Here we are: number 7.
Number 7 brings us to Boston for our next film, a movie my mom insisted was my “civic responsibility” to watch with her. Shocker here: I loved it. Good Will hunting follows Will Hunting, a boy from the Southside who works as a janitor at Harvard. It is quickly discovered that he is a genius, his talents hidden from the academic community due to the nature of his upbringing. He is to see a therapist, Robin Williams after a wild night leads him to court. Having seen Williams in roles such as Mrs. Doubtfire previously, I prepared myself little for the impact that his character could bring to the movie. If only I could have known what was to come. William’s role in the film left me breathless, in complete awe of human capability. Every line was delivered with such authenticity, such beauty, it became difficult to see this man as anything but his character. The scene below, perhaps evidence of one of the greatest performances ever given in this modern age, was enough to move me to sharp tears in the compassion and utmost love shown by Sean.
Another distinctive feature that contributes to my love of the film is the emphasis on friendship between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Such is pertinent given the context of the film. The two actors, both Boston natives, grew up together after playing on the same Little League team.
They were the writers of the screenplay, and through the trust and support given by Robin Williams, they were to successfully execute the film. I am a sucker for pop culture, for actors and actresses; their friendships, relationships, life stories all fascinate and inspire me. So for me to see the success of two boys who grew up best friends before the lights, camera, action, and to see how they were able to portray and show this friendship in the film itself was the selling point for me. The scene below shows the example of what I believe is true loyalty and love is, and all I could ever ask for in a friend: sacrifice, and support.
To conclude, I leave you with Robin Williams’ acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor at the 1997 Oscars. The perfect balance of beauty, humility, and grace, Williams shows what it means to truly be deserving and talented, but rooted in friendship and love. I look back and this and cry at the beauty of a soul lost too young, but smile at the time he was given to make our day a little better with his brilliant heart.
I think that is is interesting that there is a contrast between being a janitor at a prestigious university. Keeping his genius a secret is questionable when he could clearly use it to his advantage at such a place. I love how actors from the cast actually were from the same city on a Little League team. I feel that it really brings the screening together. I also took a look at some of the videos that were posted here and I do have a question: why didn’t this happen sooner? I think a lot of the characteristics of this screening could have been a lot better if the conclusions were reached in a timely manner. However, this is still something worth watching at least once.
I adore this film – definitely in my top 10 list! A scene that still plays on loop in my head is when Will is confronted at a bar by an obnoxious Harvard student who presents himself as an uber-intellectual to impress the ladies. He demeans Will for not having a college degree, but Will fires back, calling him out for memorizing a textbook and overstating the importance of a college degree. I agree with you in that the Affleck-Damon dynamic is what makes this film whole.