GOOD WILL HUNTING
Directed by Gus Van Sant
Starring : Matt Damon (Will Hunting)
Robin Williams (Sean McGuire), Stellan Skarsgard (Gerard Lambeau), Minnie Driver (Skylar), Ben Affleck (Chuckie)
Written by Matt Damon & Ben Affleck
Running Time : 2hrs
Rating : **** out of *****
GOOD WILL HUNTING must be the most "un-cinematic" of all the four nominees up for Best Picture this year. While THE FULL MONTY may also be considered "un-cinematic," it still had quite a bit of highly "visual" moments. There are no special-effects, no bla ring soundtracks, no mind-blowing budgets, just a few good actors and a touching story with a lot of heart.
The film's protagonist, Will Hunting (Damon) is barely out of his teens and works as a janitor in MIT, the most prestigious technical institution in the world. Other than hanging out with his best buddy Chucky (Affleck) and his friends in semi-sleazy p ubs and picking fights, Will also has a hidden passion for knowledge. So while he is not out drinking or fighting, he will be at home, reading. Working late one night, he secretly writes down the solution to a difficult mathematical problem in the hallway blackboard posed by Professor Lambeau (Skarsgard) to his students. A stir erupts in the entire university as to who this phantom genius is. Lambeau eventually discovers Will and immediately comes to the conclusion that he has discovered a genius.
Lambeau's obsession to mould Will into an authority in complex mathematical theories becomes jeopardized after realizing his "cocky" and rebellious nature. This drives Lambeau to request help from an old time rival, Sean McGuire, in dealing with this p art of Will which he could not comprehend. Unmoved, McGuire seeks to help the boy out of his hidden misery by arranging regular dialogue sessions with him. The eventual result of this relationship would prove not only to realise Will of his own potential but also to Lambeau's inner struggles with his past.
The human factor is very well dealt with in this film -- Will's confusion and anger over his inability to trust and love, McGuire's struggle with the sacrifices of his past and lost time, Lambeau's anger over Will's attitude towards his own potential. Strong acting from the entire cast contributes heavily to this. While this is not Robin Williams' first role in such a character (he has similar roles in DEAD POETS SOCIETY and AWAKENINGS), he has once again proved his prowess in dealing with in-depth, se nsitive characters. Matt Damon shows tremendous potential as the cocky and troubled teenager. But then again, he wrote the story along with Affleck which gives him an advantage in terms of relating to his character, Will Hunting.
The script is upbeat and humorous but managed well in conveying the underlying seriousness on the how the characters affect each other, maintaining satisfying drama throughout the film.
GOOD WILL HUNTING may not feast your eyes or ears but it definitely is, soul-food.
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From: Jewel ()
I LOVED Good Will Hunting!!! Matt Damon is not only a great ator, but also good lookin. Keep it up Matt!!!
