Casey Affleck Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@indrilestari4682]

For me, his acting in Manchester by the Sea is the best performance of an actor so far!

[@moisemensah8233]

It's amongst the greatest. In my opinion, DDL's There Will Be Blood is. But I respect your opinion. Casey conveyed and portrayed grief and trauma in such a masterful and realistic manner that I understand why he won for Best Actor. He made me sob for days. Absolutely heartbreaking.

[@indrilestari4682]

@@moisemensah8233 I've heard that as well. Planning to watch it soon! Thnks for the recommendation.

[@noran7809]

@@indrilestari4682 "For me, his acting in Manchester by the Sea is the best performance of an actor so far!" Indeed Daniel Day-Lewis is great, no doubt, but no film role has impressed me more than Affleck's in Manchester by the Sea ...

[@caseyaffleck2579]

Hi I've seen quite a handful of your comments on my fan page and I just wanna go out of my way to appreciate those people who’s comments and good wishes encourages me and I hope to bring you guys so much entertainment. Send a direct message to my private chat I got something for you. Stay safe 🌹❤️

[@leoperarm]

I completely agree

[@Ali-rp1ok]

manchester by the sea, iconic acting

[@HotStrange]

Honestly one of the best performances I’ve seen.

[@tellmeajoke4645]

Out of the furance was pretty dang good too

[@papajohn6839]

@@tellmeajoke4645 Don’t forget The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford!

[@Vandalle.]

@@papajohn6839 The way he plays that character is amazing, made the entire movie, that kinda half innocent, half unsettling and completely unpredictable personality, I can't imagine any other actor being able to play that so well and so naturally, probably my favourite actor.

[@tonyfluerty1032]

@@Vandalle. he was one very freaky dude lol

[@seancorrigan7448]

His police station scene in 'Manchester by the Sea' is some of the greatest acting ever in a film.

[@kyliemw]

100%. Said this since the moment I saw it.

[@davidswanson5669]

It’s one of those scenes that gets burned into your soul.

[@junebabyxo5211]

0:21 Gerry 2:14 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 5:40 Gone Baby Gone 7:30 Ain’t Them Bodies Saints 8:55 Out of the Furnace 10:38 Manchester By The Sea 13:14 A Ghost Story 14:44 Light of My Life 18:52 The Old Man and the Gun 21:05 Our Friend 25:23 The World to Come Surprised he didn’t talk about the Ocean’s movies and his memorable camaraderie with Scott Caan!

[@officialmattmedia]

Thank you

[@monxx15]

Or Good Will Hunting

[@aliceelliott1892]

Yeah, the times are listed in the video’s description.

[@naheenhabib7299]

Casey Affleck is known to be a dramatic actor but he is such an underrated comedic actor like his performance in Tower Heist is so funny and yet so subtle. I hope he stars in more comedies but what would be fantastic is if he starred in a David O Russell film.

[@CruzCuaya94]

American Pie and American Pie 2

[@vperkv6554]

And his guest hosting SNL gig. the dunkin donuts skit stands out the most. Its hilarious.

[@JC21]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who remembers Tower Heist.

[@hellbabyy]

He's hilarious in Good Will Hunting

[@hepppy]

@@hellbabyy my boys wicked smaht

[@ovig8917]

'A Ghost Story' had me in tears for days and stuck with me for weeks. Even his brief performance on Interstellar, especially the video recording scene was breathtaking.

[@PurushaDesa]

Rooney Mara and the pie - Jesus Christ.

[@brodykopp5703]

“Ben Affleck’s Brother” is how my mom and I used to classify Casey Affleck. Now it is more like “Casey Affleck’s brother” to describe Ben Affleck. No offense, it is just Casey has become so phenomenal.

[@tellmeajoke4645]

I 100% agree

[@DropNinety]

They’re both great.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

That's not true

[@OGKennyPowers]

They’re both equally as good at what they do imo. One is more a movie star (Ben) while Casey is much more of an “actors actor”

[@brodykopp5703]

@@OGKennyPowers I agree 100%.

[@djknucklez1]

Amazing actor. His role as Robert Ford was probably one of his best performances.

[@itsboyaknow]

Yep fan-freaking-tastic

[@GeminiJonson]

I agree,he's phenomenal.

[@avamasquerade]

I *still* hear Robert Ford every time Casey talks and it makes my skin absolutely writhe.

[@SaulRudd]

Assassination of Jesse James... may be the best underrated movie of modern times. its what I always use as an example of when a film is really "art".

[@saginawdan]

Yep

[@anthg4563]

Agreed. I’m glad he expanded on his outlook of Robert and Jesse and their relationship. I tell everybody to watch it.

