Good Will Hunting: Overcoming Fear. This video essay explores how 'Good Will Hunting's main character Will overcomes his fear of abandonment, fear of intimacy, and fear of failure over the course of eight therapy sessions with Sean Maguire.
Patreon: / justanobservation
FAIR USE NOTICE:
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made "fair use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
If you want to see how Sean changes Will Hunting, then this video delves into the psychology of the characters and breaks down the plot points to explore what scares Will away from people and why he makes such destructive decisions.
This video was claimed by Miramax. 'Good Will Hunting' was released in 1997, directed by Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon.
Timestamps:
0:00 Fear
1:00 Will Hunting
4:59 Sean Maguire
6:29 Breaking Down the Persona
8:29 Intimacy Isn't Perfect
10:38 Loss Isn't Failure
15:07 Let go of the Past
16:24 Closing Statement
Music used:
'Eureka' by Huma-huma
'No.2 Remembering Her' by Esther Abrami
'Checkmate' by Nathan Moore
'Nevada City' by Huma-huma
'Zodiac Structures' by NoMBe
'No.7 Alone with My Thoughts' by Esther Abrami
'No.4 Piano Journey' by Esther Abrami
#goodwillhunting #mattdamon #robinwilliams
Ben Afflecks speech near the end always brings tears to my eyes. Admitting to a dear friend that you're not what they need is one of the hardest things imo.
That was best Ben Affleck performance to me.
well said.
@@mikesmithz I kind of don’t get why they can’t still stay friends though. They don’t have to hang out all of the time, but they can still stay friends.
Gone Girl was pretty good
You only just now made me realize Ben Affleck is in this movie
Just hearing the “it’s not your fault” a couple times is enough to bring tears to my eyes again. Such a good movie, so moving.
DiTTo, wish I had somebody like that NOW as in RobinW's character as already have the friend types and they are GREAT... BTW: I would never say ... (ADMIT, Bring this UP) ..this in real life, LOL.. Now I have an issue, I see Will in my 13 y/o son and it I think I see myself with a "bullshit" as in at minimum or maybe I will say "AT-Best" ..UN-serious per se answer for "EVERYTHING"... Only thing is, my son does this, but so did I and thus it gets everyone else MAD, It gets me something nobody wants to understand or even can understand = SAD-DER... I can not even fix myself but MUST fix the what was supposed to be new and improved version all while being alienated (allowed it also) and gaslighted and realizing I was not the only one being gaslighted as thought a MOM would NEVER do that to her SON, Anyway, getting ahead of myself, its a crazy world and the best we can do it try to not be cynical?... Another good one is the court room speech in "scent of a woman" where he comes in to protect the actually good but poor charlie from all of the rich kids at his school as he knows he will be cast aside as he does not know how to defend himself, believes he is wrong, all for accidentally witnessing something yet not wanting to nor being EVER willing to Snitch on any of his classmates, even though he at best Dislikes them as people, its called "courage, its called integrity, the stuff leaders are made of as he says in the movie also; "Be Careful What Kind Of Leaders Your Breeding HERE.... Another one I like showing the adult finally learning and truth and discovering his own problems is; Two For The Money, so many good earlier 2000's movies and especially 90's.... Thanks for letting me RANT to ALL whom DO ...
Same, but I've never even seen it
I agree.
True that ❤️ That scene 🔥💔
It's not your fault
Someone said something to me last week that resonated so true to me and how I live in complete fear… “If you lock a horse in a paddock for 7 years, when you finally open the gate, they won’t leave because they think that the gate is still closed. He said my gate is open but for seven years I’ve felt like a prisoner in my mind and in my home.
Wow
Only Love may heal us. Only Love. We may call this Love God. The only important thing is to let ourselves be healed in this Love.
The guy in this video has a great metaphor, too, in my opinion: kzhead.info/sun/a6dvpZ1oo6ahhoU/bejne.html I know that feeling. And yes, love has healed me, or atleast helped. And its so beautiful to go out.
