Brief
Casey Affleck Opens Up About Working With Christopher Nolan and His New Film Company
Affleck praised Nolan’s direction style and revealed personal details about his latest movie, Company, during a masterclass before its Swiss premiere.
By Felo News Desk · Published
During a masterclass held before the Zurich Film Festival premiere of his film Company, Casey Affleck spoke candidly about his experience working with Christopher Nolan and the personal nature of his new project.
Affleck’s Encounter With Nolan
Affleck recalled a moment when he mistakenly called Nolan’s wife Emma Thomas while trying to reach the director. He described the call as a “mistake” and said that after Nolan answered, Affleck felt embarrassed because the answer was something he could have found on Reddit. He added that he has not called Nolan again and that Nolan has not returned the call.
Affleck praised Nolan’s inclusive approach on set, noting that Nolan gives “minimal but brilliant directions” and elevates everyone around him. He said working with Nolan was an honor and that Nolan’s films are “gigantic, hugely popular, successful” yet not made to please others.
Company: A Family‑Centred Film
Affleck’s anthology film Company stars his mother, partner and sons, as well as Nick Nolte, Ben Mendelsohn, Adelaide Clemens and Scoot McNairy. He joked that Nolte is “130 years old” because he has been in movies for so long. Affleck said his son Atticus agreed to appear during spring break and followed his directions without argument, a contrast to their usual relationship.
Affleck noted that his parents did not see the film before they passed away, but he dedicated the movie to them. He emphasized that he now plans to include friends and family in his projects whenever possible.
Upcoming Premiere
Although Company had its world premiere in Venice, Affleck said the film is not finished yet and that a film festival might be a good platform for its next steps.
Affleck also reflected on his rivalry with Matt Damon, who has appeared in Nolan films such as Interstellar and Oppenheimer, and described himself as a Hollywood outsider.
For more on Affleck’s career and his views on Hollywood, see Felo’s earlier coverage of his masterclass at the Zurich Film Festival.
Key facts
- Affleck called Christopher Nolan’s wife Emma Thomas by mistake during a call to Nolan. (variety.com)
- Affleck praised Nolan’s inclusive directing style and minimal but brilliant directions. (variety.com)
- Affleck’s film Company stars his mother, partner, sons, Nick Nolte, Ben Mendelsohn, Adelaide Clemens and Scoot McNairy. (variety.com)
- Affleck said his son Atticus agreed to appear in Company during spring break. (variety.com)
- Affleck has not called Nolan again and Nolan has not returned the call. (variety.com)
- Affleck described himself as a Hollywood outsider and discussed his rivalry with Matt Damon. (variety.com)
Background
Felo previously covered Affleck’s masterclass at the Zurich Film Festival (id=6aba7eba22d0b0d09909bc8a) where he discussed his career, rivalry with Matt Damon and his preference for staying outside Hollywood’s mainstream.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Casey Affleck Recalls ‘Traumatic’ Oscars Night, Praises Christopher Nolan, and Says ‘Company’ Isn’t Finished Yet: ‘There Are Things I Want to Change’”
