Lonergan appreciated Affleck’s intense curiosity and dedication to the character’s nuances, which drove much of their collaboration on set. “Casey brings an honesty to every scene that challenges everyone involved,” Lonergan continued. “He’s relentless in his pursuit of understanding every layer of his character, so he constantly digs deeper, asking questions that go beyond the surface. His attention to detail and commitment to truthfulness bring out unexpected dimensions in the character.”
Affleck’s approach required Lonergan to delve into his own motivations for the character’s actions, often revealing new insights in the process. “Every question he asked led us to something more real, more painful, and often more complicated than I initially envisioned,” Lonergan added. “It’s not just about delivering lines; it’s about inhabiting a life with all its messy contradictions. That’s what makes his performance so compelling. He’s not satisfied until he gets to the heart of each moment, and as a director, that’s incredibly inspiring.”
The dynamic between them, though occasionally heated, allowed for an authenticity and depth that transcended the script. “Sometimes we’d go back and forth, challenging each other, debating intentions and subtleties,” Lonergan said. “But in the end, those disagreements brought out the best in both of us. When you work with someone as talented and passionate as Casey, you realize how much richer the final product can become through collaboration.”