Ben Affleck Interviews David Fincher On His Work Ethic, Legacy And 'Mank' | Directors on Directors

For once, Ben Affleck gets to ask the questions. That’s how the actor-director framed his duty of leading a conversation with longtime friend and “Gone Girl” boss David Fincher, the esteemed director whose Netflix film “Mank” has emerged as a top awards contender for 2021.
Appearing in Variety‘s “Directors on Directors” conversation series, the pair recently held a virtual reunion where Affleck dug into the decades-long process of bringing the story of famed screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz to screen.
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[@cartercrisco2524]

Even Fincher's room looks like it'd be part of a Fincher movie

[@BrendanCescon]

hahaha you're 100% right

[@shahrzadjfr5362]

Goddamn it exactly:)))

[@ncr8526]

Gsus, was gonna say that 🤣😃

[@jonesfoto1036]

You mean the green back-grade, right? Yeah, perfect! And it’s not the whole scene- his skin tone is tight on the marker - it’s the room! Great....

[@ernestocaro9802]

hahahaha

[@GymAndSun]

Ben looks so much happier and healthier these days. Great to see

[@erickesteban8700]

Ana de armas

[@PS-jh3in]

@@erickesteban8700 lol they broke up a couple of months ago

[@acfan8253]

latina women make men happy

[@ThatGirlAafia]

He's lost weight.. Looks younger. Skins radiant too

[@Knightfall182]

@@ThatGirlAafia The webcam effect

[@ThePwig]

Damn the rare Fincher interview where he’s really into it

[@seangalvin3196]

Yeah. I think directors and artists in general get annoyed by journalists and critics that ask a lot of film theory questions rather than practical filmmaking questions. These questions have real answers.

[@800Ms-k6n]

@@seangalvin3196 I think he does this because it's Affleck who's interviewing him. I think directors are a lot more comfortable when they are being interviewed by actors, not journalists

[@kaidwyer6891]

@@800Ms-k6nAffleck is a director too

[@mrjekyll6]

Seeing Ben Affleck so energetically fanboying David Fincher is heartwarming, especially because you can tell they are SO into what they are talking about as FILMMMAKERS who truly love their craft in all aspects.

[@cutieboychase]

Your comment: cringe

[@mrjekyll6]

@@cutieboychase no pancakes from mommy this morning?

[@Pixelkip]

@@cutieboychase😂 zero pancakes from momma

[@squatch545]

My boy Ben is wicked smart.

[@kangaroo3708]

He actually is He was right when he was on bill Maher as well. Sam Harris is just a clown.

[@courtnisaizon4546]

Super smart!

[@BruceLee-t9n]

I'm Smarter

[@spinecraft1356]

I've never seen Fincher blush this much.

[@kentjensen4504]

Fincher always strikes me as such a genuine and non-pretensious man. And he's literally a genius, of course.

[@porassrivastava8242]

Actually he's kinda like kubrick he's very douchey on set. He made a stunt double remove safety to have a realistic falling shot in fight club. He took 12 takes.

[@kentjensen4504]

@@porassrivastava8242 That is interesting. Kubrick is superior, anyway, since he has extremely important hidden messages ins most important movies.

[@HHCronikO]

Describe to me how anyone can possibly be literally a genius.

[@kentjensen4504]

@@HHCronikO Lots of people get called geniuses and it’s usually an exaggeration. When I say “literally a genius” I am saying he’s an actual genius, as in actually having a genius level IQ. And even if his IQ should not be that level, the term ‘genius’ is traditionally also used to describe artists of visionary level or at the highest level of accomplishment, and Fincher has long since joined the ranks of Bergman, Hitchcock, Coppola, Spielberg; the masters of cinema craft. In either case one can reasonably describe Fincher as a LITERAL genius. It seems you have no clue what ‘genius’ means and no clue what ‘literally’ means.

[@Lamidemonami7891]

@@kentjensen4504 why do “extremely important hidden messages” make someone better? Fincher crafts more interesting looking films, has more of a unique style, makes more entertaining films, and makes more relevant films. Overall he’s just a better filmmaker, and frankly I can’t understand how it’s even close

[@impatrickt]

These guys need their own podcast.

