Actor Ben Affleck is clearly keen to get away from his reputation as a screen heartthrob.

As the 36-year-old Hollywood star has ditched his matinee idol look for a rather overgrown beard and long locks to star in his latest movie.

An unkempt-looking Ben sports a heavy beard and a long set of locks during a break on the set of comedy Extract, in Los Angeles.

Mane attraction: Ben Affleck lets his hair down for his new film role as an unscrupulous lawyer in movie Extract

The comedy follows the personal and professional problems endured by the owner of a flower-extract plant.

Ben, married Alias star Jennifer Garner following a highly publicised relationship with singer Jennifer Lopez.

He has a two-year-old daughter Violet with Jennifer, who is expecting their second child.

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Mane attraction: Ben's grizzly new look is far cry from his former groomed look, right, in 2002 film Changing Lanes

Arrested Development star Jason Bateman plays the owner of a flower-extract plant and Affleck plays the best friend of Bateman's character.

Affleck is playing an ambulance-chasing attorney in Extract, the latest comedy from Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge.

The actor, who turned 36 last week, has taken an extended break from the cut and thrust of Hollywood of late.

His last starring roles were in the 2006 films Hollywoodland and Smokin' Aces.

He also has two other films due for release next year, the romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You and the crime thriller State of Play.

Happy families: Ben with actress wife Jennifer Garner and daughter Violet, two