《心灵捕手》

    This is a 1997 American drama directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver, and Stellan Skaarsgard. Written by Affleck and Damon, and with Damon in the title role, the film follows the life of 20-year-old South Boston worker Will Hunting.

    The film was nominated* for nine Academy Awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, and won two: Best Supporting Actor for Williams and Best Original Screenplay for Affleck and Damon.

    Hunting (Damon), a janitor* at MIT, is a rebellious* yet very bright young man who spends his days mopping floors and his nights hanging out* with his friends, including Chuckie (Affleck), at the local bar along with his rich girlfriend (Minnie Driver).

    No one knows about Hunting’s talent until one day when Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skaarsgard) puzzles his students with a math formula placed upon a hallway chalkboard. Overnight, Will solves* the formula correctly.

    This is a redemption* story, romantic drama and story about growing up and growing comfortable with oneself.

    Hunting gets into legal* trouble and is offered weekly math sessions and therapy*. He accepts, with resistance*, and goes through a series of therapists until he meets the one who won’t give up, Sean McGuire (Robin Williams).

    The Oscar-winning script by longtime friends Affleck and Damon is, in reality, rather basic. There is nothing new here, and yet the old tricks are done quite nicely. Affleck and Damon offer nicely developed characters, clear and concise* dialogue and neatly wrapped up* conflicts.

    The film offers Robin Williams the chance to show his dramatic acting skills, and they’ve improved a lot from his early acting days. With only tiny hints of humor, Williams offers a performance that is often tender, frequently intense* and perhaps the truth underneath much of his comedy. (SD-Agencies)