[@lowlowseesee]

nah, fincher doesnt need to talk all the time. let the geniuses rest. affleck on the other hand is perfect to blab hahahaha

[@BruceLee-t9n]

And room

[@mishael8336]

Even his room has that grey/dark green fincher vibe to it.

[@Whoa802]

It's so weird seeing Fincher be so happy and jovial for once in an interview. He acts just like my kind, grandfather-like film professor here.

[@planetram]

Ben's enthusiasm is gold.

[@mahimanandakumar6856]

I love how cool Ben Affleck was through this whole thing.

[@courtnisaizon4546]

His personality has always been super cool.

[@rigsby1454]

Affleck teasing Fincher is very funny

[@vrenks]

“I’d just finished Alien 3…” “Oh, so you were at your peak”

[@Cheeks730]

Never seen Fincher like this. He’s mellowed out a ton, he’s hilarious

[@dxnce7593]

True , did he talk about mindhunter here I can't watch the whole interview rn

[@shuaibsalim6616]

Ben Affleck looks 10 years younger

[@kylearking8918]

I legitimately had to check the year to make sure this wasn’t an older interview even though it said Mank! He looks like he did back in his Daredevil days.

[@notsogreen]

Weight lost/ possibly botox to smooth out facial lines, or some type of filtering/ lighting. Maybe weight lost purposely done for a film part? I had to check the date. I liked him fuller in the face, but that's me. It fit the parts he played. Watched "Gone Girl" a 2nd time recently, but this time not in a movie theatre. Ben was really great in that film. During the 2nd viewing at home, I was able to zoom in on his acting skills, since I knew the film's outcome and his character's plight and reasoning. His acting was so very convincing. He nailed the part. If you (or rather those reading the comments) haven't seen "Gone Girl" it's a treat! Some scenes are a bit over the top, but done for a purpose in the story telling, and in all in a well scripted/ acted, directed, thought out way.

[@kevinw712]

what a great way to demonstrate how chronic alcohol (particularly once toward you're into your late 30s at least) can really bloat the face. Bill Burr has actually had a sort of bit on this point in his act, just about people in general.

[@dogoloco9640]

adrenochrome from pizza gate

[@danielyu597]

Yes batman, at least 10 year, it's so weird

[@errhka]

I can't say I liked Mank - but this conversation was still great to listen to. Also nice to see Ben looking much better. Wish them both all the besg

[@danielchavez4403]

I hope Ben works with David Fincher again someday.

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Ben Affleck is probably one of the only people to be in “Directors on Directors” and “Actors on Actors”

[@benjordan9897]

Keneath Branagh

[@scampoli25]

3:23 Fincher laughing at the Alien 3 joke brings me so much joy

[@vrenks]

“I’d just finished Alien 3…” “Oh, so you were at your peak”

[@ericmonaghan1231]

Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve !

[@offspringfan1288]

I would cream my pants to sit and watch those two directors talk cinema for an hour

[@matthewschwartz6607]

The guy who did the second Blade Runner movie?

[@MrsTuppence]

Yes, please!

[@mohamedashian604]

@@matthewschwartz6607 not to sound rude but he’s done more than that ya know?

[@BruceLee-t9n]

Are we making up Filmmakers here?

[@andrew_logic]

This was great! Loved their chemistry, and Ben had fantastic questions which made for a great interview

[@bryanthevery]

Soooo happy to see Ben so lively and healthly! Hope you're doing good, bro!

[@BruceLee-t9n]

Modern psychotic medicine at it's best

[@grapes9h5]

It doesn’t get any better than this!!

[@EllaxSullivan]

I think it's due to watching a lot of Ben Affleck content over the past few weeks, like this, actors on actors, directors roundtable because I'm really starting to fancy him and I never have before. I think it's the way he talks about film, directing and his engagement within these things... who knows

[@katiescarlettohara]

He is HOT 🔥🔥🔥 intelligence, talent and genuine enthusiasm is so attractive

[@shooter499]

Love this interview, awesome conversation and love to see Ben doing so good. You can just feel the friendship and admiration they have for each other throughout this.

