Ben Affleck, 47, makes no secret about his alcohol problem. His new film "The Way Back", which opens in German cinemas on April 30, tells the story of a recovering alcoholic – the actor was able to incorporate his own experiences. Because during the filming he was still in withdrawal and was apparently cared for.
"Ben Affleck had to have a supervisor"
At the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, co-star Will Ropp is said to have told the US news portal "People" that Ben Affleck and the creators of the film were very honest: "Everyone was very transparent right from the start that he was in the withdrawal clinic at the beginning of the filming. "
Apparently, the Oscar winner also had to be monitored in a way, because Ropp adds: "He had to have a supervisor to take him to the set and pick him up again." He may have needed this routine so that he would not follow any vicious impulses on the way. In this way he had probably tried not to come into contact with seductions of this kind.
Ben Affleck is "really proud"
In the drama, the 47-year-old actor embodies the former basketball player Jack Cunningham, who lost everything due to his addiction. After all, he has to wrestle with his demons and face his alcoholism, which destroyed his life. Affleck can identify well with his role: "There are some things about this character that I can really relate to – being a recovering alcoholic, experiencing family disputes and divorce."
He also noted that "one of the nice things about a film that allows real emotions to be expressed" is that it has the potential to make a real impact. For Jennifer Garner's ex-husband, 47, his participation in the film had a "cathartic" character. He therefore hopes that this human story will build up the audience. Ben at least is "really proud" of the film.
Source used: People
This article originally appeared on Gala.de.