In the world of independent movies, where taking risks is the norm, Object‘s treatment of homosexuality would not seem so unusual. In fact, one of last year’s most critically acclaimed films was the low-budget ChasingAmy, in which a straight man falls in love with a lesbian.

But Chasing Amy cost $200,000; The Object of My Affectioncost $30 million. Since the financial stakes are much larger, Hollywood movies must appeal to a massive audience to make a profit. Producers play it safe and rely on stereotypes, assuming that if the gay characters behave as general audiences think they behave, no one will be offended.

Ben AFFLECK

TV work includes: Against the Grain (1993-1994)

Major movies: “Chasing Amy”, “Good Will Hunting”The Oscar-winning screenwriter (for “Good Will Hunting”) played the reluctant star quarterback in a small Texas town in this drama (above). But NBC executives took a while to warm up to the idea of Affleck in a lead role. “They really didn’t want him,” recalls cocreator Dave Alan Johnson, even though Affleck had already appeared in the film “School Ties” and, from 8 to 14, had hosted the PBS documentary series The Voyage of the Mimi. Originally, Johnson says Affleck tried out for the part of a prima donna player. “We were sold on the idea that this guy is a jerk, but he turned around and could play this hero that everyone loved,” Johnson says. “He was so convincing in both roles, yet they were polar opposites.”