How does Affleck approach challenging supporting roles like in The Last Duel?

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Affleck Explores Humanity in Odious Characters for Acting Challenges

Ben Affleck views challenging supporting roles, particularly those portraying morally objectionable characters like his in The Last Duel, as significant acting opportunities. He finds that the more flawed individuals are, the more compelling they become to portray, offering a richer canvas for exploring human complexity.
Finding Humanity in Unlikable Characters

Affleck identifies playing characters such as the one he embodies in Ridley Scott's The Last Duel as a substantial acting challenge. He stated that it would be impossible to center a film around his character in that particular movie due to his odious nature. However, he believes that the process of finding and bringing humanity to such figures is a rewarding endeavor.
The Appeal of Flawed Characters

The actor expresses a preference for playing characters who have "been down the road of life," suggesting that their imperfections make them more interesting than traditional heroes. Affleck explained that protagonists often must adhere to a specific set of virtues for audience identification, which can inherently simplify them and make realistic portrayal more difficult. He finds that characters with more flaws offer a greater depth for performance.
Shifting Career Focus

This approach marks a shift from his earlier career, which included a high-profile stint as Batman in Justice League and a breakthrough Oscar win for co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon. More recently, Affleck has garnered praise for nuanced performances, such as an alcoholic basketball coach in The Way Back, and supporting roles in films like The Tender Bar. These roles allow him to explore the complexities of characters who are not necessarily the central heroes.

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How does Affleck approach challenging supporting roles like in The Last Duel?

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