The return of Ben Affleck

Rating: 7/10 (12 December 2010)

"Gigli". "Pearl Harbor". "Daredevil".
These are the films which have plagued Ben Affleck's career as soon as he and his buddy Matt Damon won an Oscar for "Good Will Hunting". Having a share fair of hits and stinkers, Affleck suddenly disappeared from the limelight, having only a minor but acclaimed supporting role in 2006's "Hollywoodland". More than a year later Affleck returned to the public's eye with "Gone Baby Gone", but as the director rather than the star. It shocked everyone, particularly cynics such as myself, because the movie was great in its own right. Was this a fluke or is the "real" Ben Affleck coming, we cynics say to ourselves.
Well, "The Town" proves that Ben Affleck is not only back, he's at the top of his game.
At it's heart, "The Town" is a simple crime drama/thriller about a group of bank robbers, most particularly their leader, and how he let his human side potentially endanger the rest of his crew, in the small town of Charlestown, Boston. It's a story that we've seen and/or heard one too many times before, and one can already guess the ending of the story.
Having said that, a story, no matter how similar or different it is, is worth telling. And "The Town"'s screenplay is written in a careful and constructed way that we get to know more about our bank robber leader and why he is the central character of the story. Using this method we sympathize with him and we root for his character to get out of the mess he's in. This is not original, I have to admit. But his character, and others as well as the entire screenplay, is written in a realistic and believable fashion, as well as giving it a nice Boston touch to it, firmly placing you in the streets of Charlestown. It is clear that the script is a love letter to Boston, as all the dialects and the people are put into account, and they are written well.
Before I get to Affleck, I'll start out with the supporting actors - particularly Jeremy Renner as a trigger happy but not-so-psychotic robber. Renner delivers a great performance and shows the versatility that this man can bring to a character after the calm yet cocky performance in last year's Best Picture "The Hurt Locker". Rebecca Hall is the love interest but she shows strong vulnerability as a victim always should, so her performance is realistic. Jon Hamm plays an FBI agent bent on catching the crooks - here he is slimy and manipulative - but determined non-the-less. Blake Lively from "Gossip Girl" really surprised me with her acting talents, greatly show a desperate and ruined woman after playing a glamorous character in that TV show. The rest of the supporting actors do their roles with justice, including Chris Cooper and Pete Postlethwaite. All of the performances are focused, realistic, and believable.
Roger Elswit photographs the film beautifully, showing the Bostonian locations in their splendor while also giving a touch of grit to the intense scenes. The camera work is flawless with very little touches of shaky cam, adding a sense of urgency yet spectacle to the action. The editing is also crisp, the film cuts to many moments at the right moments and it isn't quick enough for incoherence like so many MTV music videos, it's just right. As for the production design Boston has rarely looked this great, you can say that this film is a love letter to Charlestown and Boston in particular. The music by Harry Gregson- Williams and David Buckley are suitable for character building moments, and are rightfully excluded for the action scenes to add more tension and unsettledness. Knowing Gregson-Williams tendency for loud music during many of the action movies he scored it is a HUGE relief to see that he has restrained himself here.
Which brings us to the man of the hour, Mr. Affleck. As a star he shows vulnerability, dedication, street-smarts and a gentle, human side to him, who always never panics and always knows how to be one step ahead of the cops. His performance is a vast improvement over his blockbuster runs a decade ago and it is clear that he has learned from his mistakes. Pulling a two-punch here, Affleck is not only the main actor but also directed the film - normally it would be bland for many movies if you can predict what's going to happen next but here Affleck directs the film with such skill, carefulness and confidence, you'll wonder whether a more experienced director is calling the shots. This is proof that while Affleck has improved as an actor, he may be a dominating force in the director's chair in the near future. Affleck handles the action sequences in a focused, simple and realistic fashion, there's no unnecessary explosions and no extreme blood squibs. But when the shootings starts, the tension is cranked to the maximum. It is handled with just the right amount of tension and violence.
Overall, it is a simple story told extremely well with a great acting ensemble, splendid shooting sequences and top-notch direction. This is not an action movie but I was hooked from beginning to end. I know this may be too soon but if Affleck keeps up this streak and choose movies that is of his true caliber, than Affleck may very well be on his way in following Clint Eastwood's steps as a popular actor but an extremely talented director as well. This is one of the year's best films.
Overall rating: 84/100