Ben Affleck & Matt Damon Reflect on Their Careers Together | Vanity Fair

"We met when you were 10 and I was 8..." "He tried to ride my coattails and he's been doing it ever since." Ben Affleck and Matt Damon take us through their shared career, including 'Field of Dreams,' School Ties,' 'Chasing Amy,' 'Good Will Hunting,' 'Dogma,' 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,' 'Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,' 'The Last Duel' and their newest film 'Air.'
Director: Jackie Phillips
Director of Photography: Dominik Czaczyk
Editors: Cory Stevens, Jason Malizia, Paul Isakson
Talent: Ben Affleck & Matt Damon
Producer: Ashley Hall
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Associate Producer: Emebeit Beyene
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production and Equipment Manager: Kevin Balash
Talent Booker: Tara Burke
Camera Operator: Shay Eberle-Gunst
Audio: Mike Faner
Production Assistants: Phillip Arliss, Ariel Labasan
Post Production Supervisor: Edward Taylor
Post Production Coordinator: Jovan James
Supervising Editor: Kameron Key
Assistant Editor: Marisa DeMarini
00:00 Ben & Matt's Shared Career
00:30 Field of Dreams
01:44 School Ties
04:41 Chasing Amy
05:46 Good Will Hunting
11:05 Dogma
12:23 Jay and Silent Bob
13:16 The Last Duel
14:56 Air
Still haven’t subscribed to Vanity Fair on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2z6Ya9M
Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to Vanity Fair Magazine and be exquisitely informed ►► vntyfr.com/2RuQGW2
ABOUT VANITY FAIR
Arts and entertainment, business and media, politics, and world affairs-Vanity Fair’s features and exclusive videos capture the people, places, and ideas that define modern culture.

[@mikechoe97]

There is literally no friendship in Hollywood like Ben and Matt. These two were literally school yard friends who have stuck together and both rose to fame at the same time, both becoming A-listers in their own rights.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are similar too

[@mikechoe97]

@@phillipedwardness9591 not even close. I mean sure they are good friends who have done many projects together over the years. But they met after they had already began their careers. Ben and Matt were literally childhood friends. If you include Tina and Amy, then there's no end to the list of Hollywood friends like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Kevin Hart and The Rock, etc.

[@JCD489]

Michael Douglas and Danny Devito were room mates and so were Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

@@mikechoe97 yeah I was just trying to think of a similar one, because I couldn’t think of any exactly the same. I think they met when they were 20 and have worked together a lot and both become pretty successful. I think the other examples you gave are a little less similar.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

@@JCD489 ah two great examples!

[@Stephen-OldBadGamer]

When you see actors in the same age group, watching films for the first time, and then seeing them "older", growing older. Its a thing man. These two are class.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Brother Hood Smart Bundesliga

[@lexkanyima2195]

Affleck is a better director and Damon is a better actor

[@dadwithtourettes]

​@@lexkanyima2195seems obvious now especially but looking back, it seems, Ben works best when there are ideas floating about, and he puts the pieces together, cleans it up, and adds a bow as the finishing touch. It sounds like both of them are very open to others opinions.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@dadwithtourettes Ben had his own personality

[@hansfeld5233]

Yea, OK.

[@priyaravindran6150]

I love how they give credit to their teachers. A good teacher’s impact stays with you forever. They’re also so humble to acknowledge the role that their costars had in making Good Will Hunting and their script the movie that it became.

[@srbaran]

I'm pretty sure Matt Damon's mom is a teacher, too, and he has a history of joining teachers in their fight for better treatment and pay.

[@march11stoneytony]

Straight up solid seemingly guys

[@SneakyKiwi71]

​@srbaran There's a video of some sort of teachers strike/protest, where a reporter talking to Matt, is stupid enough to diss teachers. Matt tears her a new one, with his Mum in the background. The look on her face is priceless... "I'm just going to let my son take care of this" 🥰🤣

[@jnpilot]

This is such a beautiful friendship. Unwavering support over years, no jealousy, and complete admiration for each other’s talents….both have had so much success, but their friendship humbles them and is definitely their biggest success in life.

[@estherkimnz]

They're so close that they're constantly finishing each other's sentences, over-speaking, talking at the same time 11:50 made me LOL

[@johncarroll5087]

​@@CoryPrior999 Do you personally know either of them? Because it reads like you do.

[@GnomeChomsky9999]

Django’s comment was written by AI…

[@johncarroll5087]

@@GnomeChomsky9999 that's what happens when you unchain the average Django.