I call it being trapped in my own head. As someone who's also been...lost for many years, I hope you're taking steps forward or at least found some clarity and peace of mind.
I think I’m there too. I’m more afraid of failure than I am depressed. I feel guilt and shame for any time I feel joy and positive for fear that will bring optimism and a desire to want to do more in my life.
Will's reaction to being told it's not his fault is the perfect example of someone knowing something vs. believing it. Intellectually he knows that a victim of abuse is a victim but deep down inside he still blames himself and Sean has to use all his skills and love for Will to break through.
I don't know how to add a comment that isn't a comment reply. Is anyone confused around the 14:10 mark? I never thought that Will had to choose between the jobs and Skylar. I always saw them as separate goals, but not mutually exclusive. Snubbing the "job" was more a way of asserting his desires over his fears. Just like Skylar.
emotionally i'm sure that true to some extent. mechanically, the jobs being arranged for him were all east coast establishment jobs - naturally, under the circumstances. this was before the era of remote work and these places were all so full of themselves that even with his talents none of them was going to tolerate him going off to california and living his own life, if he was going to work for them he was going to have to come into their offices, stick with the program, work on their terms. which is why he rebelled against them.
I absolutely LOVE how it’s Chucky who finally gets through to him. My absolutely fav part of the movie because it’s so subtly important and says a lot about the impact your best friends can have.
Cause it's always the best friend the really helps you see the light, and be straight up honest with you.
"Failure isn't about loosing. It's about not even risking trying." What an amazing analysis that has truly opened my eyes to even more, after seeing Goodwill Hunting. Thank you for this video essay.
RIP The two gentle souls, Rob and Elliot. The world will always miss you.
?
@@CSM100MK2 calm down, it’s a bit disrespectful and pretentious for sure. But honestly it’s the thought that counts in the end
@@CSM100MK2 A bit much
Soul is who we are since the Big Bang created the physical universe. There is no reason to miss Robin Williams when we can see and hear him perform. 🦄🫶⛎
@@jackfryschman7576 how about the fact that we'll never get a new performance from him again?
Small note Will is a Janitor at M.I.T. not Harvard as evidenced by the crest on Dr. Lambeau's jacket and the fact that M.I.T. is renowned for its mathematics programs while Harvard is more renowned for is law and medicine programs. Otherwise this is an excellent video essay.
I feel H is more the Humanities, English, Lit, History/American History, Politics, even Latin! Obv Law is huge too but had to mention it's just general humanities.
And yet the whole movie was filmed in Toronto with the school scenes being at the University of Toronto ;)
@@avocadoaficiando not the whole film, but yes, a majority of it was done at UoT, according to Wikipedia at least.
Good Will Hunting is my all-time favorite movie and seeing this character study on Will about some things that I'm not yet aware of really made me want to watch it again!! Looking forward to more of your videos! Also loved the character study you did on The Godfather!
:)
I’d suggest My Little Thought Tree’s GWH therapy analyses if you are interested in that kind of thing. Great series
Yessss
This is the first time I've ever heard the interpretation that Will's 12 brothers are foster siblings. I always assumed he was just having fun, showing that he could rattle off twelve random names, and then repeat them in the same order. Now I think it works either way you read it. Great video!
Yeah it made me think, I think because of a trauma response or entrenched trauma Will views the other foster kids he lived with as “siblings”, since he pretty much had no family.
“It’s not your fault” results in floods of tears no matter how many times I watch the film or watch this scene. One of the best ever films in my opinion. The trust and break through in such a short time, is testament to Will and Sean and the therapeutic relationship they embark on. Oh to have found that therapeutic person in my life.
The "it's not your fault" scene has to be one of the most beautiful and heartwarming movie scenes of all time
This video actually moved me to tears, for some reasons more obvious than others
Same
Same
same here. it's a great movie, and this video was a great analysis
I guess we're in a club
Same, this is such a great movie and performance by everyone. Something about Affleck's character pushing his friend to achieve more despite knowing his own limitations just hits deep.
