meanwhile, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, his sequel to the 2004 biblical drama The Passion of The Christ, is in the works, as Italpress reported in September that Gibson was scouting film locations in Malta.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.