Ben Affleck Reveals the Crime Thriller He Calls a True Masterpiece
Ben Affleck opens up about the film he believes is a criminally overlooked gem, praising its writing, direction, and unforgettable performances. Discover which movie the Oscar winner says deserves far more recognition.
It ’s a curious phenomenon how Ben Affleck, despite his accolades and sharp insights, often finds himself underestimated online. The internet has turned his somber public appearances into a meme factory, but that’s hardly the full story. Affleck, a two-time Academy Award winner, has a track record of seeing the future of entertainment. Back in 2003, he predicted that subscription models would revolutionize both music and film, long before streaming giants like Netflix and Spotify became household names. Now, he’s voicing his thoughts on the rise of AI, and if history is any guide, he might just be right again.
Of course, even Affleck admits he’s made some questionable choices in his career. No one’s likely to defend his roles in ‘Gigli,’ ‘Surviving Christmas, ’ or ‘Reindeer Games,’ but he’s also the youngest person ever to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, thanks to ‘Good Will Hunting.’ That early success, and his role as a not-so-bright character in the film, have stuck with him in the public’s mind. Yet, beyond the memes and the missteps, Affleck is a true lover of film, with a deep appreciation for the craft.
Affleck’s Pick for the Most Overlooked Film
When asked to share the movies that have inspired him, Affleck didn’t hesitate to spotlight a film he feels is unfairly left out of the conversation. He singled out a modern crime thriller that marked a turning point for its director and became a box office sensation, yet still doesn’t get the respect 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.”
Affleck went on to praise the film’s flawless combination of script, direction, and acting.
“The screenplay, the execution, the performances, they all work beautifully in concert with one another,”
he explained.
“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.”
Why ‘Seven’ Still Resonates
His admiration for the film is clear, and his points are hard to argue. Even if some debate whether it’s truly a masterpiece, there’s no denying its impact as one of the most gripping crime stories of the past thirty years. The film’s dark atmosphere, intricate plot, and unforgettable ending have left a lasting mark on audiences and filmmakers alike.
Affleck also took a moment to recognize the director behind the film, someone he’s worked with personally. He called David Fincher
“as good as anybody who’s ever done this job.”
While some may have their own opinions, Fincher’s influence on modern cinema is undeniable, and Affleck’s respect for his craft is evident.