[@KoriePrince]

of course fincher calls his own father "Jack" lol

[@NayelMohsenAli]

I am Jack's complete lack of surprise

[@3elll315]

@@NayelMohsenAli good one 👌🏾😁

[@Largentina.]

​@@NayelMohsenAliPerfect comment and reference.

[@orbansz1]

Fincher is a distinct character in címema, and it is interesting to see him so relaxed in this. You can tell, he is completely enjoying the conversation. I've just started getting to know Ben Affleck, though I knew earlier, he is a two Academy Award winner star. It started with I've almost accidentally watched The Town. It was so good, I began to look up Ben's work. Rewatched Argo, then came the stuff with Kevin Smith, BvS, Live by night, The way back... Astonishing work. Then I would watch interviews with him, like this. Suddenly I realized, this guy is way more than I thought. A true filmmaker, fascinated by this modern art, impressively quick-witted and intelligent, and brave. And, at times, so naively open, it hurts. I found, that his co-workers speaks highly of his values. He is smart, funny and charismatic, which is a dangerous combo for women. Also, he is complicated and problematic (we've seen it a lot in Hollywood before) -- talent often walks hand in hand with demons. But in his case, I realized, he is respected and loved by many in the industry, because of his heart, capabilities and generousity. If you only knew him from the covers of the tabloids, you really lose a lot, the whole picture is so much more interesting.

[@swayampattnaik4858]

He's flawed just like the rest of us but the fact that he's so talented and soo good at his craft, makes him special

[@jessejohnson575]

Really enjoyed this interview, Ben is well spoken and thoughtful, great listen.

[@riseofazrael]

I'm glad Fincher doesn't stick his nose up at Netflix and writes them off. He seems very open-minded and willing to adapt to change and use new technologies. I've always loved his work, I've seen all his films and have enjoyed them all though I did think Mank was a bit boring for my tastes. This was a great conversation.

[@justinc2413]

He's basically responsible for where they are now in terms of content production. He was the driving force behind House of Cards and that show basically established Netflix as a place where good content could be created instead of just bought.

[@joseyanez8231]

We’ll keep in mind to he was there when ILM was shifting the industry from practical to CGI. He more likely understands that change is good for the art form.

[@jamesward3859]

I think if he had the option he would put it in movie theatres

[@m.mishra9133]

It's always better to put two ppl from the same world interviewing each other. Makes it as fun as this interview was.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Dam this was good. Loved listening to these two master filmmakers. How did they NOT mention Davids Mindhunters? That was a great series imo.Directors On Directors is my new favorite YT segment

[@untitledreviewer]

Even though it's an year old, it just goes to show how much dedicated both of thwm are to their work of film making especially Fincher and affleck is just purely overhated or underrated and is never given enough credit for some of his work that feel like modern masterpieces

[@beckyleonardis6331]

I'd love to see Ben and David make another movie together! Gone Girl was such a dark and twisted movie!

[@vishrutbajaj337]

Best director working today.

[@henkjarnosla1991]

PTA

[@TMV420]

also most difficult to work with, so I've heard

[@robsonnakazato4197]

Denis Villeneuve

[@leemcqueen500]

Nolan

[@Lamidemonami7891]

@@TMV420 that’s how it was with Kubrick though... clearly he can’t be THAT much of an ass when Affleck is sitting here having a great conversation with him after their bickering on set

[@amvorv2144]

Stay happier and healthier lifestyle sir Ben Affleck

[@AdityaDixitYT]

The 5-minute clip made me think for a while that the whole video will only be up on Variety's website and I couldn't watch it on my TV. Now I very much can. Much thanks for this.

[@brian1982100]

Two of my fave people:) love you David and Ben!

[@MovieMongerHZ]

So inspirational. And humanized both David and Ben.

[@jakebee7205]

Fincher putting his hands on his face like a school girl is so goddamn endearing

[@Lidoe]

Now that I think about it, a David Fincher Batman film would go insane!

[@jakejoseph5534]

Se7en is basically a Batman film without Batman.

[@jonesfoto1036]

I was pretty skeptical going into this - Ben seems a little more than fawning at times - but this was really worthwhile, huh? It’s nice to see Fincher having made a kind of peace with himself and his process. A gifted fellow, for certain.

