Interview by: Bruce Bluett
BruceBluett@TheCinemaSource.com

*Click Here For Another Interview with Ben Affleck

When an actor is seen to be a leading man very seldom do they possess qualities beyond good looks and the ability to make things explode. Granted, Ben Affleck has done plenty of that in his Hollywood career. From diverting a mammoth asteroid to saving the world from nuclear terror, Affleck has established himself as a dashing go to guy when the world needs a hand. In no film is this more apparent than Phantoms where Affleck plays a no nonsense sheriff who refuses to submit to the tyranny of the night. Why stop there'Ben doesn't disappoint as a frightened but able co-star in Reindeer Games. And lest we forget, the harrowing Voyage of the Mimi.

My point is not to criticize Ben's past roles; I would give my good eye to have his career. I am only attempting to convey the wide variety of titles and characters in the Affleckian library. However, his performance as Ollie in Jersey Girl allows him to take on qualities that put the 'man' into leading man.

As a young hotshot publicist, Ollie Trinke loves the Manhattan high-life. Successes at work and in matters of the heart seem to be the only thing on the horizon. After deciding to settle down with his new wife and daughter, a tragedy besets the young family. Reeling from the loss, Ollie must sacrifice the life he knew to provide for the life he created.

Ben Affleck and director Kevin Smith have a long and tenured career together. Ever since the early days of Mallrats, Affleck has appeared in four consecutive Smith films preceding Jersey Girl. Affleck admits that he and Smith have grown together in terms of filmmaking by comparing Jersey Girl to previous work.

'I think that this (Jersey Girl) movie is very similar to Chasing Amy in that at that point in your life, your central preoccupations are relationships, romance, and sex'this movie is about trying to grow up and become a man from all of that' said Affleck.

Commenting on his friend and colleague, Affleck welcomes and understands Kevin Smith's change in style.

'I think Kevin wrote this movie because he was terrified when he was becoming a father... he was scared that he would have to do it alone' Affleck explained. 'Kevin's movies are always really honest. I think he's ready to embrace that he's just really a big softie at heart.'

Another staple in Kevin Smith films is a man by the name of George Carlin. Affleck comments on the comic legend that plays his father in Jersey Girl. 'My dad in many ways is similar to this character (Carlin) in the movie...which is weird because I don't think that Kevin has even met my dad. My dad was a janitor and a bartender, not quite a sanitation worker like in the movie, but probably on the same pay scale. My dad left when I was very young and my mother raised me. My relationship with my father now is very similar to the relationship in the movie, there is an almost fraternal relationship that I was able to draw on for my scenes with George'.

Also starring in Jersey Girl is the Jersey girl herself, young Raquel Castro who plays Gertie Trinke. She is not the only member of the cast with experience as a child actor. Affleck spoke about his experiences of Hollywood at a young age.

'I think child acting can be really destructive or really fruitful. One of the things I see Raquel's mother doing that I like is maintaining a normal life for her as well. I never had anything as high profile as this role when I was a kid. Even so I felt like I was in a position in my life where my personality was sort of bifurcated, an overly precocious kid who was trying to take on more responsibility than he was capable of. Also there was a part of my personality that was still a kid and wanted to rebel against that and do immature things'I guess one of my problems is I still feel that way.'

Ben Affleck's performance in Jersey Girl only helps to solidify and strengthen his leading male status. At all times kind, genuine, and funny, Ollie and Ben share many characteristics making this a very complimenting role.

For another chat with Ben: Ben Affleck: The Man, Not the Tabloid Headline