[@johanvoellner1849]

@@johncarroll5087 I do and can confirm that writing Good Will Hunting was exactly like that family guy sketch

[@trinaq]

Ben and Matt are such a dynamic duo, they are the epitome of a bromance. I saw "Air" last week, and they really bounced off of each other superbly well! ♥️😍

[@chasehedges6775]

They’re fantastic

[@Spazz983]

I see your comments everywhere

[@aznpanda510x]

Lmao I love the movie so much and didn’t know Ben can be that funny 😂

[@Largentina.]

​@@aznpanda510x What? Didn't he start off in Kevin Smith comedies?

[@4deleDaz33m]

@@aznpanda510x Try watch every skit that Ben has with Jimmy Kimmel and Damon, dude is actually hilarious lol

[@user-dq1kr6zc2t]

I love what they had to say about Brendan Fraser. That speaks volumes. And of course, coming off the most recent Best Actor win.

[@gleenobly]

I agree! Epic, truly epic 💓

[@tabaxikhajit4541]

No one was hearing these things until the media started asking and including the information in interviews. I have 0% doubt that Matt and Ben would have said the same about Frasier any time they were asked over the past decades. Why didn't they speak up for him? Maybe they were as clueless as we were why he disappeared.

[@nerd26373]

This particular duo sure are iconic. They complement each other really well.

[@jenmaguire636]

Ben Affleck is so wildly underrated. Maybe his personal life overshadows his talent or whatever, but he's a great filmmaker.

[@simple_naildesigns]

Agree!

[@Sara01977]

Argo! Chef's kiss...! Such a great movie.

[@benjaminminty9602]

The Town is a great movie

[@hymmj147]

Thank you! He rarely gets the kudos that I clearly see he deserves. I'm glad you said so.

[@B-ch6uk]

She's bringing him down - again

[@Real28]

Robin Williams in GWH was masterful. Big props to these 2, for letting him AND the others run free in the film. When you let great actors do that, you have huge potential for great movies/stories.

[@bygmesterfinnegan6938]

Overrated actor

[@Vollce]

I've never had a sense about who Ben is as a person. His alcohol abuse and depression didn't help but now when he has it together again he is a great sincere guy and true legend. Matt was always the best no surprise there. Love these chaps.

[@Irishgirl7]

I really think J Lo has had a very positive impression on Ben.

[@200555280]

He was like himself in the beginning but after the media frenzy about Bennifer he became reserved understandably.

[@PeterZeeke]

anyone who knows view askew knows ben has always been authentic

[@adansanchez3509]

@@Irishgirl7 In fact, he is like his wife, they are both great artists and people, sadly and extremely misunderstood by people and the media, but they never give up and always do their best and it is fantastic, that is why they are a couple.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

I haven’t met either of them, let alone spent time with them so I can’t comment on who either of them are as people

[@mq6389]

Their high school teacher must have been SO beyond proud of them. Wow.. to win an Oscar. Always tell people to keep going if they have passions in the Arts and Sciences ❤

[@guineveredawn]

It’s been a while since I’ve seen them talk candidly about their careers and friendship, and it’s really nice how they’ve both matured and still have a strong bond. This was a pleasure to watch!!

[@jacquelinerodriguez3213]

Agreed

[@SarahAbundance]

The actual bromance is legendary. Two bros lifting one another up - celebrating each others careers, I love this! Thanks for sharing!!

[@JJ721999]

If you love these two, pay your respects to Kevin Smith. He's responsible for so much of their early career, including Good Will Hunting. Not saying they wouldn't have made it without him, but he was definitely an integral part to their rising in the film industry.

[@usern4metak3ns]

They're kinda better than kevin. However Dogma was pretty awesome. At least a good portion of it

[@pawacoteng]

@@usern4metak3ns Smith would agree with you. I think Josh's point was Good Will Hunting may not have been made if Smith didn't push for Miramax to buy the rights and make it according to their vision. And Ben especially wouldn't have had as much credibility without Chasing Amy.

[@hadoken95]

Thank Harvey Weinstein while you're at it. I'm not even joking, though I realize how horrible it is to say that now. He's the one Smith had to convince to green light it, and loved the script.

[@stellviahohenheim]

Also don't forget to thank all the ped0s in Hollywood

[@DiegoGarcia-uh1jt]

They still have that bond with Kev. Especially Ben who recently invited him to The Flash premiere, knowing his passion for comic books.

