Lets just preface this post with a true statement. Good Will Hunting is the best movie in the history of the universe. This movie makes me think, laugh, and cry. Every single time I watch it. I generally write these blogs as I am watching the movie. Please excuse all my random comments about some of the great scenes from this movie. I will not be able to refrain from writing about the brilliance of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, even though this blog is primarily focused on Robin Williams.
This is the first Robin Williams movie on which I have blogged that was released during my time era. Good Will Hunting (1997) is set in Boston, MA, where accents are thick and the people range from MIT geniuses to slums . Somewhere smackdab in the middle is where Will Hunting lies.
My boi Robin Williams, Sean Maguire, is not the main character in this movie. He is a desperate effort at getting psychological help for Will Hunting, a young genius from the slums of Boston. Will is working as a janitor at MIT when he solves an unsolvable math problem that a math professor places on a chalkboard for his students. Will is determined to never leave his friends and the slums of Boston, though.
I will not make you read a synapsis of the (amazing) plot. My goal is to honor Robin Williams role in this classic. Sean Maguire provides Will Hunting with the fatherly figure and guidance that Will needs at this point in his life. Professor Lambeau needs Will to shape up for his own purposes. Sean sees that Will does not need to become a famous mathematician. Maguire knows that Will needs something much more than work to find a purpose in life. Will needs love.
This is Robin William’s most poignant scene in Good Will Hunting. This is where Maguire finally gets Hunting to open up and show his inner fears and emotions.
I couldn’t blog about Good Will Hunting without these scenes.
This is a scene where I can’t help but tear up.
Besides the roller coaster of emotions and amazing plot line, there is still another reason I love Good Will Hunting as much as I do. There is something great that lies within Will Hunting. And when I look closely enough at myself, I can see that same greatness too. What talents each person’s greatness shines through varies. Anyone can watch this movie and see a reflection of themselves in one of the main characters. All great, in different ways.
Robin Williams had and always will have a greatness in him, that will never be matched by another human on Earth.
“You’re not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: this girl you’ve met, she’s not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other.” -Robin Williams as Sean Maguire
P.S. Please make this your next movie to watch, even if you’ve already watched it a hundred times before (like me). It. is currently on Netflix
Julianne Elizabeth Arcamone says
Absolutely love this movie. I think this was such a strong movie for Robin Williams because in so many movies he’s the funny or sarcastic character and in this you are able to really see a different side of him and his acting abilities.
Shannon Reinke says
I actually started watching this the other night, but unfortunately fell asleep in the middle of it. But I have heard rave reviews about it, and I would love to see Robin Williams in a more serious role. I will have to watch it very soon, but first I have to get Netflix…
Matt Bouldry says
Josh, it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault. Josh, Josh…it’s not your fault.
Christian James Morris says
I watched this movie for the first time over winter break, and it easily worked its way into my top 20 movies. The setting of Boston does a lot for the movie in my opinion. The particular slums that Will comes from are charming in their own way, and his relationship with MIT is crucial. Robin Williams’ character is also heartwrenching. It’s not the most satisfying movie, but it makes you think at least.
If you liked this movie, I’d suggest watching Mr.Nobody, which has a similar feel.