In the cinematic creation titled "The Town," where Ben concurrently assumes the roles of director and protagonist, he lauded Blake's composure and ease during the sequence, observing that she exuded a sense of maturity surpassing that of some crew members.
Blake attributes her upbringing in a sizable family, where she was treated as an equal, as instrumental in portraying her confidence. Nonetheless, she conceded that the intimate scene was indeed discomforting, particularly since it unfolded on her maiden day on set.
When the steamy scene was mentioned by others, Blake playfully retorted, insinuating that it possibly mirrored their own somber existences. She underscored that the interactions between her and Ben's characters were anything but romantic or congenial; rather, they were marked by awkwardness, unromanticism, and tragedy owing to their mutual aversion.
Despite the unease, Blake expressed appreciation that the scene was not exploitative, but rather served the narrative and the characters' gloomy circumstances. It wasn't intended as a gratuitous addition to entice viewers, but rather as a repulsion, creating a somber ambiance for the audience.
Ben Affleck commended Blake for her maturity during the filming process, a virtue she had also displayed while collaborating with her co-stars from "Gossip Girl," whom she regarded as juvenile.
"The Town," helmed by Affleck and based on Chuck Hogan's novel "Prince of Thieves," is a crime drama set in Charlestown, Massachusetts. It follows a group of seasoned criminals endeavoring to extricate themselves from their criminal past. Affleck portrays Doug MacRay, the leader of the group, torn between loyalty to his comrades and yearning for a different life.
Lively's character, Claire Keesey, assumes the role of a bank manager who becomes romantically entangled with Doug after being taken hostage during a robbery. Through their portrayals in "The Town," both Lively and Affleck demonstrate their acting prowess and craft complex and nuanced characters.
Lively's character emanates strength, independence, and intelligence, holding her ground against the tough criminals attempting to subjugate her. Affleck's character embodies inner conflict and turmoil as he grapples with making the right choices.
"The Town" stands as a gripping crime drama, showcasing the talents and versatility of Lively and Affleck. Their performances in the film captivate audiences and have garnered critical acclaim.
Affleck's depiction earned him accolades, including a nomination for Best Director at the Academy Awards. The film enjoyed commercial success, amassing over $154 million globally.
Lively's performance also garnered praise from critics, resulting in a nomination for a Breakthrough Performance Award. Subsequent to "The Town," Lively continued to flourish in diverse projects, solidifying her status as a highly sought-after actress.
Lively and Affleck have collaborated on other ventures, notably the 2013 film "Savages" directed by Oliver Stone. Their partnership in "The Town" remains a cherished and commemorated juncture in their careers, adored by enthusiasts and critics alike.
