Good Will Hunting is, to this day, the most inspirational film I have ever seen. For the better part of ten years, I was in the same position as Matt Damon's character, Will. All I ever did was talk about how I was going to go back to school and pursue my dream. However, it was this film that gave me the metaphorical boot up the ass and said, "Stop talking about doing it. Just do it." I did not want to be 75 years old, lying on my death bed and saying to myself, "I wish I had given it a shot." Good Will Hunting gave me that inspiration.
I have always thought that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are decent actors. I think Ben Affleck becoming a director has made him a better actor, and ironically enough, it was the movie Interstellar that really made me a big fan of Damon. Matt Damon is perfect in his role as the cocky and confident Will Hunting. I also really enjoy the dialogue that he and Williams have together, because it shows that Will is struggling with some inner demons, and ultimately Williams gets it out of him in the classic "It's not your fault" scene.
Ben Affleck plays his role very well as Will's best friend, Chuck. He is supportive, protective, and everything else you would want in a best friend. He also does not have any reservations about telling Will what he really thinks of him. Near the end of the film, Chuck gives Will his thoughts on his potential, even risking their own friendship in doing so. To me, that's what a best friend is: supportive and protective as I said before, but also someone who doesn't bullshit you, and Ben Affleck is great in that role.
The gift of Robin Williams was his greatness. I personally think that term is overused, but Robin Williams was truly great in everything that he did. His Oscar is certainly deserved for his performance in this film for his portrayal of Sean Maguire. As someone who struggled with my own bout of depression, I began to have an utter disdain for therapists. Robin Williams made me like therapists. I wish more therapists were like him. His role in the film is to get through to Will Hunting, and get him to talk about his issues, and he does so by doing exactly what therapists are not supposed to do: he doesn't talk. He lets Will initiate the dialogue. It's a very emotion-fueled performance by Williams, one that moves me to tears almost every time.
Gus Van Sant directed this film, and he does so by getting excellent performances from his actors, and by using beautiful Boston images. The cinematography in the film is absolutely gorgeous. I could watch the transitional images alone for hours.
The gift of Robin Williams was exactly that: it was a gift. When someone you have never met becomes such a big part of your life, and then they are suddenly ripped away, it is very hard to come to terms with that. I still shed tears over his death. Allowing Robin Williams to come into my home via television screen is one of the greatest priveleges that I will ever know. The world will miss you, Mr. Williams, and I thank you.
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