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The couple filed for divorce in August, but were photographed kissing and attending a back-to-school night togetherin September.
Joan Crawford had her shoulders.
Bette Davis had her searchlight eyes.
Burt Lancaster had his height.
Marilyn Monroe had everything.
Most major stars have at least one physical attribute that defines their persona.
For Ben Affleck at this point in his career, that single feature is his strained smile.
Its contours and the sadness infused in them are the stuff of memes.
Sad Affleck was born.
On May 17,Peoplereported Affleck and Lopez hadnt been seen together publicly in 47 days.
(Thats apparently too many days for a couple known fordoing thison a very large yacht.)
Theyre both smiling, but while Lopezs grin is archly photogenic, Afflecks is tentative, tired.
After all, Lopez had co-chaired the Met Gala and premiered her Netflix filmAtlaswithout Affleckon her arm.
What fascinates me is this couples nostalgic strategy for navigating gossip.
When they first became an item,social media had little influence.
They didnt resort to the expected Notes-app statement or a relatable posed family photo on the grid.
That would be too pedestrian.
(Ghost singerslikeAshantior not.)
Fiercely, extravagantly, and, most important to Lopez, on her own maximalist terms.
Her response was terse: You know better than that.
Modern celebrity has been in the midst ofa major shiftfor some time.
I dont think hes very comfortable with me doing all of this, Lopez openly explains in her doc.
On May 22, Affleck was spotted solo by paparazzi picking up his son.
But his face is the bigger tell.
But this is no tragedy.
These are figures who work hard to keep themselves both in the spotlight and obscured.
Who have spent two decades raising audiences on a steady diet of parasocial satisfaction.
But by now, you know better than that.