[@FutureExitsMedia]

Agreed, it seems criminally underrated. Saw it at the cinema, then went and saw it again a few days later because I was just utterly astonished by it. A masterpiece.

[@senthilvelan544]

11:18 (Casey saying that he didnt add anything to the script) Im pretty sure the devastating "Please" in that Poloce station scene was not in the script, Manchester by the Sea. Casey is a fantastic artist in General, producer, Director, Actor, writer. "Light of my life" I highly recommend to any Casey Affleck fans out there.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

You can't be ''sure'', you weren't there.

[@senthilvelan544]

@@yevgeniyaleshchenko849 there's a video comparison of script to screen on KZbin. Bother looking it up before yapping mindless hate comments, woman.

[@pazhiggins2243]

I've just landed here after watching the video of that scene with the script. I was just thinking that.

[@frostbite7054]

I never really took him seriously as an actor until I watched The Assassination of Jesse James. What a quietly powerful and poignant performance, he totally blew me away. It also helps that the movie is a stone-cold masterpiece.

[@parko3327]

He stole that whole movie IMO.

[@RohanSharma-pw7nv]

My favourite actor... Assassination of Jesse James, Gone baby Gone, Manchester by the Sea, Oldman with a Gun... What an actor❤️

[@GillianMorrison]

For my money Casey Affleck is the most consistently brilliant actor of his generation. I think over a longer period he will be viewed as one of the best in cinema. I think in a world saturated with celebrity and vapid talk so often associated with his industry, he always has something of substance to say and thinks before he speaks

[@user-re8xx5gr3b]

Couldn’t agree more with this!

[@Jay23445]

You’re speaking facts my friend. I think he’s better than Dicaprio and he’s on par with Joaquin Phoenix and Christian Bale

[@dylanjordan4747]

it really is a crime how few leading roles he has under his belt

[@thedarintino]

Based on past interviews I get the impression Casey Affleck detests the Oceans movies for how underutilized he was and regulated to a “background player” and how (and I’m paraphrasing) “movies where everyone is laughing between takes and having a great time tend to not turn out very well.”

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

He's not the only one with talent and intelligence/depth.

[@lalitborabooks]

His best character is the Dunkin Guy.... Go back to staaabucks!!!

[@amsterluca]

Ahahahahah true

[@ns2110theonly]

That’s STAAAAHbucks at the Dunkin where that was filmed 😂

[@tristanvillani9855]

Having lived in Boston and Massachusetts my whole life, I can tell you that he nailed the accent and the demeanor of our natives better than any other actor in that skit. It's like, insanely accurate.

[@ns2110theonly]

@@tristanvillani9855 yup same

[@lilygrace6605]

"Cut your nails for god's sake!!"

[@sodeiku]

my boy wicked smaahht

[@leokneedus]

The Assassination of Jesse James is a really underappreciated movie. I already thought it had unimaginable depth even before Casey gave his take on it.

[@cynthiamadrid1430]

GREAT movie. HAUNTING.

[@Notturnoir]

a snoozer

[@jameshall1075]

​@@Notturnoir ^Braindead^

[@terryf6696]

He always picks such amazing, soulful movies. That scene with him and Michelle Williams just talking is just a small masterpiece. And The World to Come is my favourite movie of 2021, hands down!

[@exildur]

Casey's performance in Jesse James was one of the greatest acting feats of modern times. For me, it cemented Casey as one of the best actors in the world. Combined with a beautifully written story, breathtaking cinematography and perfect soundtrack, it has to be one of the greatest films ever made. Very underrated in my opinion.

[@myfilms999]

Bummed the Ocean's movies and Interstellar aren't on here

[@MitchellFace]

Those were literally the two things I wanted to hear him talk about.

[@luis6263]

You have to watch out of the furnace with him and Christian Bale its really amazing

[@jakestroll6518]

He's barely in Interstellar, has no arc and adds nothing to the plot. They should have edited him out frankly. Just cuts the pace.

[@luis6263]

@@jakestroll6518 bruh you didnt get it

[@abramsullivan7764]

Ocean's films?

[@pdcasablanca]

One of my favorite actors. Love his toned down, realistic way of acting.

[@PANIC61513]

He’s incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and well spoken.

[@nickslowlife2929]

I second that!!

[@tristanvillani9855]

Brie Larson disagrees.

[@samanthatrovato-read8207]

His portrayal of Robert Ford is spectacular and criminally underrated

[@cmroche10]

He seems like a really down to earth guy. Great actor as well.

