The Way Back Director On Ben Affleck's Return & The Most Emotional Days On Set

Director Gavin O'Connor has a staggering filmography that includes Miracle, Warrior and The Account, and on this week's show he joined us to discuss his latest project The Way Back (starring Ben Affleck). We touch on some awesome behind-the-scenes moments from Miracle during the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, his approach to this project as a drama first and a sports movie second, working with Ben on the film while he was in rehab, their concerns with filming some of the scenes so closely to leaving rehab, and more. 

Also on this week's show, we honor James Lipton's life and career following his recent passing. He remains a major influence on Jake, Sean and Kevin as lovers of film, and film journalists. Given the recent developments regarding COVID-19, we look at how the spread of, and concern regarding the virus may continue to effect the film industry. DISCLAIMER: We recorded this episode before No Time To Die was officially delayed until the fall. 

For the BlendGame this week, in honor of The Way Back's release, we take a look back at Ben Affleck's career with #BenAffleckBlend. His is a unique one as we have to consider his great work as an actor, writer and director. It makes for a very fun conversation. Next week, we're diving into the wonderful world of movie music. What is your favorite original song made for a motion picture? Let us know on social using #SongBlend, and we may just read it out on the show. 

The Week In Movies

• The Banker (limited; starring Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie)
• The Burnt Orange Heresy (limited; starring Elizabeth Debicki, Donald Sutherland, Mick Jagger)
• First Cow (limited; starring John Magaro, Orion Lee, Toby Jones)
• EMMA. (expanding wide; starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy)
• Onward (starring Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
• The Way Back (starring Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Michaela Watkins)

6:03 - Weekly Poll: Which March release are you most excited for?
11:51 - Gavin O'Connor Interview
47:09 - Remembering James Lipton
1:03:30 - COVID-19 and the Film Industry
1:16:12 - This Week In Movies
1:25:26 - #BenAffleckBlend

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