Summary
Casey Affleck explains howThe Instigatorsdirector Doug Liman improved the ending, saying he “completely pulled it apart.” Directed by Liman, with a script co-written by Affleck and Chuck Maclean, the Boston-set heist comedy follows two thieves who go on the run after a botched robbery and drag one of their therapists along with them for the ride.Matt Damon and Afflecklead the star-studded alongside Oscar nominee Hong Chau (The Whale) as the therapist and Paul Walter Hauser, Michael Stuhlbarg, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman.
During an exclusive interview withScreen Rant,Affleck explained how Liman came aboard and changedThe Instigatorsending. The star says the script underwent significant rewrites, particularly influenced by the director, who “completely pulled it apart, especially at the end of the movie.” Read his full comments below:
And then you know, two years later, I sent it to Matt and Lucy, and then the process really began of rewriting and rewriting with everyone else in mind as they came on board, and with their input and their ideas. And no one more so than Doug, who completely pulled it apart, especially at the end of the movie. He said, “This just won’t work. If you want to make a movie like this, you got to, it has to be different, and here’s how.” And he was right, so the third act of this movie used to be more like Midnight Run. And Doug said, “It’s just got to get bigger, the stakes have to get higher. Visually, there have to be more opportunities for a sort of a big movie feel.” I didn’t really know a lot about that, it’s not how I approached writing or filmmaking, in general. So, I learned a lot, and at every turn, there was a part of me that I felt like was going against my own creative grain. But I just totally trusted him, and he was right every single time.
How Doug Liman Changed The Instigators Ending
The Director Likes To Go Out With A Bang
Mainly specializing in action, Liman is the director ofmovies such asThe Bourne Identity,Mr. & Mrs. Smith,Edge of Tomorrow,American Made, andRoad House(2024).The director typically ends his movies with action-packed climaxes involving high stakesthat elevate the overall intensity and scale of the film. For example,The Bourne Identityconcludes with a thrilling rooftop chase and dramatic showdown, whileEdge of Tomorrowends with a high-octane battle in Paris, culminating in a reset of the timeline to provide a satisfying resolution.
For his latest film,The Instigators, Affleck describes how the film’s script underwent significant rewrites, particularly influenced by Liman,who insisted on making the third actor bigger and raising the stakes. This was different from Affleck’s usual approach to writing and filmmaking, who previously co-wrote 2002’sGerry, also co-starring Damon, and wrote and directed the 2019 post-apocalyptic drama,Light of My Life. Despite feeling out of his comfort zone, Affleck trusted Liman’s vision and acknowledges that his suggestions were correct.
The Instigators Interview: Matt Damon & Casey Affleck On Teaming For Buddy Heist Comedy & Ocean’s 14
The Instigators stars Matt Damon, who also produced the film, and Casey Affleck, who co-wrote it, break down the buddy heist comedy and Ocean’s 14.
Whether or not Liman’s efforts actually improved the movie remains to be seen.The Instigatorsreviewshave been mixed, with critics claiming the caper falls apart due to a lack of excitement and engagement, though they acknowledge the chemistry between Affleck and Damon’s goofy camaraderie adds some appeal. It remains to be seen what audiences think ofThe Instigatorswhich, following its limited theatrical release on August 2, makes its streaming debut August 9 on Apple TV+.
The Instigators
Cast
The Instigators revolves around the complex dynamics of a group of individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and deception. As alliances are formed and trust is broken, the true motives of each character are slowly revealed, leading to a crescendo of tension and suspense.
