Ben Affleck, the leading man in The Accountant 2, currently dazzling audiences on silver screens, has unveiled a selection of his all-time favourite films—many of which are readily available for streaming.
The Hollywood icon got to live out every film lover’s fantasy during an episode of Criterion Closet Picks where he was invited to peruse the revered Criterion Collection, selecting some cherished classics.
While nestled amongst Criterion’s treasures, Affleck pointed out several cinematic gems that can be either purchased or, for the thriftier cineastes, streamed.
His curated selection includes Hollywood Shuffle, Bull Durham, and the spine-chilling Silence of the Lambs, all accessible on Prime Video.
Additionally, fans of quintessential teen comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High directed by Amy Heckerling can catch it on Sky Go and NOW; meanwhile, Affleck’s own star-turn in Armageddon alongside Bruce Willis and Liv Tyler is available on Disney+.
But, from Affleck’s storied list, just one title is on offer completely free of charge.
Spike Lee’s profoundly influential 1992 biopic Malcolm X, with Denzel Washington portraying the iconic civil rights leader, can be streamed completely free on BBC iPlayer. The film struck a profound chord with Affleck, prompting him to call it “life-changing”.
He praised Washington’s portrayal as unparalleled, saying: “There is not a performance I can think of that’s better than this.
“I remember where I was when I watched it,” adding poignantly, “I remember when I walked out I thought, ‘I want to be a better man’.
“It was the first time a movie has touched me in that kind of profound way.”
Critics and movie buffs alike are united in their adoration for Lee’s cinematic gem, with a stellar 89 percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an even higher appreciation from the audience at 91 percent.
One succinct five-star review on Letterboxd hailed it as “the pinnacle of biopics.”
Praise continued to flood in with another heartfelt endorsement proclaiming: “A genuine masterpiece. Denzel Washington gives one of the greatest performances of all time.”
Additionally, an enthusiast exclaimed: “This had the most greatest, most bada** opening in cinematic history. Spike’s decision from the burning flag to the Rodney King footage. Malcolm’s words brought to life by Denzel.
“Terrance Blanchard’s trumpet wailing in the back. Flawless. It’s 2020 and this is still relevant today more than ever. Hands down the best Spike Lee movie imo.”
To conclude the wave of acclaim, another admirer confessed: “I am completely blown away. I was choking up with tears rolling down my face for the entire final 5 minutes.
“One of the longest films I’ve ever seen and it never drags for a second. Everything from directing/acting/cinematography works across the board.”
With so much praise, the question arises: Is this the greatest biopic in existence?
You can judge for yourself by watching Malcolm X on BBC iPlayer this coming weekend.
Malcolm X is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.