Key Takeaways:
– Ben Affleck harbors no regrets towards Gigli, the film he starred in with ex-partner Jennifer Lopez.
– Despite the film’s low revenue and critical reviews, Affleck considers Gigli a pivotal moment in his acting career.
– Gigli’s failure inspired Affleck’s move to directing, which has seen him helm successful films.
– Affleck’s directing debut, Gone Baby Gone, garnered positive reviews and an Oscar nomination.
– Upcoming projects include a film reportedly starring Matt Damon under Affleck’s direction.
Around 2003, one of Hollywood’s favorite couples, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, were creating a buzz not just for their romantic connection, but also for their highly anticipated crime drama, Gigli. Despite high hopes, the much-talked-about film did not live up to expectations, failing both at the box office and critically.
##Amid Gigli’s Failure: Affleck’s Career Epiphany
Regardless of the film’s outcome, Affleck views it as an important stepping stone in his career. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Affleck acknowledged the disappointing reception for Gigli but expressed gratitude for the life-altering experience it provided. The actor-turned-director shared that Gigli was signed primarily out of his respect for director Martin Brest, but the hype around his relationship with Jennifer Lopez notably skewed the movie’s trajectory.
Affleck argued that the failure of Gigli led to his reevaluation of his professional pursuits, eventually guiding him to explore directing. The Batman star said, “If the reaction to Gigli hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t have ultimately decided, ‘I don’t really have any other avenue but to direct movies,’ which has turned out to be the real love of my professional life.”
Affleck’s Transition: From Acting to Directing
Following the Gigli debacle, Affleck took swift actions to pivot to a directorial role, marking a vital transformation in his career arc. His directorial debut, Gone Baby Gone, released in 2007, was a critical success, earning an Oscar nomination for actress Amy Ryan.
Affleck’s passion for direction did not fade away. In fact, it has blossomed over the years with his notable work as a director on films like The Town, Argo, and Air, all receiving critical acclaim. The Gigli failure, in retrospect, appears to be a blessing in disguise for Affleck, morphing him from a criticized actor to an Oscar-winning filmmaker.
Upcoming Projects and Gigli’s Legacy
Having proved his mettle in the director’s chair, Affleck has several intriguing projects in line, adding to his impressive directing portfolio. One much-anticipated project is Animals, tentatively slated to star buddy Matt Damon, although more details about the film are still kept under wraps.
Despite Gigli being cataloged as one of the worst films in Affleck’s repertoire, earning merely $7.1 million in box office collections and a discouraging 6% critic score, Affleck’s attitude towards the film remains positive. His appreciation of the opportunities Gigli indirectly provided offers a valuable lesson about turning failures into stepping stones towards success.
In his own words, “So in those ways, it’s a gift. And I did get to meet Jennifer.” Though the couple’s relationship played a part in the film’s hype and ultimate disappointment, Gigli holds a special place in Affleck’s heart for personal and professional reasons.
Gigli, although symbolizing a professional low for Affleck, emerged as a catalyst for his career growth.
