Is the renowned Live by Night director slyly conveying a message about his "amorous prowess?"
Ben Affleck unwittingly garnered quite a reputation during the production of Live by Night.
The 44-year-old Academy Award victor embodies the infamous gangster, Joe Coughlin, in Warner Bros.' crime epic, a project for which he also penned the script and took on a producing role. Sienna Miller co-stars as the beguiling Irish enchantress, Emma Gould. The adaptation of Dennis Lehane's acclaimed novel demanded that Miller and Affleck capture a series of amorous moments on film.
This undertaking proved an extraordinary experience for both performers, as Affleck's responsibilities as director necessitated not only the imparting of acting direction to Miller but also the creation of an atmosphere of ease within an otherwise awkward context. "It's truly amusing," Miller confided to E! News anchor Maria Menounos during the weekend. "Ben and I share a sibling-like bond, thankfully, so there was no hint of unease. Our interaction was permeated with bouts of foolish laughter. He epitomizes professionalism—I, on the other hand, admit to lacking that quality. However, given the circumstances, it resulted in a memorable scene."
Even prior to joining the cast, Miller recognized the audacious nature of her role.
"The script featured a montage indicating that our characters' intimacy unfolded across various locations: within the confines of an automobile, amid a bustling bar...I remember thinking, 'That's an entire day dedicated to depicting romantic scenes! Alright then. How shall we navigate this?'" Miller reminisced. "Naturally, as the hours passed—stretching into a nine-hour span—I found myself trembling, tears streaming down my cheeks. I mean, I couldn't possibly convey the experience—but one must find humor in it. Ben maintains an impeccable level of professionalism. It is what it is."
At a certain juncture, Affleck directed Robert Richardson, the film's director of photography, to maintain continuous filming, enabling them to capture the same intimate moment "multiple times" without the need for interruptions. "I thought to myself, 'Alright, Joe Coughlin is evidently a dedicated performer.' This scenario occurred on three separate occasions, and by the third instance, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'Are you jesting?'" quipped the 35-year-old actress. "That's when it struck me, 'Ben, what kind of impression are you trying to create, regarding your amorous aptitude—your prowess?'"
"Ultimately, it transpired that he was merely exploring varied options, sans editing," she added. "Yet, from my perspective, it presented a rather amusing spectacle. I found myself contemplating, 'Nobody can emulate your approach, your marathon depiction of an amorous encounter.'"
Affleck's antics prompted uncontrollable laughter from Miller. "Certain outtakes from that [scene] will undoubtedly showcase me exiting the room," she conceded, "owing to the torrents of tears streaming down my face."
When Menounos engaged Affleck and co-star Chris Messina in conversation, the actor-director candidly recounted his version of events. "We embarked on the scene anew, much like any other scene. You begin, proceed to the conclusion, and then retrace your steps to the commencement. Sienna surmised that I was endeavoring to depict myself as an unparalleled champion, one who never relents," Affleck shared with a chuckle. "I just kept at it, persisting endlessly. She erupted in laughter, and I couldn't help but think, 'Laughter isn't exactly the response I had in mind.' She quipped, 'How enduring is your stamina? You're akin to Superman!'"
Perhaps she had Batman in mind. Regardless, Affleck conveyed to Gossip News, "The camera remained operational. I hadn't apprised her in advance, hence she found herself caught slightly off guard. I assumed she'd go along with it."