If you haven't experienced abandonment and/or abuse, the "it's not your fault" scene may not hit as deep. I had a marriage counselor do that exact thing after I shared my past, first time ever, in a private session with me. Hits hard, but in a good way. 💕☀️
It floods you like lifting the greatest burden.... that you never knew was there. I sobbed for what seems like an hour. And still do years later.
Concise insightful analysis of how childhood trauma if not dealt with can sabotage your life potential. Respect..
Someone already said it. That your vids are a course in human behavior/psychology. Always been interested in ppl's motivations, strengths and weaknesses so I will now subscribe and continue your class. Thanks!! I'm 75 and always learning.
75th like for you... here's to unlimited possibilities 🌟
The fact that you're 75 and still choosing to learn is what gives ME hope - I'm partially afraid that when I get close to that age, I will already have lost nearly of my interest for other things outside of my day-to-day world and that I would like nothing more than to just sit in front of my TV all day and waste my life away, like it looks like one of my grandfathers is doing.
@@davecullins1606 If you are concerned now about not being very connected when you age then you will still be learning new things. Maybe you could try to get your grandfather to give up some tv time to do things with you. Conversations are very welcome when we get old. Be interested in his life. Ask him questions about his past. Play scrabble. Take him places. Go for walks. Get him reading something you have read and discuss that. Too much tv only makes people depressed and even less interested in doing other things. Good luck to you. Oh....find some jokes here in KZheadLand and tell your grandpa some of them. Have fun. Helping people is what we are supposed to do. Go do it. ❤ ✌ 😇
What did you study in college if you don’t mind me asking? If you went to school
While the story about the World Series game and Will's decision to go to California were orchestrated in the script to show Will's character growth the line "I had to go see about a girl" was an ad lib by Robin Williams that Matt Damon knew would fit perfectly at the end. One of the things that makes Williams' movies so good is that he knows how to play characters that have been injured because he himself was that way and when the characters open up to us on screen we got little glimpses into the amazing man that was Robin Williams.
Amazing analysis! Will was scared of love because he thought he was undeserving of it, and therefore defended himself from feeling it. But you gotta take the chance
Will is not a night janitor at Harvard, he’s a janitor at MIT. The girlfriend is at Harvard. Harvard and MIT are just a few miles away from each other in Cambridge, MA.
☝️🤓
Exactly. This video sucks and is just stating the obvious
@@Mr.Goon3023 meh you’re nitpicking. That detail doesn’t change anything about the plot.
Thomas Foolery, Why would you project “nitpicking” onto someone that just stated a pure and simple fact?
@@ThomasFoolery8 Harvard is the legacy, prestige school dating back to the 1600's. MIT is the place where the real cutting edge math and science happens. That's the distinction. She is an upper-class, in it for legacy as much as anything else, but he is never motivated by that.
I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, my family loved to torture me, but cognitive behavioural therapy really helped. Confront your fears and you will get braver. People used to terrify me in general but I started forcing myself to be social and look people in the eye and now it's a lot easier.
Good for you! People don't seem to realize their brains are elastic and adapt to what they experience. People terrify us because we don't have much experience, but with exposure, we adjust to socializing because it becomes something common.
I have seen this masterpiece 20 times and I can quote it verbatim, yet you've managed to show me things I was unaware of, only amplifying what an amazing film this is. Thank you
Same here. Every time I see it I gain a new piece of insight. Here, I gained yet more. A true masterpiece of art!
Only twenty times? “Those are rookie numbers, you gotta bump those numbers up."
Same here, never knew I could like this movie more
I have issues with fear too. So hearing this stings much more than it should.
What a great movie. Often we are our worst enemy, without knowing it.
This had SO MANY more revealing details than any other evaluation I have watched. Specifying that safety and fear is a core to Will, emphasizing that Will is functionally no different from the guy in the bar, being afraid to leave his comfort zone to go with Skylar and lashing out at everything because all his options aren't the one he really wants.
Totally agree. I second the motion.
