A talk about 'The Town' with a 'Townie'

So Meaghan...  in what capacity do you work with film?

I work in production management in reality television.  Basically I organize shoots, tell people where and when they need to be places and then take all the blame when something goes wrong.

How long have you been doing this?

About a year now.  I started as a PA (production assistent/slave) several years ago and have slowly worked my way up.

So would you say you know a good deal about what goes into the production of a film?

Yes.  I've worked for a number of production houses and different projects.  I wouldn't claim to be an expert on everything, but in my position you need to know how these things work. 

Ben Affleck directed, acted in and wrote 'The Town'.  How do you feel about his previous work?

Personally I really enjoy his work.  Good Will Hunting is obviously an all-time great.  I think as a writer he's very under appreciated.  Also I wasn't aware he directed Gone Baby Gone until recently. 

Do you feel the same way about 'Gigli', the movie some have voted as worst movie of the decade?

How did I know you were going to set me up for that?  Haha.  No that was undoubably his worst career move.  He can be such a good actor at times it's hard to see what went on there.  Someone must have given him horrible advice.

How did you feel about 'The Town'?

I loved it.  It was very well done and an accurate depiction of friends who can be overly loyal.  I'm kind of skiddish so I found it a little violent for me at the end, but overall it was great.  Also Ben Affleck looked hotter than he has in years.

Being from Boston, do you think the movie was an authentic representation of Charlestown?

Yes I'd say they nailed that aspect of the movie.  The accents weren't over the top like they seem to be in some movies, like 'The Departed'.  I heard Affleck actually did around two weeks of interviews with former bank robbers from Charlestown to make sure it felt right.  The only part I thought was over the top was the clothing.  People from Boston don't wear Red Sox, Bruins, or Patriots jerseys all day every day.  That was a little much.

How do you feel about Ben Affleck effectively representing Boston in Hollywood?

If he keeps up the way he has been going then that would be great.  He's one of the few actors who stayed true to their hometown.  A lot of actors try to forget where they came from so we appreciate what he's doing for us.  Just don't make any movies about Boston with J-Lo, PLEASE.

Is robbing Fenway Park sacrilegious?

Is that even a question?  Of course it is.

Has anyone in Boston ever asked you to take a 'bank job'?

No. That has never been offered.  I didn't even know that Charlestown was the bank robbing capital of the world before I saw this. Haha.