Kaylah Walton
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Famed director Barry Sonnenfeld, recognized for his work on hit films such as Men in Black and The Addams Family, shared a poignant encounter with actress Jennifer Garner during the final day of shooting the 2016 film Nine Lives.
During filming, Sonnenfeld observed that Garner appeared preoccupied, likely due to her multiple trips back to Los Angeles to support her then-spouse Ben Affleck, who was facing personal difficulties.
In his memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time, Sonnenfeld recounts how Garner broke down in tears, revealing the news of her and Affleck’s impending separation. Despite her tears, she reassured him, stating, “Everything is going to be fine. It’s for the best.”
Sonnenfeld recalls the bewilderment of the extras witnessing the emotional exchange, humorously noting that it was unclear who was more unsettled, him or Garner, who suddenly found herself in the role of the composed one.
Sonnenfeld’s Insight on Garner’s Tough Moment
Sonnenfeld reflects on the difficult incident, acknowledging Garner’s grace amidst a personal storm: “Jennifer Garner is a genuinely lovely person. She frequently traveled to Los Angeles to manage family matters with Ben.”
He describes how on her final shooting day, Garner appeared troubled. In a crowd of extras, he privately checked on her state of mind.
She revealed, “Ben and I decided to separate last night.” Sonnenfeld admits to tearing up, to which Garner consoled him by saying, ‘It’s going to be okay.’ But he retorted in disbelief.
Garner reassured him, but he struggled to resonate with her sentiments amidst his own feelings of despair.
In July, sources indicated that Garner chose to distance herself from the media frenzy surrounding Affleck’s brief marriage to Jennifer Lopez, which ended amid controversy.
The couple was married for a decade, finalizing their divorce in 2018, and they are parents to three children: Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.
Sonnenfeld’s Experiences with Challenging Actors
Sonnenfeld also discusses his difficult interactions with Kevin Spacey, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.
He describes the working environment with Spacey as unpleasant, highlighting the actor’s critical demeanor and obstructive attitude.
Similarly, Sonnenfeld faced challenges with actor Tim Allen while filming the 2002 comedy Big Trouble, noting Allen’s loud demeanor and unkind humor.
He recalls a peculiar incident where Allen bluntly remarked to his co-star René Russo, “I’m not attracted to you,” during a critical scene meant to establish chemistry.
Sonnenfeld urged Allen to project instant attraction, to which Allen skeptically replied, “Why should I?”
Sonnenfeld elaborated on Russo’s appeal, but Allen stubbornly persisted in his sentiments.
Despite Sonnenfeld’s attempts to encourage Allen to act in a manner fitting for the moment, the exchange highlighted a challenging set of dynamics on set.
In the end, both Sonnenfeld and Russo displayed grace under pressure, managing to see the humor in the situation as they brought the production to a close.
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