[@ConnorJNagi]

I really hope these guys continue to make stuff together, Ben is a good director, and Matt's a great actor, the two of them together can make some more great films.

[@lexkanyima2195]

So true what you're saying. And they should have tell them a apart story

[@Kelly99844]

these 2 are such a joy to watch, their friendship is wholesome

[@OriginalBenAffleck]

Thanks for your continuous love and support ❤️❤️ How long have you been a fan of mine??

[@vrover_]

Seeing Ben & Matt sit down together and have nothing but good things to say about one another because they realize how much they both appreciate their special/rare friendship that’s this trustworthy and amazing. Matt stated how it was partially to his fathers death with helped with perspective. Which I agree after my mother died I felt I lost all anger with the world and started appreciating little things. So wonderful to see real genuine actors out there that care for not only the art but the memories.

[@missmayette]

I'm glad they talked about Dogma. Such a great movie.

[@lynchmaleideal]

"Life is happening now, it's not the decision you make tomorrow" - I love that

[@wonkynose]

The fact that Ben wrote the park bench scene in GWH at 24 years of age is mind blowing to me 🤯

[@funkinelle247]

The days before internet. 24 year olds were more mature and had more real life experience in those days.

[@VHale-yz7hc]

@@funkinelle247😂 ok girl

[@PanicMachine423]

We should all be so lucky to have a friendship that solid. Absolute class

[@mahiyatsafiyullah7103]

You got to admire the friendship that has lasted so long been there for the highs and the lows and by the time it's all over you realise that these two aren't friends they are brothers.

[@user-jc5lf6sf7g]

A lot of magical things happened with Good Will Hunting to make it the success that it was. Two of them being: Gus Van Sant brilliantly choosing to showcase the talent of a hometown musician he loved, Elliott Smith (RIP) and also Damon and Affleck meting with Terrence Malick for advice and Malick giving them the perfect ending to their movie.

[@AttnDefDis_]

I had no idea they had done this many movies together. I've never even heard of The Last Duel. I love that they can talk so sincerely about each other while they are in the same room. This was great!

[@asecretone]

It's a very intense film.

[@tatehildyard5332]

Makes sense. WB REALLY dropped the ball in marketing it.

[@xarachne8473]

Bad marketing but good movie

[@salinasn3]

Watch the last duel. It’s a good movie

[@urekmazino6800]

Movie was great

[@wilberforce95]

so cool to see two guys still humble and great friends after multiple decades of being in Hollywood

[@RJMacReady1]

Its insane how apparent their love for one another is. Its so real.

[@CaptainTrips19]

It's crazy to see Ben this energetic.

[@JaxxStarr81]

Maybe it’s because he’s happier.

[@CaptainTrips19]

@@JaxxStarr81 Oh it is 100% because he is happier, it makes me sad that he's been sad for so long. I hope he can keep it up.

[@JaxxStarr81]

@@CaptainTrips19 Absolutely, me too!

[@mrquirky3626]

Yeah, usually he seems more subdued in interviews but here he's really feeding off Matt's energy.

[@TooCosmic]

Everybody is happier when they're with their bestfriend 😂

[@christinamatzen4214]

I’ve adored them for decades, never stopped. Watching them sit here and completely unable to take a compliment themselves yet gush compliments for the other makes my heart warm ❤️

[@Sunny.27]

This is exactly what you call Friendship Goals. Beautiful.

[@Squig5244]

It is profoundly refreshing to see these two men who have become major players in cinema speak generously about so many of the actors they have worked with.

[@Emmolia972]

They're soulmates really.

[@ryanwall1470]

Good Will Hunting is one of my favorite movies. it's cool to hear their story about it

[@martinwakefield8138]

I love these two guys, its so sweet to see Matt's humility during Ben's effusive praise. IT'S special when your best friend adores you

[@SozoKratos]

Really glad these guys kept working together. Their friendship sets a good example for others.

[@donnamyers7274]

Matt and Ben aren't friends....they are truly brothers!!! They're so blessed to have that special bond for life!❤

[@modgal]

it's so good that they have each other, and that they both experienced similar levels of success so that they can actually relate to one another. also just knowing there is one person in the industry that you can absolutely trust must be comforting. great to see their friendship has remained rock solid

[@AndreaCrisp]

They are just slightly older than me. I feel like I grew up with them and Kevin Smith. Dogma is a favorite of mine. What a joy to watch these two talk about their careers and friendship. 🥰 Thank you Vanity Fair for these conversation videos.

