Ben Affleck’s underrated thriller roles reveal his talent for portraying morally complex characters, with the 2002 film Changing Lanes standing out as a prime example. In this movie, Affleck stars alongside Samuel L. Jackson in a tense story about two men whose lives collide after a minor car accident on a New York freeway, leading to a personal and escalating rivalry.
“I really like that movie, and it was the first time I felt like I got the chance to do a script that was really good and I could sink my teeth into. And I felt like a really wanted to prove something with that movie and I was ultimately proud of it on balance.”
—Ben Affleck
The film was well received when it came out, earning a solid 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and making $95 million at the box office against a $45 million budget. Despite this, it has gradually slipped from the public eye. Affleck’s character, Gavin Banek, is neither a traditional hero nor a villain; his flaws and desperation make him difficult to sympathize with at times, yet his humanity and principles emerge as key aspects of the story’s powerful conflict.
Affleck Excels in Roles Featuring Imperfect, Realistic Protagonists
Beyond Changing Lanes, Ben Affleck’s strength lies in his ability to portray protagonists with deep flaws and moral ambiguity. This skill is evident in his portrayal of Nick Dunne in Gone Girl, where he embodies a husband suspected of foul play yet burdened with his own faults, such as infidelity and emotional detachment.
Similarly, in The Way Back, Affleck plays Jack Cunningham, a grieving father battling alcoholism. His performance captures the painful struggle of addiction and redemption, engaging audiences with a character who is neither perfect nor purely tragic but profoundly human.
Affleck’s interpretation of Batman in the DC Extended Universe’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice also reinforces this pattern. His Batman is a dark and conflicted figure, driven by a grim sense of justice that sometimes leads him down a violent path. This portrayal diverges from typical superhero roles by emphasizing his character’s internal battles and moral uncertainty.
These roles showcase Affleck’s ability to move beyond a conventional leading man image, instead embracing complex, often flawed characters that resonate with viewers because of their realism and depth. They stand apart from his blockbuster action roles and highlight facets of his acting that are both subtle and powerful.
The Lasting Impact of Ben Affleck’s Thrilling Character Choices
Ben Affleck’s underrated thriller roles underscore his capability to convey characters filled with nuance and inner conflict. Films like Changing Lanes and others featuring morally complicated protagonists contribute to a deeper appreciation of his craft beyond mainstream hits and occasional missteps. These performances invite audiences to engage with cinematic stories that explore imperfection, accountability, and resilience.
As Affleck continues his career, these roles likely shape the trajectory of his work, emphasizing thoughtful, layered storytelling over glossy, simplistic portrayals. This pattern suggests that his most memorable and impactful contributions to Hollywood will remain rooted in the exploration of flawed humanity.
