Ben Affleck Reveals His Pick for Cinema’s Most Overlooked Gem
Ben Affleck opens up about the film he believes is unfairly left out of the conversation, highlighting its script, direction, and cast.
There’s a curious trend online where plenty of folks seem to assume Ben Affleck’s a bit of a dill until he goes and proves otherwise. He’s copped his fair share of ribbing, especially with the endless ‘Sad Affleck’ memes that pop up every time he’s snapped looking less than chuffed. But, to be fair, that’s probably the only thing he’s misjudged. The bloke’s actually been ahead of the curve more than once. Back in 2003, he was already talking up subscription models as the future for music and film, long before Netflix and Spotify became household names. Now, he’s got strong opinions about AI, and if his track record’s anything to go by, he’ll probably be spot on again.
Admittedly, Affleck’s made a few questionable calls when it comes to picking roles. No one’s pretending Gigli, Surviving Christmas, or Reindeer Games were strokes of genius, even if he did have a standout turn in Phantoms. Still, he remains the youngest winner of the ‘Best Original Screenplay’ Oscar, nabbing the gong at just 25. Maybe it’s because he played a bit of a simpleton in Good Will Hunting that some reckon he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, but that’s hardly the full story.
Affleck’s Take on What Makes a Masterpiece
Affleck’s a proper film buff, even if his idea of what counts as ‘underrated’ might raise a few eyebrows. When he shared a list of films that inspired him with Alamo Drafthouse, he singled out a crime thriller from the modern era that, despite being a breakout for its director, earning an Oscar nod, and raking in nearly $330 million at the box office, still doesn’t get the recognition he thinks it deserves.
“I think Seven is probably one of the great underrated kind of masterpieces,”
he said.
“I think people don’t include it sometimes in the lists they make of great movies because it’s a serial killer movie, and people go, ‘It’s like horror’. It’s actually, I think, one of the best constructed movies ever made.”
Why Seven Stands Out for Affleck
He went on to praise the film’s craftsmanship, saying,
“The screenplay, the execution, the performances, they all work beautifully in concert with one another. The acting is great. The plot and the reveal and the tension actually have a reveal and a point. There’s a denouement that’s incredibly resonant. It’s iconic. It’s stayed with us.”
It’s hard to argue with his points. Even if you wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, it’s tough to deny that Seven is one of the most gripping crime stories to hit screens in the last thirty years. The film’s structure, the way it builds suspense, and the impact of its ending have all left a lasting mark on audiences and filmmakers alike.
Fincher’s Place in Film History
Affleck didn’t stop there. He also had high praise for the director behind Seven, who later worked with him on Gone Girl.
“David Fincher is as good as anybody who’s ever done this job.”
That’s a big call, and while some might want to debate it, there’s no denying Fincher’s influence on modern cinema.
For Affleck, it’s not just about box office numbers or awards. It’s about the way a film sticks with you, the way it’s put together, and the performances that bring it to life. And in his eyes, Seven ticks all those boxes, even if it doesn’t always get the credit he reckons it deserves.