OMG, I have watched GWH many times do to the fact that Matt Damon looked just like our deceased son. Wow the explanation of this is so good! Can apply to much of what we face in life. Thanks so much.
I was taking a sip of juice when I read your comment and I put the cup down because my hand shaking. You’ve unlocked my fear as a new mom. I’m honestly in awe. How have you been able to deal with this tragedy? 😢 (Wishing you all the best Ms. Janet. -from Florida 🙏🏽❤)
@@StellaBella488 thank you, well one must deal, what does not kill you will make one stronger. It has been over 20 years and sad. Wish you the best of luck with your precious new child. ❤
I just watched this and it was so therapeutic. It made me realize all the fears that I’ve been going through my whole life and being stuck in those fears. Thank you for doing this.
Every one of us has this "It's not your fault" movement in life. Got instantly connected! 🤍
This is a extremely amazing way to break something down and it speaks to the volume of Robin Williams and how truly amazing of a actor he was
This film had an enormous personal impact on me when I saw it. My life was a complete mess, with a terrible family life, and, of course, I related to the trauma, anger and fear that Will displays. I remember taking the train really early the next morning to try to feel that experience again, but, of course, the context and feelings couldn't come from just nowhere.
Me too mate, i remember my father hitting me with a belt for my grades, saw when my mother and him got divorced, It was traumatic. I got disorder attachment and an avoidant one and for me is very hard trusting others and believe that someones loves me as i am, im with my first gf but is hard af, i musy change.
@@joseherrera1560 Yes, I relate. The trust issue is very hard to overcome. I used to have a forcefield up around me, and if anyone tried to get in, I turned very nasty and rejected them. Thankfully, I found a place where I belonged, and could breathe and then I fell in love. I think that finding love in my heart was the best thing that happened to me, and that starts with acceptance of oneself and others and, of course, be able to trust.
@@brushfuse thanks man, now im trying to change, i saw that i truly LOVE people and im afraid of losing them. in the past i tend to think that my relationships shouldnt Matter to me, that they must be superficial or i shouldnt opening somebody BCS of the fear of love someone and losing that person. Now my gf will study university in Germany and my best friend will be at Chile studying Erasmus, i have fear of compromise in long distance relationships, afraid if they find someone better and i think the best thing i can do i cut ties with them because it wont end well or something like that, but i love them . Cheers mate
You have no idea how your video impacted my life for good. It was a sudden realization of my own fears and suddenly I knew what I have to do now, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart!! 🙏🏼
That was spot on I think we’re all sort of going through what will went through in some way or another...
This film is amazing, it contains so much wisdom and maturity. A must watch for any young man.
Good Will Hunting has always been in my top 5 greatest films of all time lists. The writing is masterful. Such layered characters and life lessons to be witnessed in this film.
When the 20 minute video about your favorite movie is somehow better than the movie itself. Brought me to tears. Thank you for this work.
Something that is key in all this is attachment trauma. If people find out the truth they may take him from the people who love him, something that is much more terrifying than what he would get from "success". Without his friends and the safety of their routine he's back to the darkness of being a scared kid in the foster system with no one who loves him.
I always wanted someone to tell me it was not my fault. at 42 I've said it to myself so many times but it never really stuck. i felt i had so much potential when younger (definitely not like the character Will) but i felt if i had more around me to grow maybe i could have been more. I try not to blame anyone or anything but at this point feeling it is over for me as all the best things and chances for me have pasted, so maybe i do inside.. it would have been so much if i had that guidance and someone saying to me that it was not my fault....
Hey it's okay ! It was never your fault 🥹 you up my man
I know that feeling.. When people, women start getting to close to me, I begin running away.
This is an incredible analyses of one of my favorite movies. Thank you.
