Beautiful story, well told
Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting fully deserves its Golden Globe award
for best original screenplay and the nine Acadmey
nominations it has received. It is a story of personal
growth, friendship and love.
Twenty-year-old Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon (who
also co-wrote the screenplay), grows up in a rough,
working class Irish neighbourhood in South Boston.
Switching from one menial job to another, he and his
friends have frequent clashes with the law. But both
Will and his buddies know that he is different.
Although he's never been to college he can summon
obscure historical references from a photgraphic memory
and easily solves complicated mathematical problems
which have confounded university professors.
Sentenced to jail for his part in a street fight, a way
out is provided by a maths professor with an admiration
for his talents. The authorities agree to release Will
on the condition that as well as studying with the
maths professor he attend a psychiatrist. This
character, played magnificently by Robin Williams,
shows a sympathy for Will's emotional struggles and his
battles to get through life. His concern for Will's
emotional growth and well-being clash with the
interests of the maths professor who wishes Will to
develop his genius.
Good Will Hunting is a beautiful story well told. The
acting is top class and Matt Damon's reputation will
have been greatly enhanced with this latest role.
By Seán Brady.
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