Good Will Hunting - A Movie Review

Finding our direction in life is a given. Never be afraid to seek help.

Good Will Hunting was released to theaters in 1997. A young intelligent man refuses to change his direction in life and his rebellious attitude. With the help of a psychologist, Will Hunting’s life is opened up to new ideas that he refused to think about.

I remember watching this film for the first time in my senior year English class. Written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting achieves a story and an incredible message for all about the world of therapy. Today, after the six-year passing of Robin Williams, the film has a huge impact on me. Good Will Hunting projects a story about finding one’s direction in life.

Will Hunting has never had it easy. A lot of his despicable actions made me turn my nose up at his behavior. But that is all a mask. Matt Damon was great, connecting to the character so audiences could see how he was struggling. His quiet moments are very well acted. His growth is realistic, conveying a vulnerable young man who is afraid of change.

Did you know that Robin Williams improvised that story of his wife farting in bed? In the role that won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, the late Robin Williams accomplished a profound performance as a therapist who connects with Will. Sean has had a difficult past of his own but it has made him learn a valuable lesson about love. Williams’ monologue in the park is one of the best scenes in the film, conveying emotion.

Will and Sean’s relationship is the core of the film. That’s what I like most about Good Will Hunting. Damon and Williams did an incredible job with their scenes. In a way, they are almost the same person. Having gone down different pathways, Sean finds ways to connect to Will, helping him build trust.

The film includes the extraordinary talents of Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgard, Minnie Driver, Casey Affleck, Cole Hauser, John Mighton, Scott Williams Winters, and Jimmy Flynn. The way in which characters interact is very interesting.

I was very impressed with Minnie Driver. I have not seen many films with Driver but she is a strong actress. As Will’s love interest, Skyler has a big impact on him. Knowing that Will is hiding something, Driver and Damon deliver a compelling and tearjerking scene.

Relationships are a theme in Good Will Hunting. Everyone has a relationship whether it is unstable, terse, or a friendship. Making connections is what life is all about. Although the scenes between Will and his friends got on my nerves for their crass behavior and language it was important to show.

Be on the lookout for some recognizable locations that were used in the Boston area. On the day when Damon and Williams shot their famous scene in the Boston Public Garden park a crowd of 3,000 spectators watched! The locations were great. Each setting explored the character’s mind creatively delivering subtle hints about their personality.

Gus Van Sant achieved an incredible depiction of finding your direction. Sant, Damon, and Affleck worked well together enforcing ideas and the right emotion. Realistic therapy scenes were created to encourage people to never be afraid to attend therapy. Props go to Damon and Affleck for writing a compelling story to which they started in college.

Be aware that there is a lot of toxic languages thrown around in Good Will Hunting. Otherwise, I recommend that you watch this film. I am thankful to my English teacher for opening my mind to this film and about creating impacts.