I love this commentary so much. So insightful and highlights how brilliantly this was written and acted. God rest Robin Williams😢
The Cafe scene is just amazing. Matt Damon shutting that student up with his raw knowledge. So inspiring. ✌️👌👌
your videos should be in an art museum
Thanks Bruce
@@JustanObservation Excellent post by @Bruce spicer 👏 Although I think your videos would be worthy of being catalogued under the "Investigation, Analysis and Hypothesis" section of the worlds most prestigious public libraries. I don't know if that particular section actually exists in any libraries at present, but I'd argue that it should be created just so the populace can locate your fantastic content with ease! Keep up the great work my friend 👍
This movie is easily one of the best movies I've ever seen such a powerful message behind it all.
Agreed ! It's raw!
this movie has such a positive message. i really get emocional remembering it.
Absolutely love this. you really delve into the miniscule details (especially characters actions and reactions) and how they contribute to the big picture as it's an incredibly character driven yet simplistic film that is so easy to misunderstand. personally one of the few video essays i've seen about GWH that truly addressed the characters affecting the plot rather than vice versa (especially what Will does with his skills, rather than being subject to what they do to him). thank you so so much for sharing this, its nice to see such a humanistic analysis of such a complex film and you give a lot to think about.
The quality of your videos is top notch! Thank you for helping us live through this emotional arc again
When I watch that movie and as I watched this video I realize the parallels of my own life. I also read the comments of people I’ve never met and most of all realized that I’ve never been alone and we share so much more in common than not. Amazing.
That's scene " its not your fault" broke me down. I don't really know what im scared of but i am. I thought its just the last 3 years but when i sat and thought about it , i have been scared all my life always trying to be defensive , doing what would please other people (friends mostly) and so i haven't really done anything of my interest. Its been a really long time and i can't handle it anymore. This is affecting my relationship, career and everything else . I am a good guy , caring , loving and smart , I just cannot accept it . My chest feels heavy and my eyes feel soar , I just can't bear this pain anymore. Fear Fear Fear
Thank you Observer. I thoroughly enjoyed your observations, analyses, and insights of the Will character - it gave so much scope for thought, for reflection, for possible self understanding and liberation.
What an analysis! This can help each person to peek into their own hidden wounds and insecurities. Gonna watch it again to understand myself. ❤
This was a brilliant, and beautiful breakdown, of a brilliant and beautiful film. Thank you for this. I love your channel, keep doing your thing bruv!
Amazing breakdown of character psychology here, really excellent work
I probably watched Good Will Hunting over a hundred times and always thought it was amazing, however after your synopsis, I now see this movie as a masterpiece!
This is by far the best analysis of Good Will Hunting I've ever heard. Thank you so much :)
I was very critical of your video and your points for the first 2 minutes but before I realized at the moment I started to appreciate this video, your points, and your entire style of analysis. Great job man. I could only dream of making a video this fine on a movie this great.
You are nothing short of amazing, good sir. Your essays are beautifully written and so pull put together it would put channels several times your size to shame. Your psychological analyses, in particularly here and with your Breaking Bad videos, are spot on. You've also managed to place the video editing in sync/ harmony with your words. And about that... I just love listening to you speak! Keep it up!
Thank you so much for another fantastic video. I've always loved this film and your essay really bought out what transforms it from good to great.
Phenomenal video. Thanks for the hard work in putting it together.
What an amazing wonderful analysis explanation. You have given even more meaning to this brilliant film. Far deeper than I realized. The Matt and Ben, the writers are gifted. Mind you, it took them and consultants 5 years to get it to screen, so I heard. It was well worth it and the Best film of the year and Williams are deserving. I learned a lot. Thank You.
This is such a beautiful assessment of, what is, a remarkable film. And your ability to interpret and convey what happens at each of these junctures in the film is amazing. Thank you
Beautiful analysis on one of my all time favorite films. We can all learn from this story. Great video.
This channel is truly gold.
One of my favourite films EVER! Watch it every possible time, and any discussions and interviews of the actors. It's the first time I found your channel, and while most of your posts are on films or TV shows that are just too brutal or scary for me, there are some here which I'd like to learn about the backstory. I Appreciate your analysis, insight and presentation.
