Ideology And Values In Good Will Hunting

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Ideology and Values in Good Will Hunting Success is seen as an integral part of American life. From childhood, children are put on a path that will supposedly make them successful. However, different people can have different ideas about what success actually is. This idea is explored in the film Good Will Hunting. This film shows how the idea of what success is differs between people, and how these differing views can influence and affect the choices people make. The director, Gus Van Sant, uses the tools of the filmmaking trade very effectively. Van Sant uses color, shot variation, and engaging plot and performances, to get his message across. Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon) is a math genius. However, he grew up in an abusive household and was forced to move around between foster homes. …show more content…
However, because it is a fictional story, it is possible to watch the film without paying attention to the ideologies at play and still have an enjoyable experience. This is an example of dulce et utile, which is a latin phrase for “sweet and useful”. Essentially, it means that art is meant to teach as well as entertain. Film is a form of art where this phrase applies quite often. Because of this, the actors must be very good to be able to portray characters in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Minnie Driver, and Stellan Skarsgård are all able to do this. During the film, it becomes clear that while Professor Lambeau is what most people would think of as successful (as he is a mathematics professor at a prestigious university), he is not nearly as happy or satisfied as Maguire. Damon and Affleck are real-life friends, and their chemistry translates to the screen. They also wrote the screenplay for the film, so having them star in it may have been almost inevitable. Their performances would not have been possible without expert direction,