DVD A troubled young cleaner with an extraordinary gift for mathematics is forced to confront his past when a university professor and an unconventional therapist recognise his true potential.
Details
Will Hunting works as a cleaner at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spends his free time drinking and getting into trouble with his friends. Unknown to those around him, Will possesses an exceptional intelligence and secretly solves a difficult mathematical problem left on a university blackboard.
Professor Gerald Lambeau eventually discovers Will's ability, but before he can offer him any guidance, Will is arrested following another fight. Lambeau persuades the court to release him into his care on the condition that Will studies mathematics with him and attends regular therapy sessions.
After driving away a succession of therapists, Will is introduced to Sean Maguire, a former college friend of Lambeau's. Their early meetings are difficult, but Sean gradually begins to break through Will's defences as Will's relationship with medical student Skylar forces him to consider the future he has always avoided.
Picture & Sound
The 1.85:1 widescreen transfer is clean and generally well detailed, with natural colours and a pleasingly film-like appearance. As much of the picture consists of interiors and subdued Boston locations, it is not the sort of transfer designed to dazzle, but it presents the film clearly and without any major distractions.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is equally restrained. As this is a dialogue-driven film, the surround channels and bass are rarely called upon to do anything dramatic, although speech remains clear and Elliott Smith's music is reproduced with warmth. It is an undemanding but perfectly suitable soundtrack.
Menu & Extras
Unfortunately, there are no extras included on this release. A commentary from Gus Van Sant, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck would have been particularly welcome given the story behind the film's creation, while interviews or a short documentary could have provided some insight into its writing and production.
Overall
At a time when special effects appear to be replacing well-defined characters and intelligent, thought-provoking stories, Good Will Hunting makes a refreshing change. The plot itself is not particularly complicated, but Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's Oscar-winning screenplay gives its characters and relationships enough depth to hold the viewer's attention throughout.
Matt Damon is excellent as the intelligent but deeply defensive Will, while Minnie Driver and Stellan Skarsgård provide strong support. The finest performance, however, comes from Robin Williams, who deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His quieter, more controlled performance as Sean Maguire proves far more effective than the manic comedy for which he is usually known.
Gus Van Sant directs with confidence and wisely allows the writing and performances to take centre stage. The lack of extras makes the DVD itself rather disappointing, but the film remains moving, intelligent and highly enjoyable. Well written, well acted and thoroughly recommended.
Special features
- None
