YES Cinemas Movie Night Review 4: Good Will Hunting

Introduction

Winning two out of nine Academy Award nominations, Good Will Hunting presents one of the best and unique coming of age films of the past three decades. With numerous intense and heart-wrenching scenes spread across the movie, it is no secret why this film has found so much success. These scenes were also equally matched with subtle and not-so-subtle displays of cigarette addiction. It is important for viewers to remain conscious of the role of cigarettes in films to analyze whether they are being displayed in a positive or negative manner, and how it may influence them in real life. 

What is Good Will Hunting about?

Good Will Hunting, written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck who also star in the film, follows a troubled young Will Hunting who is a part-time janitor and full-time genius. After assaulting a police officer, he finds himself in an agreement to study advanced mathematics with a reputable professor at MIT, while also becoming a client of a therapist. Hunting battles themes of love, failure, and finding meaning in his life. One of the main concepts the movie highlights is how finding purpose is not always equitable to climbing the social ladder or advancing a career, but can also be presented in the form of developing strong relationships with others. Hunting’s choices, although questionable at times, derive from a place where many viewers can empathize. Due to a difficult upbringing, he continuously battles an inner voice until he learns to accept that it’s not his fault and he should take the opportunities he is presented instead of destroying them in fear of potential failure or pain. Hunting’s character development by the end leaves us rooting for him for all aspects of his life.

Was drug use or smoking present in the film?

There was no drug use presented in the film, however smoking was heavily prevalent. Many characters, Will Hunting and his friends in particular, can be seen smoking throughout the film. Hunting is seen smoking while he is detained and in handcuffs, at his first therapy session, and at his friend’s house while watching television. During his second therapy session, Hunting begins to put a cigarette between his lips until his therapist says “no smoking” and he obliges with a dissatisfied sigh. For the remainder of the session they sit in complete silence, counting the seconds until the hour is complete. Hunting can be seen smoking in diverse situations, whether he is comfortable or uncomfortable and in social or isolated scenes. Therefore, it can be assumed that he is addicted to cigarettes and reaching for a cigarette is a reflex for him regardless of the environment. His friends are also seen casually smoking and drinking at the bar, while Chuckie is telling a story to Skylar. Although smoking is prevalent, it is seen in a generally neutral light and diminished to simply being a prop. 

Robin Williams as Will’s therapist

How is the film influencing viewers?

In terms of smoking, the cigarette is essentially used a prop to build on Will Hunting’s character. He is a troubled orphan and thus in a very stereotypical fashion, it makes sense that his character would be constantly smoking, drinking, and getting in to acts of violence. On the other hand, Hunting is a misunderstood 20-year-old who cares about his friends. The cigarette is normalized in the movie, which on some level, albeit minor, may influence viewers negatively and encourage them to take on Matt Damon’s representation of the character in real life. Hunting and his friends are seen casually smoking, which may impact how “natural” smoking is viewed, similar to many other Hollywood films. However, the film still makes a point to include the therapy session where his constant smoking is highlighted and he is simply told “no smoking,” which were the only two words spoken throughout the entire session.  

My thoughts

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed watching Good Will Hunting. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has given it an official rating of R mostly due to profane language. In terms of alcohol, drugs, and smoking, the film was rated mild. Many other sources have recommended age restrictions of 13+ or 15+ . I think the film is fine for younger audiences as long as they are aware of the consequences of smoking. Being knowledgeable on the harmful effects of smoking can serve as a subtle deterrent when cigarettes are being displayed in a casual manner on their screens. 

(Fariha Khan, Youth Leader)