Rated R for strong language, including some sex-related dialogue.
126 Minutes
Directed By: Gus Van Sant
Written By: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck
Staring: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Minnie Driver, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgard, Casey Affleck, and Cole Hauser
Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself. -Sean
Synopsis
Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT, has a gift for mathematics which is discovered, and a psychologist tries to help him with his gift and the rest of his life.
Review
Good Will Hunting is a resonating story about hope, loss, dreams, and love. This journey taken with extraordinary Will Hunting learning about life and himself is a palpable tale of self discovery and emmergence into adulthood and the fears it holds. Will is the kind of guy who doesn’t take any chances in life, so he doesn’t have anything ever worth losing. His profound genius is just a symptom of his personality rather than the defining trait, his would be teacher played by Stellan Skarsgard, perceives it should be. With his future at the brink of his own discretion we take a look into the choices he makes that will change his future. The fears and apprehension that follow is explored in such a genuine manner, it becomes incredibly easy to connect and empathize with Will.
His twisted past and his charming personality make the moments that pass more than just story about the looming choices adulthood brings. It brings the entertainment and the remarkable talent of Matt Damons range as an actor to light. His chemistry with Robin Williams in one of his strongest as well as Oscar winning performances alive is outstanding. Damon and Williams playing opposite each other is some of the most honest moments on film about two men simply reflecting on a life lived, and one trying to decide if he wants the path of professional success or success in life and love. Each daunting choice lays before him, frightening him. The connection of Sean and Will is incredibly natural and when moments of some of both characters vulnerability are exposed, it is a truly authentic moment.
Good Will Hunting is a beautiful film that touches on some of life’s most powerful emotions and give them to us in the generous way of entertainment. This is a great movie for the young the old and the in between. The essence of the script emoted threw the performances give this story an undeniable quality of greatness. This is a movie that should be on every ones DVD shelf.