[@helgafever768]

Fincher was the director of Madonna's iconic videos like Vogue, Express Yourself, Oh Father and my prefered Bad Girl 😍

[@Ameno06]

Her ex partner

[@longlivingdude]

I´d love to see Fincher direct a Se7en-styled Batman detective film with Ben!

[@marcmckernan5815]

It's happening only matt reeves is gonna direct it . u can see in the new trailer seven and zodiac are inspirations for it.

[@zjegauoebatozi]

Holy shit he looks so healthy now good for him

[@aslyhalal3649]

Best movie review I have ever seen. I am actually going to watch this black and white looking movie “Mank” cause of Afflecks genuine interest in it.

[@afrosymphony8207]

omg they got fincher in one of these interviews, omg!

[@richrent]

Ben Affleck has become a competent director. As for Fincher which I am sure he has a great respect for actors, he seems to treat them like props. The movie [any movie] is about storytelling. You'll never get technique from these guys in an interview or a discussion. They live through the lens and that outcome is done in many ways. Cinematography is the best technical explanation of how the story is done through film. I love movies and I find myself caring less about actors and more concerned with settings/atmosphere.

[@matthewschwartz6607]

Fincher is VERY smart! He definitely knows his film and film history.

[@robertmcghintheorca49]

It's funny to see them having a joyful chat considering that on "Gone Girl", they got into such a fight that it shut production of the film down for four days out as they tried to argue their way out.

[@ruttedrumble3332]

That was a joke by Fincher that everyone took seriously

[@Playhouse76]

Where's the rest of it? Felt like this conversation was still getting going. Would love to see more of it.

[@areyoufriendly]

Of course they’re gonna be there for this, but the splicing of Mank clips really adds to a great conversation. Such great shots.

[@MrG0yb0t]

man whoever edited this did an amazing job. :D

[@juanmonet]

Even the color palette in Fincher's environment looks like something out of one of his films.

[@renujankanagaratnam3912]

I would want to see David Fincher to direct the Ben Affleck Batman script !

[@KayButtonJay]

Fantastic interview. This should be a series

[@DnewNancy]

Why did they cut the ending like that... it was just getting to the good informational part!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[@taimosdailos8716]

Yes, i thought so too!!! Why cut at the best part?

[@dogoloco9640]

search directors on directors on the search bar, there's the whole segment

[@eliagard3437]

@@dogoloco9640 I can't find it

[@dogoloco9640]

@@eliagard3437 for some reason I can't paste the link on here, just type david fincher directors on directors on the search bar on youtube, its the one that is more than 40 mins long

[@euklane]

Greatest 'American' movie ever made. Thankyou Fincher.

[@mattymclaughlin5900]

Ben and David are great here. Genuine

[@28ny]

Nice to hear from actual professional directors.

[@ConnorEllisMusic]

What does that mean?

[@28ny]

@@ConnorEllisMusic People who can actually speak intelligently about the art and science of directing a film. Unlike most of the people Hollywood hires to direct films because they're related to someone.

[@of1300]

The more I watch Mank the more I like it. I hated it first. But I think it is a very mature piece of work.

[@kishorek1599]

I love all david fincher pictures 🤯

[@boypanta3192]

This is the best thing I got from KZbin!!

[@jimmyboyle3543]

Please someone convince Affleck to direct another movie.

[@lukegoldstonofficial1614]

He’s gonna be directing Keeper of the Lost Cities for Walt Disney Pictures.

[@amvorv2144]

We love you sir Ben Affleck around the world..💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@muratsarsenov2008]

0:58 Affleck is Fincher's dad!!! What a twist

[@404leo3]

BATMAN Movie: Directed by David Fincher Starring Ben Afflek Imagine that 🤩

[@TigranKarapetyan97]

OMG, the "Fincher Bitch" cracked me up lmao. Good one, Ben!

[@leo3star]

This reunion is fucking wholesome

[@gingetomassi8153]

even Fincher's office is fucking lit like a Fincher movie with that green and yellow tone lmao

[@amvorv2144]

You still handsome sir Ben Affleck. From the 💓 of Asia Filipinas Philippine's..

