A Little History
At the time when "Titanic" rules the box office seas, "Good Will Hunting" emerged on the scene. Clearly, it had no chance of overriding Titanic's overwhelming profit and gross female audience draw. Despite such a intimidating competitor, though, it managed to pull through to become Miramax's most profitable and successful movie in its company's history. Apparently there had to be a reason why. Who would have suspected that the movie Ben Affleck and Matt Damon wrote to give themselves jobs would have won such critical acclaim and an Oscar?


Why I Went to See it
There's only so much Oscar buzz one can hear until one decides to go check the validity of these compliments. That was what happened to me. My brothers had seen "Good Will Hunting" while I basked in the glory I called "Titanic." However, that became old, and before I knew it, there I was, sitting in the theater, watching "Good Will Hunting" (GWH). It turned out to be one of the best movies I have seen in my entire life.


GWH Background Info
Stubborn, troubled, and carefree are usually characteristics NOT associated with a mathematical genius - who happens to be a janitor for MIT - but these words describe the title character. Abused and forsaken by numerous foster parents for as long as he could remember, "Will Hunting" (Matt Damon) gradually built a defense mechanism against those who wished to become close to him. Inevitably, he got himself a criminal record for stealing, fighting, speeding, etc. However, the turning point of his life occurs when a Fields Medal winning MIT math professor - "Dr. Gerald Lambeau" (Stellan Skarsgard) - discovers that the person who had solved the highly advanced math problem in the university was Will. Lambeau wishes to work with him, but he ultimately decides that Will needs counseling. He asks an old friend, "Sean McGuire" (Robin Williams), to help the boy.


Relationship Analysis:

Will & Sean
What follows these mandated visits captures the essence of the film. Sean can relate to Will's hurtful past, so this further develops their close relationship. Sean's approach is far from psychological and professional, bur rather, quite warm and intimate; Sean is like Will's father and older brother rolled into one. He provides Will with the life questions that eventually lead Will to truly evaluate his life. Through this bond, Will is able to see that he has been uncertain of what he had wanted in life. These scenes prove to be the some of most intimate in the entire movie. Here one sees Will with his guard down and completely himself. It is remarkable to see his gradual and trying transition from a confused boy to a much more assured young man.


Will and Chuckie
There are two other relationships that are integral to the film. The first is between Will and his long-time childhood pal "Chuckie" (Ben Affleck). They are closely bonded by environmental circumstances and personality, yet a tacit knowledge that they are quite different can be felt on both ends (though more so by Chuckie). In a pivotal dialogue between the two, Chuckie reveals his hopes for Will not only as a best friend but as a man finding his way. Their circle of friends all work as blue-collar laborers. Chuckie confesses that this sort of occupation is expected and fine for them, but a downright crime for Will. Through this exchange of thought, one can sense a true brotherly love and care through which blood ties could not provide for Will. Perhaps Will's friends are not "monkeys" at all; though unpolished, they illuminate what a real friendship should be.


Will and Skylar
It reminds of "West Side Story". Although no one is stopping Will and "Skylar" (Minnie Driver) from seeing each other, the two come from nearly opposite sides of the world. She is a student at Harvard, Will, a janitor on probation. Nevertheless, sparks fly when they meet. The relationship is well-written and developed; it is not too sugary, perfect or unrealistic. I will not say what happens between Skylar and Will, but they do encounter problems. Cleverly, Affleck and Damon smoothly intertwined this romance with Will's character growth.


OK...So What Now?
I don't want to reveal too much about the film (though I have a bad feeling I already have! Eek!), but I will tell you that the ending left me hanging (a little). The "what-will-happen" of each character in the film is sufficiently tied up without it feeling too unrealistic and "neat." Watching the credits scroll down the screen left me with an extremely satisfied feeling. Plus, I believe I have actually gained from watching GWH. It made me realize that being successful and acclaimed isn't everything, but most importantly, that I should try my hardest to avoid regret, for that is possibly the worst feeling any person could have.

Anyway, my overall sentiments of the movie can be best summarized in this saying: "You know you've read a good book when you feel as though you've just lost a best friend."


Who Should Watch It?
Everyone! However, I will admit that males may relate more with this movie than females (afterall, there was only one principal female role). GWH is a hardcore drama, but is also fantastically sprinkled with witty humor to bring levity to the heavy seriousness of the themes. I can see people who enjoyed "American Beauty" and "Finding Forrester" being attracted to this movie. It would be best for you to avoid GWH if you are looking for the gross, light-hearted humor of "American Pie", or the suspense and action-filled plots of "Speed" and "Double Jeopardy".



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age