Movie Review: Good Will Hunting

Movie Stats: Good Will Hunting written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Directed by Gus Van Sant, Produced by Lawrence Bender and released on 5th December 1997.

Sitting in a cab with my collegues you might be wondering where am I headed off to; let me answer that query I am on my way back home from watching a movie. So sitting here I decided why not share with you guys my opinion on the movie.

This movie has a drama feel to it. The story is about a 20 year old Will Hunting who is playing a role of protagonist in this story. He is a janitor at the Maddachusetts Institute of Technology who possesses an extraordinary intellect. He is placed as a janitor in MIT by a payroll program. Will captures the complexity and depth of a troubled young man with a genius level intellect.

Has the story unfolds, a therapist by the name of Dr.Sean Maguire gets involves in Will's case because it intrigued him, a deep connection is formed as Dr.Sean helps him confront his inner demons. The heart of this movie is a gripping exploration of Will's inner battle with himself as he grapples with his past and his fear of embracing his potential. The movie tells us that this strong connection between Dr.Sean and Will became stronger because of their similar past; as they are both victims of child abuse.

By helping Will facing his inner demons Dr.Sean is also getting strength to facing his own inner demons that he had suppressed so far. The ending is a happy ending has Dr. Sean finally finding peace decides on a sabbatical while Will heads to California to reunite with the girl, Skylar.

It can easily be said that Good Will Hunting is a compelling emotional movie that explores the themes of intellect, talent, emotional trauma, psychological trauma, personal growth, identity and love. The chemistry between the characters is palpable and the emotional depth of their interactions is truly moving.

In layman terms, this movie tells a story about a man named Will who because psychological trauma fails to prioritize anything in life though he has talent on quickly picking up things and raising questions that will leave the Professionals gaping. His meeting with Dr.Sean cause him to open up and slowly has a bond of understanding develops between Dr.Sean and Will Hunting, he slowly learns the meaning of freedom and to live life enjoying it.

It is a thought-provoking and deep movie that takes the audience through an emotional rollercoaster making the audience resonate with it long after the credits roll. The well-crafted scripted, powerful performance and poignant exploration of the human experience make it a timeless and impactful piece of cinema.

The negative point in this movie was that it followed a predictable narrative arc but when you add the quirks of the characters especially the protagonist; Will Hunting, it becomes a mix of predictable and unpredictable. The predictable portion makes it seem like a classic genre movie.

I would everyone especially those who are reading this to watch it atleast once in life as it gives influential lessons that are brilliantly presented by the actors, and will help you in life. It can also be seen has life changing lessons, so go ahead and watch it.

I must admit when I read the title of the movie I thought that it might be a fantasy-magical kind of movie but it was totally different from my expectations. Have you watched this movie before? Did you get the same feeling after reading the movie title?