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

he's also vegan

[@TrueNorth1217]

May want to look into the accusations against him...

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

@@TrueNorth1217 its accusation

[@TrueNorth1217]

@@BuckingHorse-Bull even Joaquin Pheonix says it happened

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

@@TrueNorth1217 im not their and until hes proven guilty or innocent all we can do is wait.

[@LMUstacker]

He's underrated because most directors still didn't see or understand how to manage the unique sparkle in his attitude and acting. He's one of those who's just not canonical - like his brother is, much easier to manage and put in a movie, he's a standard action hero - so he still needs to be understood. Like J. Phoenix, they put him in lots of diverse and inadequate roles (Ocean's!, come on...) because they don't know how to handle him. Once they know, they'll find a new M. Brando/J. Dean.

[@brabbit3389]

Assassination of JJ is an incredible film, wish it was more recognized

[@aw4925]

I love listening to intelligent people. Casey Affleck is a very thoughtful actor, genuine guy and extremely talented. Always strikes me as minimalist actor, understated and fascinating to watch because of that.

[@adagioelegy1949]

a seriously underrated actor

[@uhtredofbebbanburg5748]

He literally won an Oscar

[@dwightlove3704]

@@uhtredofbebbanburg5748 That he should have lost to DENZEL!!!!!

[@nickirocks536]

@@dwightlove3704 No he really shouldn't have. Denzel over did it on Fences by a mile.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@nickirocks536 Nate Parker for his role as NAT TURNER in BIRTH OF A NATION should have been the one to defeat Denzel in '16.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@nickirocks536 Spike Lee said that was Denzel's best performance on a movie screen in the past 20 yrs.

[@mralienarea5172]

I love his role in the movie assasination of jesse james

[@davehall9916]

Me too. His character was super awkward, almost creepy. Loved Brad Pitt in that as well, great movie.

[@majatadic549]

In my opinion, his best role, so far! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dmil843]

The Assassination of Jesse James is an incredible film and one of my favorite acting performances by both Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck. I always recommend it to people who are looking for something to watch.

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

Casey as Robert Ford is one of the Top 5 acting performances I've ever seen, maybe even number 1. I want Casey to be leading more films

[@annab8189]

He is very enigmatic and charismatic. Love the rawness.

[@caseyaffleck2579]

Hi I've seen quite a handful of your comments on my fan page and I just wanna go out of my way to appreciate those people who’s comments and good wishes encourages me and I hope to bring you guys so much entertainment. Send a direct message to my private chat I got something for you. Stay safe 🌹❤️

[@hunmiliengtipi9218]

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Robert Ford is just... Perfect. Love Casey!

[@lukewilliam3601]

I forgot all about "Ain't Them Bodies Saints". I cried like a baby at the end of that one.

[@bahribahri8136]

Manchester by the sea, the best performance in history of cinema. Period.

[@krissyturner88]

When CA played Morgan in Good Will Hunting, I read somewhere that he was allowed to ad-lib most of his lines. If you rewatch that film, you can get a sense of how funny and talented he is!

[@totaloutlanderobsession8013]

Didn’t know he was in good will ....thanks

[@andrewstephens5885]

Double burgerrrr

[@nanapoohsmom4927]

@@andrewstephens5885my favorite scene 😂 Casey and Ben really showed that “sibling argument” type thing 😂

[@MSalvadorStudios]

he is more talented than his brother

[@Agent-wn7le]

No

[@ethanharmer5151]

If we are talking acting, I am 100% with you. That police station scene is overly talked about for a reason

[@wheeljack210]

In acting, Yes.

[@guyfawkes9792]

Definitely

[@morelorel]

i don’t like Ben.

[@Michlwhtn]

“You’ve gone nose deaf”. “Pack your things!” Love his character in the oceans’s series “who you calling ‘friend’ jackass!”

[@user-re8xx5gr3b]

Favorite actor ever. Always so special and compelling on the screen.

[@TrueNorth1217]

Yikes

[@muhammadhussam659]

One of the most realistic movies ever

[@bigolehamburger173]

Which one lmao

[@muhammadhussam659]

@@bigolehamburger173 manchester by the sea

[@Mlynoph]

While possibly not his most known role, I loved his role in interstellar as well. Surprised that they didn't mention it. While he wasn't the main focus, I loved his acting throughout the film.

[@otteotte7698]

No mention of Dunkin' Donuts?!

[@spocho23]

Yeah whaat he's the face of Dunkin donuts

[@timsickler5125]

Funniest SNL skit in decades

[@ns2110theonly]

Lol that was literally like one of the first comments. You must’ve missed it. Personally I’m not finding any ain’t them bodies saints comments. Definitely the most heartbreaking film I’ve ever seen. Usually even the best films fade away soon after you’ve seen them but that one stuck all these years.

