Good Will Hunting (1997)

Will Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.

Directed: Gus Van Sant

Writers: Matt Damon & Ben Affleck (The Town, The Last Duel)

Original Score: Danny Elfman (Spider-Man, Nightmare Before Christmas, kinda a lot)
Cinematographer: Jean-Yves Escoffier (Music Video for Johnny Cash's "Hurt")
Editor: Pietro Scalia (The Martian, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Solo, Kick Ass)
Production Designer: Missy Stewart (Legally Blond)
Genre: Drama, Romance
MPAA Rating: R, For strong language, including some sex-related dialogue
Starring: 

    Matt Damon as Will

    Robin Williams as Sean

    Ben Affleck as Chuckie

    Stellan Skarsgård as Professor Lambeau

    Minnie Driver as Skylar

Plot

One of these days I will review a movie that isn't rated R, but it is not this day!

Will Hunting is a janitor at M.I.T., and has a gift for mathematics. He is a troubled youth growing up in South Boston with a group of guys who are practically like brothers to him. However, Will isn't growing as a person, as a matter of fact he's regressing. Despite his genius, Will is barely scraping by, a fate that he is more than happy to accept. This movie is about the relationship between a troubled man, and his therapist (portrayed to perfection by the incomparable Robin Williams). 

Good Will Hunting has a weird reputation amongst some people, especially those who see themselves in Will's untapped potential & genius. As an audience member, we are naturally inclined to see ourselves in any main character. Movies (most if not all of them) are essentially empathy tests, allowing us to live an impossible life or perhaps to feel less alone. People who see themselves in Will's intelligence are tugging at the wrong strings. None of us are Will Hunting's intellectual equal, and almost certainly never will be without years of study and practice. Where the audience should look for Will in themselves is in his anger, hurt, and the crossroads he finds himself in. Will longs for escape, purpose, and needs to learn to be vulnerable again.

Ultimately, he needs a therapist.

Soundtrack & Score

The soundtrack to this movie is perhaps more impressive than it's score. A blend of background music alongside some choice needle drops, many of which are performed by the late Elliot Smith; one of the most heartfelt artists to ever grace this earth. Many of the songs focus around love and trust, but also self-destructive habits that are prevalent across more than just Will throughout the movie. I think Matt Damon and Ben Affleck chose a fantastic set of songs to guide the audience through this film. Once again I give my praises to Elliot Smith for his hauntingly sad performances and for adding so much depth to the film. 9/10 overall, largely because of Smith.

The score of this movie is composed by Danny Elfman, a famous composer who has a prolific career in the business. I am not always a fan of Elfman, my biggest criticism of the man being there is not as much variation as I'd like between all his work and I can almost always tell he has scored a movie before even looking it up. Despite his recognizable style, I think Elfman fits well for this story. There is a twinge of whimsical to it all, and I think he honors the tone that the writers wanted to convey. "Weepy Donuts" is one of my favorite songs of all time from any score of any movie, and it fits so perfectly in the film. Elfman gets a well deserved 9/10.

Cinematography

Escoffier seems to have had little freedom in the makings of this movie. For a film so focused on human expression and human interaction, Escoffier attempts to squeeze in some beautiful moments and themes. There are moments that shine through really well; the camera is not some bland idle necessity, Escoffier's story telling is subtle but present. I am also not one to take a dig at work when it isn't deserved, but the movie is only 7/10 for cinematography. There are some beautiful moments, but not much to leave a lasting impression upon the audience.

Final Thoughts & Overall Rating

Good Will Hunting also makes my Required Viewing For American Adults list. I think it is an amazing success story of what therapy can do for people, a wonderful look at the human condition, and a movie that has gotten me through many difficult times in my life. I get something new out of this film every viewing, and it's usually from a different character. Pay special attention to every one on one interaction that Will has with anyone, it's always worth listening to and dissecting every line of dialogue. The writing is the real bread and butter of this movie, and whether Will is being interrogated or having a beer with his best friend, every one of them is truly excellent. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won an Oscar for their writing of this movie, and to be honest I'm surprised they haven't put out anything else this great together since (no offense to The Last Duel). Elliot Smith was snubbed for Best Original Song by FUCKING CELINE DION'S "MY HEART WILL GO ON" and I will forever be salty.

This is just a very meaningful movie to me, with gripping character interaction and a wonderful story worth telling. I cannot thank it enough for the impact it has had on mine and my family's life.

9.5/10 

Beaux Score: 10/10 "Ooh, fuck! I laughed, I cried, it moved me Bob."

¡Tierra de Aguafiestas!

(Land of Spoilers)

I have little else to say about this film, but I did want to praise Robin Williams for his unique but enthralling performance as Sean. Taking on a more emotional role is tough for any comedic actor, but Williams navigates this movie as if he was born for it. It isn't William's only dramatic performance, but it is my personal favorite. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for it, and deserved it. The scene where Will and Sean talk about partners that are "Perfect for Each Other" is one of the funniest fucking moments in all of cinema history and it never fails to make me roll with laughter. Seriously, just click the link and rewatch it, you deserve it king.
I hope this movie gave something to you as it has for me.