Armageddon, put out during the 1998, centered Affleck given that a feasible leading man for Hollywood business movies. A great Will Search had not yet , been released from inside the casting process and you may, once Affleck’s screen-test, manager Michael Bay overlooked your given that “a nerd”. He was sure of the producer Jerry Bruckheimer one Affleck is a superstar, nevertheless actor needed to slim down, be tanned, and just have their teeth capped just before filming began. The film, in which the guy played reverse Bruce Willis since a blue-neckband driller tasked by the NASA which have finishing a keen asteroid off colliding having Environment, was a box place of work achievements. ” Afterwards into the 1998, Affleck had a supportive part since the a conceited English star within the that point personal comedy Shakespeare in love, featuring their after that-wife Gwyneth Paltrow. Lael Loewenstein from Range noticed that Affleck “do some of his best functions, recommending you to definitely funny could be his correct getting in touch with,” if you’re Janet Maslin of New york Moments receive your “really funny”. Affleck after that appeared since a tiny-town sheriff on the supernatural headache motion picture Phantoms. Stephen Holden of your own New york Minutes questioned as to the reasons actors including Affleck and you will Peter O’Toole had offered to are available in the newest “junky” film: “Affleck’s thudding performance ways he or she is learning his conversation on the very first time, directly from cue notes.”
Affleck then appeared contrary Courtney Like regarding the absolutely nothing-seen getup funny 200 Cigarettes (1999)
Affleck and you may Damon got an on-display screen reunion within the Kevin Smith’s spiritual satire Dogma (shortly after which have starred in Smith’s early in the day movies, Mallrats and you may Chasing Amy), hence debuted on 1999 Cannes Motion picture Event. Janet Maslin of your Nyc Minutes noticed that the two, playing dropped angels, “promote high, understandable passion so you’re able to Mr. Smith’s wise chat and you will crazy imaginings”. Affleck played contrary Sandra Bullock regarding personal comedy Pushes of Characteristics (1999), playing a groom whose tries to arrive at their matrimony try tricky from the their totally free-competitive travel partner. Owen Gleiberman of Enjoyment A week noticed that Affleck “comes with the fast-split attraction you want within the a good screwball character,” if you are Joe Leydon away from Assortment applauded “their successful ability to enjoy against his good looks inside good self-effacing comic change”.
Shakespeare crazy acquired 7 Academy Honors, as well as Better Photo, once the cast obtained brand new Display Actors Guild Prize for An excellent Show from the a thrown
Searching for a good directorial profession, Affleck shadowed John Frankenheimer throughout pre-production of the action thriller Reindeer Games (2000). Frankenheimer, pointing his past function flick, demonstrated Affleck since having “an incredibly profitable, likable high quality from the him. I have been doing this for a long period and you may they are most one of many best.” He played opposite Charlize Theron because the a beneficial hardened unlawful, that have Elvis Mitchell of one’s Nyc Minutes enjoying the unforeseen casting options: “Affleck will suggests among the many Kennedys to tackle Clark Kent … He appear as if he has never skipped a celebration otherwise good night’s sleep. They are games, whether or not, along with his moderate dislocation operates to the benefit of Reindeer Game.” Then he had a supportive part because an excellent questionable stockbroker inside the the latest offense crisis Boiler Room (2000). An excellent.O. Scott of your own Ny Minutes noticed Affleck got “tracked over” Alec Baldwin’s results during the Glengarry Glen Ross, when you find yourself Peter Rainer Buddhist dating of the latest York Mag told you he “really does some riffs towards the Baldwin’s aria, and each you’re funnier and you may crueler versus next”. Then he offered the brand new sound regarding Jos. Inside the last film role off 2000, Affleck played contrary his wife Paltrow regarding the intimate crisis Bounce. Stephen Holden of your Ny Moments recognized new “understated power and you can superb outline” off his efficiency: “His portrait off an early on, sarcastically worry about-defined ‘individuals person’ who’s not 1 / 2 of while the pretty sure when he want to appear is almost definitive.”