FILM REVIEW

Will taught us that liberty is a soul's right to breathe.

GOOD WILL HUNTING

Directed by: Gus Van Sant

Release Date: 12 March 1998

Screenplay by: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck

Available on: Stan

“It’s not your fault. … It’s not your fault”

For all those that have viewed the captivating story of Will Hunting, you will resonate with the heartfelt emotions that are evoked with the repetition of Robin Williams' iconic lines.

This Academy Award winning movie for best screenplay and actor follows the brilliant story created by Matt Damon (Jason Bourne) and Ben Affleck (Batman Vs Superman), of a self taught academic genius who works as a janitor, ironically in one of America’s most prestigious universities. Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon himself, begins his emotional journey unknowingly by solving a challenging university level, mathematical problem anonymously. His mathematical genius is discovered by a professor at the University one night, and he decides to take it upon himself to see the misguided laborer reach his potential. Upon attacking a police officer, Will is prosecuted however is granted amnesty in exchange to studying mathematics with the professor and receiving therapy sessions with Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

This film delves into human emotion, relationships and the potential for one’s growth and development of character which are seen between Will and Sean throughout the two hour film. As Will and Sean’s relationship begins to build into one of trust and understanding, the audience is revealed to the troubled past they both share. Sean, struggling with the loss of his wife and the undoing of his mathematical academic career and Will, an orphan grappling with his abusive past and his emotional difficulty of trusting others. Some may find the movie to be boring in its constant dialogue and lack of action. However, the film focuses on accentuating the simplicity yet complexity of raw human emotion and relationships, to create a tumultuous emotional story of character with powerful performances rather than one of blunt action and exaggerated plot.

It is not just the relationship between Will and his therapist but the reevaluation he makes for his relationships with his loyal best friends and girlfriend. Through talking with Sean and understanding his own personal stories, in which he was too quick to judge, Will begins to develop by trusting in others and realising the great potential he does have. We are able to see the growth and development of both these characters emotionally and there are numerous performances in which a tremendous amount of raw emotion and great acting is showcased, which Robin Williams won an Oscar for.

Matt Damon as Will

Gus Van Sant, Director

Good Will Hunting is unique in revealing that vulnerability is what we fear so much as humans. To expose ourselves completely, emotionally to others, risking our trust in the unknown. Will, only remains within Boston throughout the entirety of the film but the person he becomes after has travelled on a continuing emotional journey of understanding, forgiveness and acceptance. He dares to take the risk into the unknown and to seek the uncomfortable, the unthinkable; not knowing where it would get him. But the film outlines that everyone has potential and by only taking risks we are able to uncover and unlock that potential.

If you’ve made it this far, I feel compelled to say just watch it! It can be funny at times and take you on a journey of human emotion but you will learn to appreciate the characters, how they showcase the importance of experience, not just education and of taking risks; the leaping into the unknown.

Well, I guess this review ends here. In Sean Maguire’s words, “Time’s Up.”

-A Gen, Year 10