Ben Affleck on ‘Radically’ Reworking ‘Animals,’ Why Directing for Streaming Is the Same as Theatrical and Using AI
The filmmaker and actor tells TheWrap about leaning into the performative nature of morality, Netflix's lack of notes and what he used AI for in his kidnapping thriller The post Ben Affleck on ‘Radically’ Reworking ‘Animals,’ Why Directing for Streaming Is the Same as Theatrical and Using AI appeared first on TheWrap .
Ben Affleck's sixth film as a director, "Animals," premiered on Netflix this weekend. Originally, Affleck intended to direct but not star in the thriller about a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife dealing with their son's kidnapping. Matt Damon and Jennifer Garner were initially cast, but Affleck abandoned the project after learning of another similar film being produced by Spike Lee and Denzel Washington.
He later took over the starring role himself, as Damon had joined "The Odyssey." Jennifer Garner was reluctant to reprise her role due to her real-life relationship with Affleck, so Kerry Washington replaced her. Affleck aimed to create a more nuanced and honest portrayal of marital dynamics by exploring the gray areas of morality, performance, and the performative nature of morality.
He used AI technology, founded by his company Interpositive, in post-production to enhance the film's visuals and effects without replacing any jobs. Affleck sees AI as a tool to aid filmmakers rather than a replacement for human creativity. He rejected the notion that AI can do everything and considers it a valuable addition to the filmmaking process.
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