Ben Affleck’s Hidden Gem You Need To See

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Following their Academy Award win for Best Original Screenplay for the 1997 drama film “Good Will Hunting,” Ben Affleck launched his career as a leading man in feature films, starting with the 1998 disaster epic “Armageddon.” One of the most notable performances during this period of Affleck’s career can be seen in the 2002 thriller film “Changing Lanes,” where he plays Gavin Banek, a prosperous Wall Street lawyer whose life takes an unexpected turn after getting into a minor car accident with Doyle Gipson, a recovering alcoholic insurance salesman portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson.

Starting now, “Changing Lanes” unfolds as a gripping game of chase-and-hide, showcasing the depths to which one person can harm another. Yet, unlike traditional revenge thrillers, “Changing Lanes” delves into the decisions and principles that led these men to this critical juncture. Similar to Affleck’s Christian Wolff character in “The Accountant 2“, “Changing Lanes” immerses Banek in a complex web of ethical and moral quandaries, in a realm shrouded in mystery where the distinction between right and wrong becomes increasingly unclear.

Despite garnering both commercial and critical acclaim upon its initial release, the movie “Changing Lanes” hasn’t received the recognition it truly deserves. In fact, Ben Affleck’s intricate portrayal in this film is among his finest career performances, making it a hidden gem that should be considered one of the best movies from its time period.

One Wrong Turn Deserves Another

One significant success of the movie “Changing Lanes” lies in its ability to consistently surprise the viewers by defying their assumptions about the film’s genre and plot progression. Initially, the storyline seems to be a courtroom drama as it unfolds within a legal setting involving the lives of the main characters. The narrative begins with two protagonists, played by Ben Affleck as Gavin Banek and Samuel L. Jackson as Doyle Gipson, both on their way to court for distinct reasons: Banek is there to file a document to claim a foundation for his law firm, while Gipson seeks joint custody of his children from his estranged wife.

Subsequently, destiny takes a turn in the shape of a seemingly insignificant car collision, which later unfolds a series of profound impacts on these personalities. Upon confirming that Gipson is unhurt, the preoccupied and hasty Banek hands over a blank check to Gipson and departs from the accident site with a flippant remark, “Better luck next time!”, thereby offering a hint into Banek’s perspective on money and power as potential substitutes for the ramifications of human actions.

Moving forward, “Changing Lanes” takes a turn towards a complex ethical quandary, as its events increasingly showcase growing rudeness. Due to the initial car collision, Gipson was tardy for his court hearing, leading to an unfavorable verdict in his absence. Conversely, Banek, who made it to court on time, lacked the critical file that Gipson found at the accident site.

Instead of spiraling into a conventional thriller plot, the movie “Changing Lanes” focuses on delving into the complex characters and underlying principles of Banek and Gipson. As their misunderstanding deepens, it becomes unsettling for both parties. Banek resorts to hiring a computer expert to sabotage Gipson’s credit score, making their ongoing custody dispute more precarious. In response, Gipson loosens the lug nuts on Banek’s car, causing an accident. However, rather than following a typical cat-and-mouse narrative, the film explores how the poor decisions that each character has made over time have pushed them to personal and ethical rock bottoms.

‘Changing Lanes’ Is a Study in Redemption and Self-Deception Disguised as a Revenge Thriller

In the movie “Changing Lanes”, one particularly striking scene involves Ben Affleck’s character interviewing an optimistic young lawyer for a position at his law firm, Banek’s. The interview is actually a test to observe how quickly the young man will lose his ideals when exposed to the corrupt environment of Banek’s firm. As Affleck skillfully portrays Banek, it becomes evident that this lawyer has become so tainted by his career and lifestyle that he can no longer discern between right and wrong.

Banek’s questionable moral standards are clearly shown in the power of attorney signature he acquired from a man who had passed away, whom he referred to as a father figure and mentor. Although it appears that Banek manipulated a weak and confused elderly man into transferring control of his foundation to Banek’s law firm without his full understanding, Banek himself remains oblivious to any wrongdoing until his confrontation with Doyle Gipson forces him to acknowledge his actions. This realization eventually leads him to act ethically.

Via the character Gipson, the movie “Changing Lanes” offers a genuine depiction of alcoholism, which surfaces consistently in Gipson’s life, not just when he’s consuming alcohol. This is particularly noticeable in a scene where Gipson, seemingly devastated by Banek’s actions, enters a bar and orders a bourbon drink. As he gazes vacantly at the glass, Gipson then instigates a physically aggressive altercation with two other bar patrons.

As a movie buff who’s seen one too many tragic tales unfold, I can’t help but see the parallels between Gipson’s life and the turbulent stories that play out on screen. Although he may not be physically under the influence, his alcoholism, with its inherent emotional instability, makes him a risk to himself and those in his vicinity. It’s as if he’s starring in a dramatic film where the script calls for constant chaos – a role that’s become an addiction, rather than a choice.

As his AA sponsor so aptly put it: “Alcohol isn’t your true vice, Gipson. You’re not just hooked on the buzz; you’re addicted to turmoil. For some of us, it’s cocaine. For others, it’s whiskey. But in your case, it seems like you’ve found your fix in disaster.” It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, our vices aren’t always the substances we consume but the destructive patterns and emotions they feed into – in Gipson’s case, the relentless pursuit of chaos.

‘The Accountant 2’ and ‘Changing Lanes’ Share Similar Themes

Similar to how The Accountant 2 delves into moral ambiguity by portraying protagonist Christian Wolff as a forensic accountant for the criminal underworld, who also grapples with his complex childhood, Changing Lanes immerses Ben Affleck’s character in a world filled with enigmatic figures, where right and wrong are not always distinguishable. In much the same way as Christian’s story unfolds in The Accountant 2, Changing Lanes unveils the extent of Banek’s immoral actions while simultaneously highlighting his inherent goodness and eventual redemption.

In one of the key scenes in the movie Changing Lanes, the moral complexity is skillfully portrayed as Banek challenges Delano, who is both his boss and father-in-law. Eventually, Banek uses blackmail against Delano by threatening to expose fraud within their law firm. When confronted, Delano justifies his unethical behavior by arguing that he’s done more good than harm. This ambiguous principle seems to be the standard under which both Banek and Christian have been compelled to operate. The question remains: is it enough? By the way, you can stream Changing Lanes on Apple TV, Google Play, or Prime Video.

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2025-05-11 21:48