It has been a long time since I have watched a film featuring Robin Williams. This was because his death was sudden, senseless, and sad. His brilliant light, no longer visible within our sight, was at times unbearable. No, I was not a close friend but an admirer from afar. He made me laugh out loud with his insightful, outrageous comedy. I was privileged to witness him perform live for over two hours just by pure luck.
I was sitting at a comedy club in the 80’s, bored out of mind by the entertainment, the forced four drink minimum, and my date. It was a wasted evening, when suddenly, an announcer said that the club had a very special guest by the name of Robin Williams who would like to perform for us. All of us in the audience laughed and sarcastically yelled out, “Sure, sure. Robin William’s. Ha.” Then this man in a dark hoodie strode in from outside and turned around to face us. We all stared in silent awe. Could it be? Holy shit. It’s Robin freakin’ Williams. We all stood and cheered. We could not believe it, and for the next two hours, we were invited to laugh and roar with a comedy legend. Then just like Cinderella, he ran out the door after thanking us for being such great, attentive listeners. It was magical. We all stood once again in disbelief. I will never forget that amazing moment. He was on another sphere buzzing around above us mere mortals. And so began my quiet love “affair” with Robin until his death ten years ago by suicide. Oh, mental health… you are heartless and cruel sometimes.
Robin has been on my mind lately, maybe because August 11th was his death day. I wanted to honor him by remembering one of his greatest pieces of work that showcased his more restrained acting style which the Academy awarded him with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in the genius, powerful film GOOD WILL HUNTING. Two little unknown actors, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, also struck gold when they received Oscars for Best Screenplay. Together, the three created an outstanding movie that deals with finding and believing in yourself regardless of age, background, or intelligence.
GOOD WILL HUNTING opened in 1997. It cost only ten million to make and grossed two hundred and twenty-five million. It encompassed several themes, including physical abuse as a child, class differences (blue collar vs. Harvard and MIT scholars), friendship, loyalty, the value of a great therapist, gifted mathematical geniuses, finding love, and ultimately loving yourself with all your imperfections. Watching this movie can be compared to attending several hours of honest, hard-working therapy with great outcomes. It was a feel-bad film (“You are not at fault”) until the light bulb explodes and the gates gush with horrific tears of old pain. Then it turns another corner to become more heart-warming and inspirational.
The easy banter between the four, true blue “Southwest” was like being a part of the Boston community. The camaraderie and fist-fighting felt raw and authentic. The vitriol from old professors and their competitive, college days was believable. Finding love when least expecting it was as scary as it can be in real life. Every twist of the story kept moving the audience forward to a satisfying, unexpected ending. The script and performances were fragments of a master class taught by phenomenal actors, including Minnie Driver (Matt and Minnie did have a short real-life affair during filming), Casey Affleck, Stellan Skarsgard, and Cole Hauser.
Gus Van Sant was the director who used a light, but firm touch when leading this ensemble. Ad-libbing was allowed especially with Robin on board. The entire fart monologue was improvised, and Will’s reaction, as well as the shaking, the laughing cameraman, was placed in the final cut. Every one of Casey’s lines was his original thoughts for his character. And the final line of the film was all Robin on the fly. FYI, the director was the artist who painted the picture in Sean’s (Robin Williams) office. It was a true collaboration.
My favorite scenes must be Sean’s monologues, which eventually led to Will’s acceptance of himself. They were simple, profound, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once. Robin’s intention and delivery were spectacular. His pain was our pain, as well as Will’s. Unpacking every nuance and breathtaking beat was a true gift. As an acting teacher, I was spellbound.
GOOD WILL HUNTING is an emotionally charged, perfect classic that invokes hope and courage for all who start their lives in horrible places. It is a testament to persevering, choosing to live your life to its fullest, trusting oneself, and loving. I am surrounding Robin with peace and a wish to see him again one day whenever our paths might cross.
GOOD WILL HUNTING is available on MAX.
