Good Will Hunting
"Thank you, Gus van Sant for being so subtle you were almost subliminal." -- Robin Williams (acceptance speech)
In 1997, Gus Van Sant finally attained the breakthrough film, and Oscar nomination, he deserved. The most successful film in Miramax history (topping even Pulp Fiction) Good Will Hunting is a satisfying, emotional tale. Set in South Boston, the story centers around Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a natural genius, and a janitor at MIT. We follow Will and his friends through his rather rough and tumble life, hanging out in bars, getting into fist fights and the like. Will is aware of his own prodigal like abilites, but refuses to expose them, for the most part, due to the fear that it will separate him from his average joe friends. However, his intelligence is soon uncovered by an MIT professor (Stellan Skarsgaard) who posts Will's bail - after Will is arrested for fighting - under the condition that he agrees to attend therapy sessions for his "attachment disorder". Different therapists are sought out, to no avail. The one who is finally able to get through to him on some level, is Sean Macguire (Robin Williams). Dr. Maguire is an equally troubled genius who has lost his wife to cancer some years before. Together the two form a bond that eventually improves both of their lives. Trust me, the story is much more powerful and intriguing (and far less maudlin) than I've just made it sound. Much of this is due to the deft direction of Van Sant, who handles the subject matter with just the right tone of sophistication and humor - though much credit must also go to the writers (Affleck and Damon), the actors, and the film's music (Danny Elfman wrote the score, Elliott Smith provided many of the songs).
Good Will Hunting was nominated for several Oscars, including best picture, best director, best actor (Matt Damon), best supporting actor (Robin Williams), best screenplay (Damon/Affleck) best supporting actress (Minnie Driver), and best original song (Elliott Smith's "Miss Misery"). Ultimately, Robin Williams walked off with his first ever Oscar, as did both Damon and Affleck for best original screenplay. And if it hadn't been for that damn Titanic, it most likely would have taken home the award for best picture as well.
LINKS
Gus talks about Good Will Hunting
The Official Good Will Hunting Site
Heather's Good Will Hunting Site
Sweet Adeline (an Elliott Smith Site)
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