Photographic
memory is a gift that less than 10% of the population acquires from birth. Even
less than that is the number of people who still have a form of this eidetic
memory after the age of six. According to psychologists, no one can remember
everything, yet the exception always finds a way, especially in Hollywood with
Will Hunting.
Good
Will Hunting, directed by Gus Van Sant in 1997, is a feel good film filled with
humor, emotion, romance, and not to mention a star studded cast. Will Hunting
(Matt Damon) is a young janitor at MIT and also an unknown genius until
professor of mathematics Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) and psychologist Sean
Maguire (Robin Williams) take him under their wing. With the help of friends
including Chuckie (Ben Affleck) and Skylar (Minnie Driver), Will Hunting tries
to find meaning in life as well as use for his amazing talents.
Although
Will’s brilliance is not comparable to the audience, his struggles in romance,
acceptance, and psychologically are relatable to the audience. Will’s personal
growth in the film from a disobedient wild child to a sensitive and understanding
grown adult is a value that many see as an application to their lives.
The performance
of the actors is something that makes this film so moving. Emotions that the
actors portray feel real, as if you have known them all your life. The plot of
the film is very well put together, leaving the viewers with no questions as to
why the characters did certain things. The story was clear with the help of
cinematography, flashbacks, character dialog, and music.
Aside
from the cliché ending that the audience could have easily suspected, this film
is the perfect portrayal of a classic narrative film. This film makes it easy for
audiences to reflect their lives and values on.
Oddly I can say that I never heard of this movie until reading your analysis. It really make me want to see the movie now. I can not imagine where my life would be if I could remember everything. That is simply mind blowing! But I agree the film would help the audience reflect on their own lives because it makes one become thankful with what they have and they can put themselves into someone else's shoes for just a moment. It makes us appreciate the small things and abilities that we have. Nicely Done :).
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have heard of this movie I also have never seen it, but your review really describes it well without giving too much away. I liked that you admitted the ending is a cliché and even with that I still kind of want to see it now. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYour review does a nice job summerizing all the events of the film! It's nice to hear that this film is relatable! And yes now that you tell me about the cast I feel like I need to it! I have seen the majoriety of Robin Williams films! So you did a great job shedding positive light on the movie so I hope it is as good as all of his normally are :] I like your comment at the end about the cliche ending, but maybe with the character having such an out of the normal life and mind frame alittle "cliche" aspect to his life could make it seem a bit more realistic. Showing the audience that the character is just like everyone else. Anyway! This sounds like and interesting movie! Ill definantly have to check it out! Nice Work !
ReplyDelete