"Good Will Hunting" Character Analysis

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the 1997 film, "Good Will Hunting," directed by Gus van Sant. It specifically examines the character of Will Hunting, a janitor working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who secretly solves a complex math problem. The paper diagnoses the character and discusses his treatment and then looks at his relationship with the other characters in the film.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
DSM Diagnosis
Characterization
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Maguire's unorthodox approach to Hunting's therapy created conflict not only between him and his client but also with Lambeau who was pressuring Hunting to use his mathematical gifts to their fullest extent. However, Maguire's insights to the background and personal tragedies of Hunting, being from South Boston and a victim of abuse himself, would eventually be the foundation of Hunting's self-discovery and empowerment (Shulman, 2006). Hunting's combative relationship with Maguire would motivate him to pursue not only his studies with Lambeau but also a relationship with Skylar, a young woman who was pursuing a career in medicine using an inheritance she gained when her father died. Maguire would repeatedly challenge Hunting's philosophical perspectives inductively and pushes him out of his comfort zone to realize his potentials. At the end of the movie, Hunting would follow Lambeau's advice to explore possible employment opportunities for his math skills by pursuing interviews, leaving his friends and South Boston which he considered his haven and pursue Skylar by following her to California."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boris N. W. (2003). Attachment, aggression and holding: a cautionary tale. Attach Hum Dev 5 (3): 245-7
• Caron, Janice J. (2005). DSM at the Movies: Use of Media in Clinical or Educational Settings. Counseling Outfitters. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas05/Vistas05.art38.pdf
• Damon, Matt and Affleck, Ben (1997). Good Will Hunting Original Script. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://www.geocities.com/movie_starzz/BenandMatt/goodwillhunting.txt
• Eriksen, Karen and Kress Victoria E. (2004). Beyond the DSM Story: Ethical Quandaries, Challenges, and Best Practices. Washington: Sage Publications, Inc
• Livingston, Kathy (2004). Viewing Popular Films about Mental Illness through a Sociological Lens. Teaching Sociology, 32(1): 119-128

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