12 March 1998 Edition
Cinema: 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 Although he's never been to college he can summon obscure historical references from a photgraphic memory and easily solves complicated mathematical problems which have confounded university professors.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.
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 Although he's never been to college he can summon obscure historical references from a photgraphic memory and easily solves complicated mathematical problems which have confounded university professors.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.