This Past Weekend #578 - Ben Affleck
Host: Theo Von
Guest: Ben Affleck
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Podcast Description: What happened this past weekend. And sometimes what happened on other days.
1. Vanity and Aging in Hollywood
Theo Von opens the conversation by questioning whether celebrities lose their vanity as they age, prompting Ben Affleck to reflect on societal pressures related to appearance.
- Theo Von [01:12]: “Do you lose vanity as you get a little bit older?”
- Ben Affleck [02:17]: “Nobody wants to get older. Right. Because what it Means is like, you're gonna die, and nobody wants to really face that.”
Affleck discusses the challenges of aging, emphasizing the inevitability of physical changes and the importance of becoming comfortable with oneself.
- Ben Affleck [03:11]: “I'm lucky because I don't feel like, 'Oh, shit, I better look young.' I am who I am, and I'm all right with that.”
2. The Dichotomy of Hollywood Life
Exploring the dual nature of life in Hollywood, Affleck shares his love for filmmaking juxtaposed with his desire for a private family life.
- Theo Von [03:31]: “It's hard to know if you seem like a guy who likes being in Hollywood or doesn't like being in Hollywood.”
- Ben Affleck [03:38]: “There are things I really like about it and things I really don't like. I wish they didn't have to be together, but they are.”
Affleck expresses his preference for privacy and his reluctance to engage in large social events, emphasizing the importance of family over public scrutiny.
- Ben Affleck [03:56]: “I like my family, my kids, and my life. I wish that were more private.”
3. Impact of Paparazzi and Media on the Actor's Persona
The conversation shifts to the invasive nature of paparazzi and its effects on actors' personal lives and performances.
- Ben Affleck [05:23]: “The look on your face is kind of like... every time they take a picture of somebody, they're going to look pissed off.”
- Theo Von [06:24]: “It's Black Mirror-ish, man.”
Affleck elaborates on how constant media exposure can undermine an actor's ability to create believable on-screen personas.
- Ben Affleck [07:25]: “It's really hard work to create the illusion that this person is a real person in a real circumstance.”
4. Transition from Acting to Directing
Affleck discusses his motivations for directing, highlighting a desire for creative control and personal fulfillment beyond acting roles.
- Theo Von [20:28]: “Do you think you wanted to start directing because it gave you even more of a sense of accomplishment?”
- Ben Affleck [20:36]: “I'd rather fail on my own terms or succeed on my own terms.”
He underscores the challenges of Hollywood's competitive nature and the lack of job security, which fueled his transition to directing.
- Ben Affleck [22:32]: “There's no seniority, there's no tenure, there's no retirement, no gold watch.”
5. Discussing "The Accountant 2"
The dialogue turns to Affleck's latest film, "The Accountant 2," featuring John Bernthal. Affleck shares his enthusiasm and confidence in the movie's quality.
- Theo Von [28:43]: “Go out and see it, and it's great.”
- Ben Affleck [29:10]: “It's a movie that anybody can see... it's smart and it's not like, 'Only young people like this or only old people like this.'”
He praises John Bernthal's performance and their collaborative chemistry, describing their on-screen relationship as a "two-hander" akin to brothers.
- Ben Affleck [29:07]: “He's amazing in the movie and he plays your brother.”
6. Directing Process: Collaboration and Iteration
Affleck delves into his directing philosophy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, iterative editing, and aligning with the cast's creative instincts.
- Ben Affleck [38:11]: “Some people really get how to have a good time. I wish I did.”
He advises on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, highlighting the necessity of clear communication between directors and editors to achieve the desired comedic effect.
- Ben Affleck [41:04]: “You have to listen to feedback. It's not personal.”
7. Parenting and Teaching Resilience
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Affleck's approach to parenting, particularly fostering resilience and emotional strength in his children.
- Ben Affleck [48:17]: “Some of the best lessons I ever learned in life were from failure.”
- Theo Von [48:59]: “You'd have no experience.”
Affleck shares his dedication to ensuring his children develop resilience by allowing them to face and overcome obstacles, rather than shielding them from all hardships.
- Ben Affleck [51:04]: “These things are not going to kill you. They actually do make you stronger.”
8. Relationship with Family and Sibling
Ben Affleck talks about his close relationship with his brother, highlighting their collaborative work in the film industry and mutual respect.
- Ben Affleck [61:21]: “We are close. We’ve worked together a lot, and he’s a brilliant, funny, amazing guy.”
- Theo Von [61:37]: “Being uncle's fun.”
The discussion underscores the importance of familial bonds and how they enrich both personal and professional lives.
9. Future Directing Plans
Affleck reveals his intentions to continue directing, especially as his children grow older, allowing him to balance his professional ambitions with family life.
- Ben Affleck [73:50]: “I may even direct another movie next year... I want to spend my life happy, I gotta have fun.”
He acknowledges the demanding nature of directing but expresses a commitment to pursue it while ensuring quality time with his family.
10. Reflections on Hollywood's Evolution
The conversation concludes with reflections on the changing landscape of Hollywood, including filming incentives in different states and the shift towards streaming platforms.
- Ben Affleck [76:12]: “Georgia's got a huge incentive program. They get all Marvel movie shoots down there.”
- Theo Von [77:58]: “It's like, me and Ben, you're talking about fires and Dunkin Donuts.”
Affleck comments on the strategic decisions behind filming locations and the economic implications, emphasizing his preference to stay in California for personal and professional reasons.
Notable Quotes
- Theo Von [01:12]: “Do you lose vanity as you get a little bit older?”
- Ben Affleck [02:17]: “Nobody wants to get older. Right. Because what it Means is like, you're gonna die, and nobody wants to really face that.”
- Ben Affleck [03:38]: “There are things I really like about it and things I really don't like. I wish they didn't have to be together, but they are.”
- Ben Affleck [05:23]: “The look on your face is kind of like... every time they take a picture of somebody, they're going to look pissed off.”
- Ben Affleck [20:36]: “I'd rather fail on my own terms or succeed on my own terms.”
- Ben Affleck [29:07]: “He's amazing in the movie and he plays your brother.”
- Ben Affleck [48:17]: “Some of the best lessons I ever learned in life were from failure.”
- Ben Affleck [51:04]: “These things are not going to kill you. They actually do make you stronger.”
- Ben Affleck [54:42]: “I truly don't want to come off as...”
- Ben Affleck [61:21]: “We are close. We’ve worked together a lot, and he’s a brilliant, funny, amazing guy.”
This episode delves deep into Ben Affleck's perspectives on aging, the complexities of life in Hollywood, the challenges faced by actors in maintaining their persona, his journey from acting to directing, and his heartfelt reflections on parenting and family. Affleck offers candid insights into the balancing act between public life and personal fulfillment, making this a compelling listen for fans and aspiring filmmakers alike.