I don't know why this video was recommended to me, and I've never watched this movie, but I can't help but feel like this lines up so clearly with how I feel all the time. Thank you for such a beautiful explanation.
Your analysis adds so much to my understanding of the movie. I'm gonna have to watch it again. Thank you.
Extremely well written video analysis. One of my favorite movies, and your perspective opened up fresh new ways to view it. Thanks.
Amazing uploads, man. Please continue making them!
beautiful work brother, you brought me to tears....i know these feelings all too well.
You’re one of my favorite KZheadrs man thank you so much for you insight and terrific videos!
WOW. This was an amazing breakdown of a great movie. Thanks a lot and well done!
What an utterly amazing analysis of an absolute masterpiece of a film!
Good Will Hunting was a good film but I always wondered why I identified with Will so much. I identified with the fear within the character. We all have fears that hold us back in some ways, emotionally I think. Even though from the outside it may not seem as if that is true.
such a poweful character driven film. Phenomenal video keep up the great work
Man, what a beautiful video you made. I loved this.
This is an amazing vidoe, each point is looked at thoroughly but not arduously. Picked up on things in the film that went over my head.
Excellent analysis and well put together video
This is the analysis of the film I've been looking for, for years. It's a great film and I love psychological theory.
Fabulous video! Please continue the great work.
Love this. Thank you for your observations. One of the best films and you nailed the interpretation.
Brilliant analysis of the film and thank you for doing it 🙌🏻
WOW..just,wow😢.This was and has been one of my favorite movies in my life,I studied the characters and fell in love with them all for different reasons but decades later...this,this perspective and explanation is profound to me.
Amazing quality as always! Would love to see you do a fight club video
Thanks! I do plan to soon but not yet
Excellent! Love this film. I saw it in the theater when I was a kid. Great job with the analysis
Beautiful analysis of an amazing movie. Thank you.
Thanks for this video. It's my favourite movie (I see a lot of myself in Will too, I imagine we all do) and I'm grateful for your perspective on Will's journey through the story. You've enhanced my appreciation of this great movie. A couple of things though, it's MIT, not Harvard. Another thing was when Sean says how much he benches, it's not to intimidate Will. Sean expresses an absurd number to tell Will he's not going to play this game, that he doesn't have to prove himself like that. That's why Will moves on to the painting. The whole film is a wonderful portrayal of trauma defense and how those of us who experience early life trauma then set up our lives to remain safe. What this film does impeccably is to show the healing power of love and connection, that change is possible with steadfast, intelligent and fierce love of elders.
Beautiful video I love the way you broke it all down
This is my fav movie and it makes me cry every time I watch it. After watching this video I will cry even more. Great video
You have a real gift for analysis! I'd say you wrote excellent book reports in school 👌
one of my favorite movies of all time. thanks for your good observation. I wanna watch it again!
Beautiful breakdown of this film. This material has been analyzed endlessly over the years, but your video is thorough and refreshing.
Agree. Same thoughts here.
It’s such a solid screenplay. This deep dive was really great!
Great analysis!! Would love to see you do one of The Master by PTA as I think its rich in layers regarding the intimacy between the main characters and how unconditional/conditional characters are towards one another.
This analysis was unbelievably inspired. Insightful and concise, informative and emotionally intelligent. The dissection of the symbolism involved and the deeper dive into the flaws and strengths of the characters gave me a renewed appreciation for the film. Thanks man, loved the video. Long live the legend Robin Williams
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed
As always, great work!
That was sooo good!! I love that movie, but never heard it broke down like that. Great job 👍👍
Great content, I have watched all your videos. Keep it up!
Yerrific analysis, almost brought me to tears ( too much of me in there) THANK YOU!
Man, this was on a totally different angle👏 I find myself in Will shoes and so it was difficult for me to grasp it all. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you 🤠
What an amazing essay, thank you so much.
Such a good movie. One of my favorites. Dead Poet's Society is another which also features a remarkable performance from Robin Williams.
Wicked smaht video! Thank you for all your efforts on this! Keep 'em coming! =)