[@ofb-jq5lc]

3:22 - OMG, he mentioned Alien 3. Ha ! Love the 'Assembly Cut.'

[@clarkparker4860]

I was waiting for Fincher to ask Ben questions until I read the description 30 min in. 😅

[@StuartSandford]

I need a series order of this immediately.

[@areyoufriendly]

I would do great under Fincher’s direction. And this was a great conversation that I really enjoyed and took a lot from.

[@Filmmaker809]

I just wished they used professional microphones instead of their onboard laptop mics.

[@timgailey4446]

Mank: Best screenplay of the year. Period.

[@x13rand0n11x]

Please tell me there is a part 2.

[@ashmaterial]

Even Finger's webcam has green tint to it

[@pavvanaashish5598]

Amazing ❤️

[@MrHumatang]

All i can think about watching this is Fincher's commentary on Gone Girl talking shit about Ben refusing to wear some baseball cap that wasnt a redsox cap

[@Equint77]

Apparently the scene required ben to wear a yankees hat and he refused.. so he settled for a ny mets hat.

[@MrHumatang]

@@Equint77 and Fincher calls Ben a very unprofessional actor

[@porassrivastava8242]

Ben's original Batman script was inspired by The game made by David Fincher and if you've seen movies like argo and gone baby gone they've a very Fincher feel to them.

[@frostbitepokin9520]

I cry everytime

[@safakhiati4410]

Yes I see the interview

[@shuaibsalim6616]

Hey that's me

[@SreegovindM]

His room is straight from his movies 😂..

[@user-carlthomas]

Very nice stuff !THAT was fun,!!!! Two guys with a great love of an art named cinema. this is a pure fun such a pleasure to be the fly on distant wall enjoying my privilidged seat! Thanks for the casual sharing really deep creative insights , both. I feel like wow i just learned tons ! Happy Holidays and all good come your way like a blessed new year ! I know theres more tremendous movies to slip from you fellas sleeves !!! Carl NY 12/26/23

[@ErnieCT1987]

The way Fincher is constantly covering his face makes it look like Affleck is proposing to him over zoom. Lol!

[@powerofmovies687]

Variety can make history just by adding an episode with Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino ,We never watch and listen to those passionate filmmakers discussing movies ,It will be true gift for cinema lovers

[@suvigyabasnotra7378]

I hope Chris Nolan is there on this Variety's list of Directors on Directors for this year!

[@kylearking8918]

I want Leonardo DiCaprio or Christian Bale to interview him!

[@wimsadmojo]

Love to see Nolan & Villeneuve interview each other!!

[@juhanainen]

@@wimsadmojo I would prefer Villeneuve & Fincher

[@wimsadmojo]

@@juhanainen I like your preference as well!

[@Lite727]

Jesus Christ Ben Affleck looks insanely good here.

[@affreux-jojo]

:D I enjoy Alleck's humor here, great punch jokes haha, and a wise Fincher who has to take time to demonstate his POV_even in his work. "You were at your peak !" haha, MORE !

[@npcimknot958]

lol i like how nice finchers zoom call looks. it looks like he’s in one of his own movies but with a lower quality camera lol. the lighting is nice lol

[@galinaurozhaeva9357]

Thank you😊👍

[@danielasanchez4674]

38:23 We're just gonna do stakes, stakes to start and then we'll figure out what/how we're gonna do after that 38: 43 relaxation is so integral to something honest 31:11 39:10 most people in your movies have the best performance, they have the opportunity to You gotta sacrifice, you can't do everything (money to try it out every conceivable way) 39:27 i walk into a room and you go "Who's got something interesting to fold into this"

[@ishratjahan8221]

Ben 😍

[@CptUhudini]

I would love to see Quentin Tarantino and Sam Raimi together

[@yugahanglimbu8759]

David Fincher interview with his dad.

[@55nfabulous]

Where’s Season 3 of MINDHUNTER??!!!! 😫😫😫😫

[@HEAVYDIAPER]

Covid bro

[@ptxc1232]

I love how the do these interviews

[@Aisonic95]

Imagine David Fincher directing the Batfleck solo film..