Casey Affleck began his acting career in relatively small roles on film and television series and didn’t become a well known star until 2007.
He can no longer be accused of living in his brother’s shadow and is shooting to stardom. To mark his role in Ain’t Them Bodies Saints September 6, let’s look at the roles that brought him to fame.
The Kennedy’s of Massachusetts (1990)
A young Casey Affleck depicted Bobby Kennedy from age 12 to 15 in this TV miniseries about the 5 decade long Joseph and Rose Kennedy marriage.
Based on a book called The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga, this series ran over 3 nights and won an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
To Die For (1995)
This mockumentary styled film based on a novel that was based on a true story is Affleck’s first film appearance.
Affleck played Russel Heines, a delinquent who is convinced by Nicole Kidman’s character Suzanne Stone-Maretto to murder her husband.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting follows an unidentified genius (Matt Damon) through his therapy sessions with psychology professor Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) and his attempt to improve his life and stay out of jail. Alongside his brother Ben, Casey Affleck portrayed one of Will Hunting’s friends.
Ocean’s 11 (2001)
In this film labelled among the best 500 films of all time by Empire, Affleck is one of the Malloy brothers, talented mechanics hired to drive the get-away vehicle. He also appeared in Ocean’s 12 (2004) and Ocean’s 13 (2006) as the same character.
Gerry (2002)
Along with Matt Damon and Good Will Hunting director Gus Van Sant, Affleck wrote, starred in and edited this film, depicting the true story death of David Coughlin.
While flawed in many ways, this independent film is a great example of Affleck’s disciplined acting skills.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
This film about the relationship between Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and his murderer Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) is Affleck’s first major role in a critically acclaimed film.
He was nominated for an Academy Award, and Golden Globe for Best Performer in a Supporting Role, and won a handful of other awards. The Assassination of Jesse James marks Affleck’s breakthrough performance.
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Released only a month after The Assassination of Jesse James, this film was also a major success for Affleck.
He won a Prism Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film for his portrayal of main character Patrick Kenzie, a private investigator working through the convoluted case of a missing girl.
The Killer Inside Me (2010)
Despite receiving negative reviews because of the film’s depiction of violence, this is another of Affleck’s great performances.
Critics often stated that the extreme violence in this film detracted from Affleck’s 'mesmerising' performance as a deputy sheriff gone serial killer.
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints (2013)
Bob (Casey Affleck) and Ruth (Rooney Mara) are star-crossed lovers on a crime spree who finally get arrested and Bob takes the blame to protect his love.
After being released from jail, he sets out on his journey to find her. This film is set to be another of Affleck’s stand-out performances.
Ain’t Them Bodies Saints Opens tn UK theatres 6th September 2013
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