Ben Affleck, the actor known for his role in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” has ruled out any interest in pursuing a political career, describing the world of politics as “depressing” and “tawdry.” In an interview with Variety, he expressed his disdain for the political landscape while promoting his upcoming film, “Animals,” in which he portrays a mayoral candidate in Los Angeles.
“There’s a reason why political stories are often chosen as parables for moral compromise,” Affleck said, reflecting on the stark contrast between idealism and reality in the political sphere. He reiterated that his experiences have led him to find politics unappealing. “It’s a very depressing world, in my opinion. Tawdry. And that has no appeal to me,” he stated.
When asked about his support for any candidates in the upcoming Los Angeles mayoral election this November, Affleck remained noncommittal. “I haven’t thought about being asked that. I don’t know if, given this movie, my endorsement harms or helps anybody,” he said, suggesting he would remain neutral until after the film’s release.
Diving deeper into the current political climate, Affleck observed that the bar for political integrity seems to have lowered significantly. “We’re not doing a very good job. We have a system that’s kind of failing us,” he noted, implying a widespread dissatisfaction that transcends party lines.
During his promotion for “Animals,” Affleck humorously recalled an experience where he and his co-star paraded around Los Angeles in campaign attire for his character. He mentioned that people showed interest in his faux campaign and began sharing their thoughts, prompting him to quip, “If I’m not careful, I’m going to win this.”
Affleck has been politically active in the past, supporting candidates like former Vice President Al Gore and former President Barack Obama. However, he has become increasingly disillusioned by what he perceives as widespread “hypocrisy, corruption, and failure” in politics. He criticized the current political structure for prioritizing money and sensationalism over meaningful dialogue, stating, “It’s easier to get votes appealing to the worst in people than it is appealing to the best in them.”
In discussing the overarching themes of “Animals,” Affleck highlighted the moral compromises individuals make in pursuit of their goals. “Are we just kind of self-seeking animals who, in retrospect, build stories to rationalize where we are and what we’ve done?” he asked, invoking the complexity of human nature in the political arena. The film appears to reflect these themes, underscoring the conflicts between personal ambition and ethical standards.
