The best feel good film of the year has arrived in the form of "Good Will Hunting," a moving, triumphant tale of two stubborn men whose therapeutic sessions together ultimately free them from their troubled pasts. Featuring award worthy performances, terrific direction and even better writing, the film is certain to be well represented come Oscar time and should be a big hit with audiences.
The tale of how this story came to be is itself an extraordinary drama, and has now become legendary in its own right. Struggling performers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the script years ago but refused to sell it unless they would appear in it as well. Forgoing huge sums of money, they stuck by the Stallone principle -- where Sly Stallone refused to give up the rights of "Rocky" unless he could star in the title role, and the rest, of course, is now history. Time will only tell whether the same will happen to these two young men, but Damon seems to have a career poised on the top of a rocket ship. After headlining Francis Ford Coppola's "The Rainmaker" and now this feature, he seems ready to conquer the world -- or at least Hollywood.
Their screenplay is easily the best of the year, and features some of the best dialogue spoken by any film characters during the past decade. There are some minor, funny bits from Chuckie telling a friend he'll put his just purchased sandwich on lay-away until that friend comes up with some money, and a bit where Will approaches a condescending Harvard student (moments after devastating him in another fabulously written scene) and asks if he likes apples. The guy says that he does, and Damon then shows him Skylar's telephone number and says, "Well, I got her number. How do you like those apples?" Even the subtly written bits shine, such as the contrasting point that Lambeau teaches at M.I.T., while Sean teaches at Bunker Hill Community College.
The film really takes off, however, in several key speeches delivered by the main characters. There's Sean's moving speech about Will knowing things (book smart), but not really knowing things (the real world and life experiences), and Chuckie's brief bit where he tells Sean his dreams for him (that finally come true). And a speeding, stream of consciousness monologue delivered by Will to some NSA officials about the repercussions of him accepting a code-breaking government job is outstanding. To reproduce them here in print would not only have been difficult (for some of them are long or quickly delivered), but also would be a disservice to their effectiveness on screen. To put it succinctly, they're often brilliant, usually funny, and occasionally emotionally devastating.
Such a moving, intelligently written script is something every film maker hopes will land in their lap sometime during their career. Here, director Gus Van Sant is that lucky man. Known for his smart, but occasionally off the wall films ("To Die For," "Drugstore Cowboy"), this is certainly his most accessible feature and by far the most entertaining. Providing enough interesting and captivating shots to accompany the often lengthy speeches, Van Sant provides some nice touches to compliment the script.
While the story is somewhat predictable -- the two men will be stubborn at first, then get to know each other, and ultimately be the source for the other's freedom -- it's the journey to that end that's fulfilling. Some of that obviously comes from the script, and Damon and Affleck have made sure even the most minor of characters have been"fleshed out" and are interesting in their own, small way. It's rare to see well-written characters across the board in a film, and having that here only makes this picture that much better.
The other part of that journey is in getting to know the characters. No matter how well written, they won't fully come alive unless they're inhabited by talented performers. Luckily, this film is filled with a plethora of them and Damon and Williams are the obvious stand outs. Damon, who until his recent starring performance in "The Rainmaker" had only appeared as bit characters in various films, dominates the screen. His take on the troubled young man is simply outstanding. With a brilliant mix of street bravado and inherent smarts covering a sense of vulnerability, you can't help but be blown away by his performance. It's much better than his decent turn in "The Rainmaker," and should prove to be a huge stepping stone on his way up the Hollywood talent ladder.
Williams, the terrific stand up comic-turned actor, is absolutely stunning. I've always thought he's faired better in dramatic roles, and his track record ("The World According to Garp," "Good Morning Vietnam, ""Dead Poets Society," and "Awakenings") certainly proves that point. While he has had some great success in purely humor driven movies, it's in those roles that showcase his more serious and subdued acting style that prove what a good actor he really is. Who would have guessed anyone would even think that after those early years of "Mork and Mindy?" Luckily for him and us, he was allowed to move into other genres. Here he brings such subtle nuances to this character that you not only feel for him, but you also feel that you've really come to know him.
Also outstanding is Minnie Driver as the likeable, funny, and ultimately vulnerable Harvard student who opens her heart to Will only to have it crushed. Affleck, who was so charming in his leading role in this year's earlier small hit, "Chasing Amy," has a minor, but decent role as Will's best friend. The fact that these characters, and ones that only show up for a scene or two, pop off the screen and seem incredibly real is a testament to their acting as well as the strength of the script and Van Sant's direction.
Although the movie is a bit over two hours long, it's one of those rare films you hate to see end. The characters are so interesting and dimensional, and the story is so well written and moving that you just want it to keep going. Of course, when a film makes you feel that way, it's succeeded at the highest level. This is quite simply one of the best movies of the year. Oscar nods should go to the film for Best Picture, Damon and Affleck for their screenplay, Damon for best Actor, and Williams and Driver for their supporting actor performances. If you want to see a brilliantly performed, exceptionally well-written movie that will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye, and ultimately make you feel happy to be alive, then this film is for you. We highly recommend it, and thus give "Good Will Hunting" a 9 out of 10.
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