Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
Acting
Robin Williams' Oscar monologue — reportedly shot in one take.
Writing
Damon and Affleck's Oscar-winning script, written in their twenties.
Direction
Van Sant lets scenes breathe — the park bench, the 'it's not your fault.'
Director
Gus Van Sant
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'how do you like them apples' line was improvised by Damon after a real bar encounter. The Harvard scenes were filmed at MIT and Bunker Hill Community College.
This launched 'Boston movies' as a 90s subgenre and made 'Southie' accent authenticity a Hollywood obsession. The 'it's not your fault' scene became instant parody fodder but remains genuinely devastating.
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Reactions from the web
RIP Robin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014), age 63 You will be remembered as a legend
@LPJack02 347
*Matt was in Harvard and had an assignment to write a 3 Act script. Matt only was able to hand in one and apologized to the professor. The professor ended up saying he loved it and encouraged Matt to finish it, which he did. This became the script of 'Good Will Hunting'. It was the encouragement of the teacher that made movie history!*
@ChescoYT 1225
I found that this movie is more about mental health than anything else. While it is on the surface level about him being a natural born mathematician, it is more about two survivors of abuse healing together from their past trauma. This movie is truly beautiful and I must confess that I cried multiple times throughout the film. Wonderful.
@lottalove8419 1305
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