[@kontraplake]

I hope the Dunkin guy is in there

[@mightisright]

That was funny.

[@walkeryon1765]

“Cahm Ahn Mahk I’m naht smokin’ in here”

[@retsofsivartnetloc9012]

Dunkin Nuts!

[@retsofsivartnetloc9012]

Tell him about the vanilla nut tap

[@aeonlincoln5474]

@@retsofsivartnetloc9012 The what??

[@laurenlockhart4668]

Casey is always so humble and lifting up the talents and positive qualities of all the people he works with. I don't think he even really knows how brilliant of an actor he is himself.

[@JamminOnThe1]

Loved him in To Die For and Good Will Hunting. No one plays those working class guys like he does. Dunkin’ Donuts guy is also amazing.

[@jodythomas4324]

Casey Affleck is a phenomenal actor, ever since I saw his performance as Robert Ford opposite Brad Pitt and even though I feel Pitt as Jesse James is a top 3 role for Pitt in his career, he still was outshone by the relative newcomer in Casey Affleck and it’s been nothing but uphill for him ever since as far as his acting chops go, culminating in his masterful performance in Manchester By the Sea which for me is a top 5 acting performance of this past decade (2010’s)

[@julieroccia6344]

I wish he would talk about Drowning Mona. I love this movie apparently people hated it? So underrated.

[@kylehoward4979]

Out of the furnace got me. Really legendary cast, can't believe it kinda slipped through the cracks.

[@HotStrange]

Brad Pitt is also fantastic in The Assassination of Jesse James. Amazing and overlooked film all around.

[@fgd7ygf7dg]

Power Raking: Manchester By the Sea > Out of the Furnace > Jesse James

[@HotStrange]

His performance in Manchester By the Sea completely destroyed me. It’s so good.

[@nickferry7796]

A Ghost Story might be my favorite movie of all time. And I’ve only seen it twice. So beautiful

[@luisdaniel7027]

The coward Robert Ford ..that was his best role ever

[@missrhib]

Gone Baby Gone is perfect. Perfect.

[@rileybenjamin7675]

Where's Good Will Hunting? Ocean's Trilogy? ParaNorman? Interstellar?

[@senthilvelan544]

Not here.

[@kimberlybaffour2438]

"So i did watch the movie but i had that happening" lmfaoooo like lady back up out of my face ! He seems like he's really down to earth and really funny.

[@ricardofreitas5131]

Hey GQ, please do a Anthony Hopkins most iconic characters video as soon as possible. The fans deserve one.

[@MsFashionistachic]

And a jack Nicholson

[@anandmorris]

I tell you what, he is good looking lad. And you can tell he is a proper actor. I haven't watched much of his films, but Manchester by the Sea was just amazing. Shame he couldn't enjoy watching it though!

[@frankjohnson2690]

He's one of the most underrated actors of our time.

[@nash5226]

There a scene in Manchester by sea where he conveys abt how he can never change or become better is the best piece of acting i have seen

[@E-A.]

Very seldom in cinema do you get an accurate portrayal of a man, as you do in Manchester by the sea. It was a 3d version of a man as you can get. Brilliant cinema.

[@MangosInTrees]

They NEED to do another movie like gone baby gone. That was my favorite film for years and the movie is based on a novel which does have a sequel 👍

[@Sensates85]

hearing him said he wanted to do another one of those novels made me real happy. but when?

[@melissa-wilson]

LOVE Casey Affleck! One of my favorites, after Christian Bale.

[@cotillion]

gone baby gone was amazing... ed harris, casey... all amazing performances.

[@joet1319]

I always thought he was a great actor. His preference in Manchester by the sea is absolutely masterful.

[@arduh]

he is one of the most talented actors ever. dude, manchester by the sea kills me everytime.

[@julieputerbaugh2701]

I love his voice and he always acts cool and calm !

[@KHHBBC]

I'm such a huge fan of Light of my life with the soundtrack being a real highlight.

[@caidyc]

I so loved Gerry because I got lost in the desert and understood all the emotions and pain. It genuinely helped me. Thank you.

[@joooooolea]

let’s all be honest we needed this... affleckkkkkk

[@caashinz]

you dont even know who he is

[@caashinz]

you just read caption

[@kevinhaynes1691]

I think of Casey Affleck as Kevin Myers Brother in American Pie 1 and 2, remember him in those movies?

[@yannest1530]

"Gerry" is a beautiful movie. Works like a play.

