Ben Affleck recently appeared in Criterion’s Closet Picks video series, where he went through DVDs of several classic Hollywood films that he saw and which inspired him. During this appearance, the topic of his famous Armageddon commentary came up, leading to the 52-year-old actor explaining his thoughts on the same. Directed by Michael Bay and starring retired icon Bruce Willis, Armageddon, released in 1998, was one of Affleck’s early films that established him as a leading movie star.
So, here is everything to know about what Affleck said about his Armageddon commentary.
During his appearance on Criterion’s Closet Picks, The Accountant star came across the DVD of Armageddon. He then expressed his surprise at the home-video distribution company’s inclusion of the film in the Criterion Collection.
In the video, Ben Affleck admitted his initial belief that the Michael Bay disaster flick wasn’t “the kind of movie” that would be in the collection, at the time he had filmed it. “And in retrospect now, I feel like maybe my best work in my career is the commentary on this disc,” he added.
Check out Ben Affleck’s Criterion Closet Picks segment below:
Additionally, in the audio commentary, Affleck could be heard making fun of Michael Bay’s direction. He also mockingly imitated the director’s voice when addressing the queries he had for him.
Affleck then mentioned how people would mostly talk to him about the Armageddon commentary, when compared to his filmography. He attributed this situation to him not knowing “any better.”
Moreover, the Gone Girl actor said he wouldn’t spoil the film for those interested in viewing it. He called it “an achievement” he was “proud of.” Affleck also noted how he “didn’t intend” for the Bruce Willis film “to be as good as” he currently thought it was at the time. He even asked Criterion when the 4K version of the film would come out.
Ben Affleck had earlier echoed similar sentiments about the Armageddon commentary in a GQ interview. He claimed that the commentary was one of those career achievements, where he would be “willing to pat himself on the back.” Furthermore, Affleck opined that the commentary was “at least top five all-time DVD commentaries.”
