Ben Affleck: You need a big swing to do something interesting
Ben Affleck on the Art of Taking a Big Swing
While promoting his latest Netflix feature Animals, Ben Affleck is taking a moment to reflect on the wild, unpredictable world of filmmaking. Joining Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Affleck dove deep into the creative process, sharing candid thoughts that span from his directorial debut to his defense of risk-taking in cinema.
One of the most interesting topics they explored involved Affleck’s past choices. He candidly discussed the time he was highly exposed in the media, eventually choosing to direct Gone Baby Gone. When asked about that decision, Affleck revealed his initial pitch for the project: he simply didn’t want to be in it, preferring the role of the director behind the lens.
This anecdote set the stage for Affleck’s broader philosophy on making films. He champions interesting filmmaking and uses his experiences to argue that true creative leaps require a willingness to swing for the fences. Recalling the reception of Gone Baby Gone, Affleck noted that reviews were often dismissive, yet he found a certain satisfaction in that reaction.
He drew a parallel between those early experiences and the current landscape of cinema, using the example of Tom Cruise’s recent film, Digger. Affleck suggests that punishing movies for taking risks results in predictable, homogenized content. Instead, he argues that if creators dare to take a big swing, the result is something truly exciting and unique.
This perspective resonated with observers who have defended the divisive nature of Digger. While the film is known for being confrontational and experimental, it demands attention. Critics acknowledge that it is designed to alienate mainstream viewers, yet its bold approach, particularly in featuring Tom Cruise’s performance, is undeniable and masterful.
The debate around experimental filmmaking often pits the desire for broad appeal against artistic daring. Whether a movie successfully connects with the masses is a complex question, but as Affleck suggests, pushing boundaries—even if it causes friction—is essential for pushing the art form forward.
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