Good Will Hunting

RECOMMENDATION:

Bartek Pulcyn:

A cinematic giant. The story of its making and the subsequent fates of its creators mean that with the passage of time its emotional impact only grows in intensity. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, two neighbors and friends from elementary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts (they met in 1980 when they were 10 and 8 years old, respectively), over a decade later jointly develop a 40-page screenplay draft that Damon had written as part of his coursework in his fifth year at Harvard. The young, then aspiring actors try to get it produced, with help from, among others, Terrence Malick (who suggested what the ending of the film should look like) and Kevin Smith. Ultimately, the project lands at MIRAMAX studio, Gus Van Sant (My Own Private Idaho, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues) takes the director’s chair, and the role of the psychotherapist is taken by the acclaimed and universally beloved Robin Williams.

The film turns out to be a massive success and a breakthrough in the careers of many of its creators: Robin Williams wins his long-awaited and, as it would soon turn out, only Academy Award; Damon and Affleck, after winning the Academy Award (for screenplay), enter Hollywood’s top acting league; and Gus Van Sant begins receiving offers for big-budget, star-studded projects.

In 2014, after the tragic death of Robin Williams, the bench in a Boston park where the characters have a conversation in one of the scenes became a spontaneous memorial; fans of the actor began leaving flowers and candles on it.

Silver Bear in Berlin, 7 Academy Award nominations (2 wins), 81st place on the IMDb list, and 36th place in the Filmweb ranking.

DESCRIPTION:

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a rebellious young man. His ambitions and expectations from life are modest. He works in construction or mops the hallways at the prestigious MIT, and in the evenings roams the local bars with his friends (Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck). During one of his night shifts, Will finds a difficult mathematical problem written on a blackboard as a challenge for students, which he manages to solve without much difficulty… The discovery of a mathematical genius shakes the entire academic community and heralds serious changes in the life of Will and his friends. A psychotherapist known for his unconventional methods (Robin Williams) is brought in to help the young men navigate them well.

GALLERY:

LET’S TALK ABOUT:

Will Hunting has an extraordinary talent – what talents do you find in yourself?

Great abilities and a life devoid of ambition – what do you think holds Will back, what is he missing?

The situation in Will’s family home had and still has a great impact on his life – what impact does your home/family have on your life – share whatever you feel comfortable with.

Will hides his vulnerabilities behind a mask – he is afraid to open up, so he attacks his therapists – do you ever find yourself hiding behind a mask, like he does?

With whom can you truly open up?

With whom would you like to be able to truly open up?

Do you enjoy having deep conversations on important, sometimes difficult, personal topics?

What place does friendship hold in your life?

Will’s friend says he can’t wait for the day when he shows up at Will’s door and he’s not there – which will mean he has left, spread his wings. Is there someone you wish the same for?

What do you think builds friendship between people best?

What makes it difficult for you to build relationships with others?

The university professors focus on Will’s talent/academic potential – his therapist focuses on what Will truly wants – which do you consider more important – career or family life?

The therapist emphasizes that Will must figure out for himself what he truly wants – what do you want?

List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Orderliness, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Faithfulness, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life