Ben Affleck on Finding Success and The Accountant 2
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ben Affleck shared his thoughts on gauging success in his career, particularly in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. The actor, set to star in the upcoming sequel "The Accountant 2", reflected on his journey and what it means to him to create a film that truly resonates.
For Affleck, success is not measured by external validation, but rather by his own personal satisfaction with the project. "For me, it’s pretty simple, actually," he said. "I saw an early cut [of ‘The Accountant 2’] and I just really liked the movie. I almost cried. I was like, ‘This is amazing. You’ve done it.’" The actor emphasised that movies are subjective, and what may touch one person may not have the same effect on another. However, his own emotional connection to the film is what truly matters. "Even if people walk out of the movie tonight, I don’t care. I love it. That’s not going to change depending on what somebody else says."
This mindset is a departure from Affleck’s earlier years in the industry, where he admits to having placed more emphasis on external validation. "I used to have this sense of, ‘If I get to this, or if I get to that, then I’ll feel good — then I’ll feel a sense of worth,’" he revealed. However, having experienced some of the hallmarks of success, Affleck has come to realise that they do not necessarily bring the fulfilment he once thought they would. "The truth is, having been lucky enough to have experienced some of those hallmarks of success, it turns out those things actually don’t make you feel better. It doesn’t do it. If you don’t genuinely feel good about what you’re doing, it’s meaningless."
Affleck’s shift in perspective has allowed him to focus on his own artistic integrity, rather than striving for external recognition. "If you don’t genuinely feel good about what you’re doing, it’s meaningless," he stated. The actor has learned to maintain his own standards, rather than surrendering to the opinions of others. "Yes, not everyone is going to like everything, and there is a popular sport of making fun of stuff — that’s the bargain we make for getting it out there. But to maintain your own sanity and integrity artistically, you have to have your own standards."
The journey to "The Accountant 2" has been a long one, with the first film being released nine years ago by Warner Bros. The sequel, now being distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, has undergone significant changes. According to Affleck, Warner Bros. explored the possibility of television adaptations, seeking to capitalise on the success of the first film. "There were a few different things," he explained. "Warner Bros. was exploring television versions, which is a more valuable way to capitalise because television is ongoing. They did that with Bradley’s [Cooper] movie ‘Limitless’. ‘Hey, this was successful. We can mine this for a longer time.’"
As Affleck prepares to bring "The Accountant 2" to audiences, it’s clear that his focus is on the creative process, rather than external expectations. The film, he says, has already been a success in his eyes, regardless of how it may be received by others. With this mindset, Affleck is poised to continue creating work that is true to his artistic vision, rather than simply striving for external validation.
In conclusion, Ben Affleck’s thoughts on success and "The Accountant 2" offer a refreshing glimpse into the mind of a Hollywood actor who has found his footing in the industry. As reported by The New York Times, Affleck’s interview provides valuable insights into the importance of artistic integrity and staying true to one’s own creative vision. With "The Accountant 2" set to hit theatres soon, fans and critics alike will be eager to see if Affleck’s latest project lives up to his own high standards.
