Ben Affleck Opens Up About Struggling with ‘Internalized Homophobia’ While Filming Chasing Amy

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Ben Affleck is returning to one of his earlier roles with a significant history — Holden McNeil in Kevin Smith’s 1997 cult movie Chasing Amy. In an interview with GQ, the 52-year-old actor shared that this film turned out to be a reflection for him to confront his hidden homophobia, especially during a scene where he had to kiss co-star Jason Lee.

As a die-hard fan, I must confess that while filming the passionate scene with Jason in “Chasing Amy,” I grappled with my hidden prejudices. It took me aback, leaving me to question, “Why on earth am I struggling with something so simple?” Clearly, it was an unconscious bias, and that realization was both humbling and eye-opening.

In “Chasing Amy,” Affleck takes on the role of a comic book creator who finds himself smitten with a woman, played by Joey Lauren Adams, who identifies as a lesbian. As he navigates this relationship amidst professional strife with his partner, portrayed by Lee, the movie delicately touches upon topics like shifting sexuality and intricate male emotions, causing Affleck to engage in introspective thinking.

He explained, “At the moment, my initial impression was that it hinted towards a range of sexual orientations. To me, it strongly implied a possible homosexual relationship between the pair of friends.

Exploring the depth of his character’s feelings, Affleck stated, “You feel deeply for another man. There are male friendships we cherish deeply. I wanted to depict this in a way that could mirror homosexual relationships, and I believe doing so honestly.

Affleck wasn’t completely pleased with his acting. He openly acknowledged that he felt he gave a weak and unconvincing performance, which left him feeling disappointed. Furthermore, he expressed interest in having another shot at it to improve. Nevertheless, he revealed that he would be reluctant to play a queer character again today, as he is mindful of concerns about authenticity and not causing offense within the LGBTQ+ community. “I don’t want to offend anyone in this area,” he stated.

Regardless of any doubts he may have had, Affleck still takes great pride in the film’s lasting impact. “At the time,” he noted, “the movie seemed to be challenging certain norms.” Over time, as is frequently the case, the world has progressed.

The movie “Chasing Amy” achieved modest success within independent cinema, earning $12 million at the box office and receiving critical praise. In 1998, it won two Independent Spirit Awards – Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Jason Lee. Looking back on the film years later, Ben Affleck acknowledges that “Chasing Amy” had a profound influence on his personal development and insights into identity, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, which remains an ongoing topic of discussion as it continues to change and progress.

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2025-04-19 08:23