[@roofkyfraser7817]

gone baby gone is one of the best and most thought provoking movies I have ever seen!.... a brilliant movie!

[@yasminhelenendangeredspecies]

Great Interview. Casey Affleck is SO SMART! His performances are always something memorable and truly special. The Affleck brothers are just so talented. I think Manchester By The Sea will forever be one of the Best most profound films I have ever seen. It felt like someone had shown a flashlight into the dark grieving of my Soul ever since I lost my Mom and just a ton of trauma I was dealing with. That movie hit me so hard. I felt like it was just so personal. I can't believe somebody did that to Mr. Affleck at the premiere. Yuck! Man with a Gun was Special too! Something to be proud of with the last movie for L E G E N D Robert Redford. The scene where RR is riding a horse in the field--Just Wow!!!-like a Masterpiece Painting. Our Friend---Cathartic and Spectacular! Now that I have Cancer too😪, I wish I had those kinds of friends...but you do what you can. I truly feel that movie. It meant a Lot to me. Dakota DID do a great job. Heartbreaking-Tragic-REAL! Love to Dakota 🙏🌺💖 If I ever met Casey Affleck I would: A. Run away. Because he's just way too cool 😎 B. I would need a giant bag or prop to hide my face and body. Maybe just become invisible. C. I would not be able to speak. Not normally anyway 😂 Brightest Blessings to Casey Affleck 🙏😎💖🌌🌠 Brave Onward Casey!

[@tonywords6713]

Robert Ford is the role he was born to play

[@Jake-im8eq]

Even though he has an Oscar, i still think he’s one of the most underrated actors ever

[@SleepFan771]

The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford, Manchester By the Sea, & The Old Man & The Gun are something else. Casey Affleck is a phenomenal dramatic actor.

[@defaultc00kies63]

Fantastic actor, love his energy. Reminds me of Roy Scheider a lot. Incredibly beautiful blue eyes as well.

[@callemdavies8992]

I really, really liked Manchester by the Sea - it was a really unexpected gem to stumble across.

[@edcorrigan3156]

Manchester By the Sea is my favorite, hands down. Dunkin' Donuts SNL is a solid 2nd.

[@Xenfir_]

Idk how Gone Baby Gone could be any better. I love that movie

[@candycarter7059]

He’s so funny just in the stories he’s relating here, like about how disappointed he was by his Transylvania experience. And the weird lady sitting next to him at Manchester By the Sea. Anyway, besides enjoying his performances, I think I would like him as a person, too. Great episode!

[@JohnSmith47534]

I never realized how effortlessly funny he is!

[@kirstyhoward7257]

Manchester by the sea is one of the best movies I have ever seen

[@shrimoymohanty9232]

Ok now its time for a Brad pitt character breakdown.

[@perrap79]

That's going to be a great one! Denzel too.

[@familyjewelz4113]

One of the best actors

[@lekshminath9039]

Cassey Affleck talking to his introvert self for 28:46 mins

[@williamswilliams8164]

We are the same age He’s the most real actor today Any time he shows up He could bring something out special Always believable

[@kahannne]

What about Lonesome Jim, Casey's first leading role? He never talks about it, wonder why. I like this movie.

[@gameboypunk660]

Love absolutely love Manchester by the Sea and Ghost Story incredible performances and writing

[@durukiratli3563]

Casey Affleck, I admire you so much!!! You're so talented!!

[@TheDas9582]

The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford is an underrated masterpiece.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

_"I want him to sign it. You're just a 'Tracer'"_ was Casey's best role.

[@absolutelybased3640]

Great cameo 😂😂

[@ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

That was terrific but that glass shelf in the background was stressing me out the entire time.

[@RustinChole]

He really deserved and Oscar for his portrayal of Robert Ford. Easily one of my top three favorite films. Perfect film.

[@senthilvelan544]

I'm so glad Light of my life is talked about here. I loved every bit about his character in the movie.

[@rawthersramblings]

One of my all time favorite actors!!

[@SneakerFreaker97]

Manchester by The Sea is definitely his best role but man was he great in The Assassination of Jesse James!

[@jordangallagher1018]

This guy is a brilliant actor and has been in some fantastic films. I love Gone Baby Gone, Assassination of Jesse James and Manchester By The Sea.

[@suzihunter4074]

Just watched Our Friend and it’s amazing!

[@Ctrl_alt_deleteandrepeat]

A Ghost Story..just..wow. What a masterpiece. Manchester by the Sea is incredible too.

[@keithwaynejones]

i died when he told that story about that person looking at him while watching manchester by the sea lol