What Did Ben Affleck Reveal About the Only Time He Saw His Father Cry?
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Synopsis
Join Ben Affleck as he reflects on a poignant memory of his father Timothy, sharing the only time he ever saw him cry during a significant film moment. His heartfelt remarks reveal deep familial connections and the reality of parental imperfections.
Key Takeaways
- The Elephant Man holds a special significance for Ben Affleck and his father.
- Affleck emphasizes the importance of understanding parental imperfections.
- He appreciates the journey of sobriety his father has undertaken.
- The Criterion Closet is a cherished place for Affleck, filled with cinematic treasures.
- Affleck's film selections reflect his personal connections to storytelling.
Los Angeles, April 29 (NationPress) Hollywood icon and director Ben Affleck has opened up about his father, Timothy, reminiscing about the first and only moment he witnessed his dad shed tears.
During a visit to the Criterion Closet, Affleck curated a selection of cinematic gems that resonate with him. He reflected on David Lynch's 1980 film The Elephant Man, stating, "This is the first and only occasion I ever saw my father cry."
Lynch's acclaimed movie, featuring John Hurt as a man with deformities and Anthony Hopkins as his physician, encapsulates the essence of humanity, evoking both heartbreak and beauty, which he articulated as being deeply personal. According to reports from people.com, Affleck expressed, "It's tied to a very personal memory for me."
As he appeared visibly touched, the Oscar winner concluded with, "That's probably a good note to end on."
Timothy, who shares sons Ben and Casey Affleck with ex-wife Christine Anne 'Chris' Boldt, separated from her and relocated from Massachusetts to California when the Good Will Hunting star was just 12 years old.
In 2020, Ben revealed that his father, a former janitor, celebrated a milestone of 30 years of sobriety at that time.
He expressed, "I have a tremendous amount of respect for what that takes and what that means," regarding his father’s achievement.
Affleck reflected, "Part of being an adult is realizing that your parents are just people. They’re not perfect. They were just doing their best. As children, we expect perfection from our parents."
Affleck described the renowned Criterion Closet, owned and curated by the home video distributor, as "my idea of heaven."
Along with The Elephant Man, his curated list of favorite films included Miller’s Crossing (1990), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Traffic (2000), and two films he starred in: Dazed and Confused (1993) and Armageddon (1998).
He also praised Jean Renoir's classic The Rules of the Game from 1939 for containing his "favorite line from all of cinema", "Everyone has their reasons," which he humorously admitted to having "stolen" for his 2007 film Gone Baby Gone. Additionally, he commended Denzel Washington's performance in Spike Lee's 1992 biopic Malcolm X.
Point of View
We appreciate Ben Affleck's candidness in sharing personal family stories. His reflections on parental relationships provide insights into the shared human experience, emphasizing that parents are not perfect but are navigating life just like their children.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What movie made Ben Affleck's father cry?
Ben Affleck revealed that the movie The Elephant Man was the only film that made his father, Timothy, cry.
How long has Ben Affleck's father been sober?
In 2020, Ben Affleck shared that his father, a former janitor, celebrated 30 years of sobriety.
What did Ben Affleck say about his parents?
Ben Affleck expressed that part of adulthood is realizing parents are just people doing their best, not perfect.
