Although he initially broke out in 1997’s Good Will Hunting, for which he won an Oscar for co-writing, Ben Affleck has become a household name over the years, yet he’s at his best when he’s getting experimental. Affleck is a major movie star, most known for performing in crowd-pleasing films that are either fun comedies like Chasing Amy or blockbusters that have hit big at the box office like Armageddon and Pearl Harbor.

At various points in his career, Affleck has also suited up in the superhero genre, portraying both Batman and Daredevil in DC and Marvel projects, respectively, that weren’t well-received. While that’s what he’s most famous for, Affleck showcases his true talents when he branches out, whether it’s behind the camera as a director, writing a screenplay, or doing what he did in 2012, when he starred in an unexpected project.

Ben Affleck Making To The Wonder Was A Fascinating Career Choice

The Terrence Malick Film is Unlike His Other Projects

Ben Affleck has taken on a handful of intriguing roles over his career but his work in 2012’s To the Wonder is the most unique. To the Wonder is a romantic drama that is told in a non-linear fashion, features minimal dialogue, and is a highly experimental project from acclaimed director Terrence Malick. The premise is simple on its own, following a couple (Affleck’s Neil and Olga Kurylenko’s Marina) as they fall in love in Paris and struggle when they move to the United States.

It’s the way Malick handles it all that makes it so unique and interesting. This is especially a standout movie in Affleck’s filmography because of what surrounds it. Beforehand, he did the rom-com He’s Just Not That Into You and the crime drama The Town, but followed To the Wonder up with Gone Girl and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which are the kind of movies he’s known for. Reception to Terrence Malick’s project was mixed and it’s a divisive film but that makes it even more interesting to watch for a different look at Affleck.

Ben Affleck Is Often At His Best When He’s Not Being A Movie Star

Ben Going Outside The Box Is Ideal

There’s a reason Ben Affleck is most known for his big Hollywood blockbusters. He does well in them, standing out in projects like Armageddon, Gone Girl, Justice League, and even his latest action franchise, The Accountant. However, Affleck has shown that he’s usually at his best when he’s trying something unexpected or different. For example, along with his screenwriting Oscar, Affleck also shined as a director in Gone Baby Gone and The Town.

As an actor, it’s when he takes supporting roles that are sometimes strange that he shows off his range. In The Last Duel, he played Count Pierre d’Alençon, allowing him to pull off the rare role of a medieval era wealthy and cruel playboy. Affleck has also clearly had a blast over the years playing comedic roles in Kevin Smith movies, either as a leading man or in cameos either as himself or as Holden McNeil. To the Wonder is another in a line of impressive, unexpected parts by Affleck that worked.