In the movie "The Town," where Ben both directs and stars, he praised Blake's poise and comfort during the sequence, noting that she appeared more mature than some crew members.
Blake credits her upbringing in a big family where she was treated as an equal, which helped her portray confidence. However, she admitted that the s-x scene was indeed uncomfortable, especially considering it was her first day on set.
When people mentioned the steamy scene, Blake jokingly responded, implying that it must reflect their own dark lives. She emphasized that the interactions between her and Ben's characters were far from, but rather awkward, unromantic, and tragic due to their mutual disdain.
Despite the awkwardness, Blake expressed gratitude that the scene was not exploitative but rather served the story and the characters' gloomy situation. It wasn't meant to be a gratuitous addition to attract viewers but rather a turn-off, creating a somber atmosphere for the audience.
Ben Affleck commended Blake for her maturity during filming, a quality she had also displayed when working with her "Gossip Girl" co-stars, who she considered juvenile.
"The Town," directed by Affleck and based on Chuck Hogan's novel "Prince of Thieves," is a crime drama set in Charlestown, Massachusetts. It follows a group of career criminals attempting to escape their criminal past. Affleck portrays Doug MacRay, the group's leader torn between loyalty to his friends and the desire for a different life.
Lively's character, Claire Keesey, is a bank manager who becomes romantically involved with Doug after being taken hostage during a robbery. Through their performances in "The Town," both Lively and Affleck showcase their acting skills and create complex and nuanced characters.
Lively's character is strong, independent, and intelligent, able to hold her ground against the tough criminals trying to control her. Affleck's character portrays inner conflict and turmoil as he wrestles with making the right choices.
"The Town" stands as a gripping crime drama, demonstrating the talents and versatility of Lively and Affleck. Their performances in the film captivate audiences and have garnered critical acclaim.
Affleck's portrayal earned him recognition, including a Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $154 million worldwide.
Lively's performance also received praise from critics, leading to a nomination for a Breakthrough Performance Award. Following "The Town," Lively continued to succeed in various projects, solidifying her status as a sought-after actress.
Lively and Affleck have collaborated on other projects, including the 2013 film "Savages" directed by Oliver Stone. Their partnership in "The Town" remains a memorable and celebrated moment in their careers, cherished by fans and critics alike.