Last week saw Ben Affleck’s Argo receive the top prize for best film at the BAFTAs, as well as Best Director. Up for more awards at the Oscars this weekend, we wanted to recap Ben’s top screen successes, all available on high-definition Blu-ray.
The Town
Ben Affleck co-wrote, directed and starred in The Town. This hard-edged heist thriller is packed with style, action, entertainment and romance. The movie focuses on Doug MacRay (Affleck), a conflicted criminal who tries desperately to resist being drawn back into the shady underworld. The Blu-ray version includes an extended theatrical cut and supplementary audio commentaries with Affleck, as well as a behind the scenes featurette.
Gone Baby Gone
Ben Affleck made his directorial debut in this adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel. The movie follows two young private detectives (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) who are called in to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. As the pair are pulled further into the investigation, they become embroiled in a dark world of deception, lies and ethical dilemmas. The Blu-ray version includes an interview with Lehane and Affleck who discuss working together to bring the film from the pages of the novel to celluloid, as well as six deleted scenes and an optional director’s commentary.
Good Will Hunting
Co-written in 1997 by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting won Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards. Matt Damon stars as Will Hunting, a janitor at America’s top university with a mind more capable than even its most gifted students. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will’s last chance to get on the straight and narrow is a psychology professor (Robin Williams), who might be the only person who can get through to him. The Blu-ray features extras including behind-the-scenes footage, production featurettes, deleted scenes and “Miss Misery” music video by the late, great Elliott Smith.
What’s your favourite Ben Affleck movie? Are there any you would recommend watching over the weekend? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments box below.
