Directed by Gus Van Sant. Cast: Matt Damon (Will Hunting), Robin Williams (Sean McGuire), Ben Affleck (Chuckie), Minnie Driver (Skylar), Stellan Skarsgard (Lambeau), Casey Affleck (Morgan), Cole Hauser (Billy). USA. Color. 126 minutes.
Genius is a rare thing that comes along once in a great while. Genius can hit anyone regardless of age, class, or gender. In Good Will Hunting, it strikes a 20-year old janitor at MIT University named Will Hunting (Matt Damon). He is self-taught speed reader, with a photographic memory, who can rattle off facts about anything, and can solve complex mathematical theorems.
Will has lived in many foster homes, some of which were abusive. He is on his own now, relying on a close group of friends for fun and companionship. Will’s friends know he is different, and they hang out in bars not only to drink, but to deepen their friendships. They are all facing life’s choices, and struggling with their own abilities and limitations.
While mopping the floor at the University, Will spots a math problem posted by Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard). Lambeau soon realizes Will’s gifts after Will quickly solves a problem that took trained mathematicians years. Will is psychologically troubled, and it is easy for him to get into street fights. He arrested for assault, and sentenced to jail because of a long rap sheet. The professor keeps him out of jail because Will agrees to meet with him and with a psychologist.
The young genius tests five psychologists in a funny scene where they each give up on him. Will continues to resist therapy because he views it as beneath him. In a last effort, Lambeau calls an old college roommate, Sean McGuire (Robin Williams), to give it a try. The odd relations between the two are among the films strong points. McGuire is teaching at a community college and we immediately sense that there is something special and wounded about him. As the film progresses, we get to see why Sean and Will are so perfect for each other. Their relationship is rocky at first, but will becomes less defensive when he recognizes that Sean is also a wounded soul and a baseball fan.
Will is also influenced by his romance with a Harvard student named Skylar (Minnie Driver). She sees straight to the soul of the genius, but gets pushed away because of Will’s fear of losing her. Their relationship is complex and complicated, and unfortunately underdeveloped in the film.
Good Will Hunting draws you in emotionally. Not only do you care for Will, but you also get attached to his friends and Sean, who is still dealing with his wife’s death and his lack of success in life. Robin Williams gives a funny and touching performance. Even without his usual jokes, he has many memorable scenes.
Matt Damon wrote the story, and skillfully presents a character has been wounded so many times that he has built up walls to protect himself and keep others out. It is frustrating because his character can’t seem to realize how gifted he really is. His character loves to challenge others, and is challenged by his own inner conflict. Matt Damon gives a talented performance, and is enjoyable to watch.
Good Will Hunting is delightful and touching. The relationships in the film are intriguing and entertaining. Human dilemma is portrayed in such a way that it challenges viewers and is not over done.
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