This is Van Sant's most commercial work - any wonder he finally snagged an Oscar nomination?

The heartwarming tale of a troubled genius too afraid of life to capitalise on his gifts, the girl whose love has the potential to change him, the support of a friend who's willing to give him up for his own good (a fact that found real-life parallel when Damon got nominated in the role Affleck and he co-devised) and the damaged psychologist who embarks on a road to recovery due to his interaction with said genius, is the sort of story that Hollywood has always loved, and will continue to love for many years. Scripters Affleck and Damon have written an intimate, personal movie with just enough flourish to make it universally appealing - which is why they have a very good shot at the screenplay award, even though it should really go to Todd Anderson for his very original and endearing look at the porn industry, "Boogie Nights".

By now everyone knows the story of how Affleck and Damon wrote the film to give themselves some roles blah blah blah and how the script was shopped ad nauseum blah blah blah and how Miramax saved the day blah blah blah. But is the film any good? Well, it depends.

"Good Will Hunting" takes many surprising turns in its narrative, although it is equally guilty of being unabashedly formulaic in parts, and although most of the characters and situations are predictable and lame, the actors bring so much heart to their portrayals that many scenes come alive in spite of their hackneyed premise. This is the sort of film that doesn't really require a director, and Van Sant's attempts to stamp his name on the film (his usual flashback sequences, the out-of-place scenes which seem improvised) are largely window dressing to a pretty solid foundation. However, this is also the sort of film that doesn't age well - as with all tried and true formulae, parts remain familiar and are remembered fondly (all of Minnie Driver's work - this is truly the definition of SUPPORTING work; Affleck's scene with Damon; jazz singer Patrice Williamson's poster in the background of Williams' character's office all rate high in my book) but most of the film is largely forgettable and indistinguishable from other similarly themed movies.

All this means that if you, like most people, seek instant gratification from the movie, you will not be disappointed. Many in the audience I saw the film with shed tears, there was much to laugh about, and also many enjoyable performances (Skarsgard and Williams are in fine form here; actually the whole cast is pretty excellent). But if you're looking for a film that stays with you for a long long time to come (hands up the people who find "The Shawshank Redemption" unforgettable), this film falls short of that level of greatness and enduring appeal.

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© Copyright 1998. If you've got anything to add, write me at terrybrogan@hotmail.com. Or don't. Whatever.