[@leonardvs6059]

I really felt that. True brothers. Just the way they complement each other. Made me cry.

[@joeparrish6260]

This is by far the happiest I've ever seen Ben Affleck when interviewed, all because he's sat next to his best friend.

[@tabaxikhajit4541]

Thanks for sharing that. As I watch it again, I see both are very supportive. Each brings strength to the friendship. It is inspiring. They have accomplished something that is rare in the public eye. They have built a healthy relationship that has produced phenomenal success. The biggest reason this seems rare is not because it doesn't exist. It's because we don't celebrate it.

[@Man2th806]

When I watch these videos, I usually skip around to the movies I’ve seen / want to hear about. This is the first one I sat through the entire video, interested in every bit of the interview. The dynamic between these two is what draws you in because they talk about EACH OTHER. Even if an actor is humble, it is hard to talk about yourself. This was more natural and expositive as a result. Loved this.

[@darthmarticusLFC]

What a beautiful video. I love that the only regret of their careers would have been not doing more together. Hopefully many more to come!

[@Emobeefy]

Humble all around ❤ Good Will Hunting was such a fantastic film. Also gave a stage to Elliot Smith and his wonderful, heart wrenching music. I’m happy that they’re still comrades after 40 years

[@MediaCastleX]

This really was a joy to watch, they got a great friendship and its pretty sweet, absolutely loved the kind words about Fraser!

[@supernova4961]

They deserve a friendship oscar. They are amazing ! Thank you guys

[@ielijahmccoy]

Loved these guys. They've been a huge inspiration to me as an actor and filmmaker since Good Will Hunting. Glad to see yall working together again. :)

[@erakfishfishfish]

Affleck was freakin’ hilarious in The Last Duel. He was a much needed bit of comic relief in an otherwise dark film.

[@Largentina.]

Couldn't agree more.

[@dawnbuckner2369]

Two amazing entertainers who have a close friendship bond, that come together with love and compassion for their jobs. Just amazing and humbling to watch, thank you for sharing their stories.

[@toninatoli]

A lifelong friendship AND ongoing collaboration- that's rare. Love how they give plenty of credit to those people they've worked with.

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

That small detailed story about thr last duel together shows how much passion these guys have and the loyalty and trust each other have for one another. Super inspiring video here.

[@JacobDean88]

I love hearing about the very old school days... Before Batman. Before Bourne... When they were just struggling actors/filmmakers that slept on couches and did what they could. But the duo that I love even more than in Good Will is definitely in Dogma. They were at their best in that.

[@JackKellyBastardMan]

Instantly one of my favorites in this series. Thanks to everyone involved for making it!

[@danmosby7980]

I saw "Air" a few weeks ago, to catchup with the growth of these guys, totally enjoyed it . So glad i found this vid thanks for putting it together, warm charming a real treat to see them give their insights and learning. Nice.

[@beckylang91]

School Ties is such an important movie. I’m glad y’all covered it so more people watch it.

[@jackrichardson4089]

I finally managed to watch it about a year ago. I kept seeing clips out of context across social media, so I just committed to seeing it. Excellent.

[@lorihunt2503]

They are humble genuine and this friendship is truly beautiful.

[@noorj2190]

This friendship is so beautiful

[@jj-if6it]

Love these guys, it's so nice seeing them together. They're really humble and funny too

[@debbiemoore2747]

It's genuinely beautiful to see a friendship that lasts this long ❤

[@ScottWaa]

Anytime these two get together it is a hit!

[@spokentruth5909]

Air bombed…hard

[@bprajwal1]

@@spokentruth5909 Care to explain ?

[@spokentruth5909]

@@bprajwal1 it was a box office bomb

[@adriannespring8598]

The Last Duel is by far one of the most powerful films made. Ssssoooo layered and relevant on so many levels.

[@chasehedges6775]

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are some of the best actors of all time.

[@rwhirsch]

matt is anyway.

[@staceystrukel1917]

Ben is one of the best directors, great story teller.

[@rosenasemena5631]

Agree brotherhood mates.

[@amyj777]

I gotta say I LOVE seeing veteran actors doing and making more movies that are central to who they are. Movies that truly mean something to them, movies they’re proud of, and that they really enjoyed making. Because in the end, I hope we all get to look back on what we’ve done with our entire lives and feel happiness.

