Ben Affleck Reflects on Meaningful Film Memories
Ben Affleck recently took a stroll through the Criterion Collection’s famed closet, where he picked out some of his favorite films. Among his selections was David Lynch’s acclaimed movie, The Elephant Man, which holds deep personal significance for him.
Affleck shared that this film, which features John Hurt as a man with a severe deformity and Anthony Hopkins as his doctor, brings back a poignant memory of his father, Timothy Affleck. It was the first time he ever saw his father cry, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. Affleck described the film as a touching representation of humanity, calling it "heartbreaking and beautiful."
As he added the film to his collection, Affleck seemed moved, saying, “That’s probably a good note to end on.”
Timothy Affleck, who shares sons Ben and Casey with ex-wife Christine Anne "Chris" Boldt, had a turbulent journey, moving from Massachusetts to California when Ben was just 12. In recent years, Ben has expressed great respect for his father’s struggles, especially after Timothy celebrated 30 years of sobriety.
“Part of being an adult is learning that your parents are just people,” Ben explained, reflecting on his father’s life and choices.
During his visit to Criterion, Affleck also gathered several other classic films, including Miller’s Crossing, The Silence of the Lambs, and Traffic, along with two movies he starred in, Dazed and Confused and Armageddon. He even cited the classic The Rules of the Game for having his "favorite line from all of cinema," humorously admitting he "stole" it for his own film, Gone Baby Gone.
Affleck is currently engaged in exciting projects, including The Accountant 2, in theaters now, and is also looking forward to collaborations with stars like Gillian Anderson and Matt Damon in upcoming films.
