A complicated movie about a complicated young man (Matt Damon) who has a brilliant IQ, but chooses not to pursue any perceivable functional use of this gift, instead opting to cling to the security of his rough friends and the sometimes brutal streets of South Boston. His voracious appetite for reading, along with his uncanny ability to memorize and recite difficult academic theories draws the attention of an uber-educated professor (Stellan Skarsgard) who tries to harness his ability and propel him to academic stardom. In the meantime, this push for academic excellence is offset by hard-core psychoanalysis by an equally brilliant, yet overshadowed, community college psychology professor (Robin Williams) who helps Will to understand himself and address his demons.
A rich, deep film, which I found very enjoyable.
Watched on DVD.
Damon was very good as the lead character, and Williams was equally compelling in playing the tormented, yet hard-nosed therpaist who helps Will develop what he truly wants.
Regarding MJ5K’s Review
“Robin F*cking Williams steals the whole show, establishing himself as one of the masters of drama” in addition to comedy. Good call.