Good Will Hunting is a 1997 drama film directed by Gus Van Sant, written by and starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. It tells the story of Will Hunting, a self-taught mathematical genius from South Boston, who works as a janitor at MIT. After a professor discovers his intellect, Will is given an opportunity to change his life but must learn to confront his inner demons with the help of an unconventional therapist.Â