[@luckypenny4329]

Thank god for Matt's teacher, Good WIll Hunting is such a good movie

[@fzzypurpleturtle]

There’s such a humbling way they talk. Like, they admire the people in their business for their contributions. That’s really cool

[@erynporter9951]

Air was WONDERFUL!!! ❤ These two writing heartfelt stories together= MAGIC!!! I LOVED "GoodWill Hunting" and I loved "Air". Both will make you laugh, and cry and in my opinion that's a great movie ❤!

[@andrewbrazell6354]

Somehow KZbin knew it was time for me to be all in my feels. Love the respect, kindness, and love these guys have for each other. Makes me respect them that much more.

[@samh.6272]

These two actors are spectacular. I’m a huge fan of Ben Affleck. I’ve seen all his movies. Matt’s movies too. I’m glad these two are doing well. Look forward to watching more of their stuff.

[@WickedFae22]

Their friendship is so wholesome. I also really appreciate hearing them talk about Brendan Fraser so kindly :(

[@autumnversion]

the way they talked about brendan fraser 🥺💗

[@niveamartinez4264]

Look how happy Ben looks with Matt first time I've seen that man smile and be happy in a long time

[@jourdainjardin846]

I didn’t realise they were in that many films together. I’ve watched a lot of these. Icons x

[@McD5432]

Love this. So awesome their friendship

[@medioreblatherskite]

I feel like this is a really nice look into the future of a lot of passionate and upcoming movie-making actor friends. Super inspiring.

[@Ironwill_Games]

I love their friendship and that shows in camera every time they've worked together, I just hope one day Ben can make another great "Argo" and this time get him and Matt behind the camera. Probably the only genre they haven't tackled together.

[@greganderson2239]

Both of these guys are phenomenal actors. Amazing to see that they’re best friends and grew up together and also co starred in movies together. Really great 👍

[@aissers6840]

wonderful friendship!💛💛💛when you treat someone like a brother.

[@user-cd9jk3lc7y]

This particular duo sure are iconic. They complement each other really well.. This particular duo sure are iconic. They complement each other really well..

[@CinemaGulp]

I could sit and listen to Ben Affleck talk about his experiences all day. He's a funny guy.

[@garyc]

I remember seeing Good Will Hunting at the cinema. It’s a beautiful film.

[@bluetoughguy]

I absolutely love these two together!

[@mr.garvin7623]

Love seeing actors you love and respect being real. Have had a bromance with these guys so long feels like I know them.

[@slaanesh_pet]

What a friendship! Last Duel needs more attention, phenomenal film.

[@LetyArob]

They are truly passionate about everything that’s related to movies and filmmaking! They stood by their craft and made it! I can’t wait to see Air soon, because I haven’t had time to do it yet! 😢❤

[@maggie4184]

amazing interview! I could listen to them all day

[@nicholascurci1020]

Dogma is one of the most underrated movie! What an amazing interview. I wish we saw more interviews like this

[@ethanmelrose5898]

Matt and Ben make me believe love in Hollywood does exist.

[@ieatzebraarah]

I’m so glad Dogma was included. I recently rewatched it and it was better than I remembered.

[@lizofallon7532]

That was an amazing interview I love the love between these two men who have brought us some so much quality, thoughtful, important, entertainment

[@deannharris2424]

Love them. Their friendship is amazing! I can't wait to see what they bring us in the future. I know that it will be incredible because they're together!

[@asvpfern]

Air was phenomenal, both Ben and Matt along with the rest of the cast did a great job on it !!

[@MLCommy]

To me, both of these guys will be legends, if they haven't already received that acknowledgement.

[@rpavlich]

I love that both of these people are so grounded and authentic

[@chefjeff1366]

ALWAYS great seeing these guys together

[@skindred1888]

As Kevin Smith has said...if Damon and Affleck get into the podcast realm...it's over for everyone else

[@CinemaGulp]

These dudes worked their way up to the top. More power to them.

[@pfftwhut7638]

finally doing one of these in order!

[@iamsophiehannah988]

The Last Duel is so under appreciated!

[@Joe-xo4yg]

This was an absolute joy to watch 😊 Cheers

[@stanamilanovich3956]

I had the good sense to cast Ben Affleck in a scene study when I was in college. Who knows what he was doing bumming around Oxy at the time, but every time I see him do well, it makes me smile.

[@ciendra2034]

he went there for like 1 1/2 years for middle eastern studies. never finished his degree though

[@RandomnessTube.]

I grew up with these guys I've always liked how their movies never seemed big time but were always very well-made movies and the fact that most of them are all linked together.

[@zusho2003]

Thank you for this interview. These two are truly inspiring and encouraging for creatives in general