Good Will Hunting 'Bench Scene' Analysis | explained by professional therapist (ep2)
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2020
- Part 2 of breaking down and analysing the therapy scenes from Good Will Hunting. Looking both from a counsellor's and psychoanalysis viewpoint, as well as from that of film analysis. This video essay considers the iconic park bench scene. Good Will Hunting | 'Your Move Chief' (HD) - Matt Damon, Robin Williams | MIRAMAX, as well as the two sessions of silence that follow it.
My Little Thought Tree is my channel for drawing out the deeper meaning and emotion in film, TV, and the world at large through relaxed, analytical video essays. I am a professional counsellor and often draw on my psychology and therapy background to better understand characters, themes, and emotion in fiction. I upload every Saturday and occasionally on Tuesdays, if I'm feeling productive.
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Taking him to the park also takes the power away from Will smoking. It is no longer Sean's space.
Not only the smoking. Sean removed him from his office so Will can no longer find his personal tings to attack. And Will no longer feels trapped in someone else's territory. Outside he can run away if he feels attacked.
🤣🤣🤣
Very symbolic I think. The saying of someone wearing their muddy shoes and walking all over your home fits so well for this. He took the power out of Will by taking him to a place where he couldn't latch on to something to critique him for.
Also I see it as using the film to show an opening up that's mirrored in the scene.
Yes. Will no longer has the high ground (unapologetic Star Wars reference) that he took in Sean's office/field of battle. They are both on equal footing in the park. Also, the calm waters of the pond reflect Sean's management of his anger, grief and wounded soul that the lone seaman painting represents. Sean is showing Will that beyond the raging fury of stormy seas, are peaceful still waters with four white swans. The painting is significant to Will because, while Sean is the lone rower, Will is the raging sea.
I went through a decade working with a counsellor who was the equal of Shawn. One time I called him "a fat Mormon" which was the sort of thing Will did. After that I watched the counsellor work on losing weight. It was a crucial realization for me. This man cared about what I thought and took it to heart. The counselling changed my life. The man helped save my soul. He's gone now, God bless his soul.
I’m sure he would be glad to know that you noticed his care and utilized it to better your life.
Similarly, after I nearly died by overdose, my psychiatrist actually got angry at me. From the emeritus Professor that he was, he completely lost his cool and told me I was "irresponsible". He was visibly shaken. Not a shred of professional detachment. He actually showed me a) he was human and b) he cared. I was very affected by the unexpected reaction. I thought psychiatrists are used to dealing with suicide. I hadn't tried to kill myself to manipulate his (or anyone's) feelings, I genuinely was in too much pain to carry on living, something that he had missed (I was good at dissimulation) and I guess, he felt a touch responsible. In any case, his anger saved me. God bless him!
@@nodders1 both your stories (OC) are incredible. Would like to hear more if you could open up. Do you still struggle, or is it like you've gone back before you had those issues? Hope you're both doing well and good on you for making such changes.
I mean God ? The guy never finished his job then.
@@tylerdeskins7715 Actiually no you are not. There is no way you even can be.
There is one thing that I miss. Robin Williams. I really miss Robin Williams.
Hard same.
The World According to Garp is his other masterpiece.
One of the few celebrity deaths that really got to me.
@@CityStarrzz Same. I remember the moment I heard. His movies influinced me deeply. What Dreams my Come is one of my favorite movies of all time.
You watch Mork and Mindy, Genie in Alladin, Weapons of Self Destruction, any late night show he's on, you get that wild and maniac williams.
But his level of being dramatic is up there with the best of them. The ONLY other actor I can think of who could have done this part the way he did is Robert De Niro. Which is interesting in that while Robin is a comedian with dramatic chops, De Niro is a dramatic actor with comedic chops. In a way, polar opposites. Yet very alike as well.
If you want to see Robin at his finest, while it's very difficult to watch, One Hour Photo is probably a seminal work of his.
I actually do NOT normally recommend it, it's borderline horror. It's also a very difficult watch just as a movie on it's own.
You have to be in a MOOD to watch this, especially if you actually seek it out.
But it's there. Garp, as stated, is probably one of his better dramatic yet poignantly funny movies.
And Mrs Doubtfire, as much as it's known for all the funny moments, is actually very dramatic, as it's about a guy who's loosing his kids because of a divorce and his wife refuses to let him take care of them while she's working. You see Robin's level of anger at times as he confronts Sally Field's chara, the judge, and others on this injustice being done to him.
I miss him too. And hopefully his death at least brought to light the horrible disease that ate his mind from the inside out, to light.
He was a beloved celebrity with millions of dollars to his name, or at least decent insurance.
If they couldn't help someone like him, I worry about the rest of us.
Another thing with going outside to a park is when you have a really abusive background, being gaslit and disbelieved can be a really big part of that. If Will wanted to tell somebody about Sean grabbing him by the throat, it probably wouldn't be his buddies, and the only other authorities in his life would probably go "Well what did you do?" or "Stop messing around Will, we don't have time for this today."
Setting it in public is a kind of promise not to put Will in a situation where he won't be believed. There would actually be witnesses if Sean did something like that again, so it works as a further promise not to do anything like it again.
That might actually be true, but it really depends on the individual. I got abused; my father would even beat me in public. People don't really like meddling in on others' business, even if that business means torturing a child. You never know how a person will respond or feel about something, such as being outside versus being inside, and that's okay.
@@7Volkan6 Like I said, "can be a really big part of that."
@@7Volkan6 My Stepfather was the passive aggressive type. He only beat me at home but in public he would belittle me or play in the pool just enough to make me feel like I was going to drown and then make jokes about it to the people around.
🤩👄👄
@@7Volkan6 but I hope my phrasing didn't make you or anyone feel invalidated or excluded from consideration.
Can't tell you how many times I was going to do something, and then refused to, after being told to do that thing on the way to doing it.
You're not alone 😂
Yup, that's a great source of frustration for my wife, my tendency to just not do it anymore when being told to do it, even if I'm in the middle of doing it
I'm the same. When someone orders me, with hostility or reproach, to do something I was *just* about to do, my reaction is usually to not do it or to delay it even more. I just hate it when I'm being hounded over something I was going to do by myself.
I am so bad for this and my mother never did pick up on it.. even when I pointed it out after realizing it as a pattern in counselling. Bless her though, she helicopter parented because of her own anxieties and stuff going on in life. 😅😂
Definitely strikes a big ugly jangly chord... 🤦🏽♀️😂😢😬
I like how he's talking about lack of experience being what makes Will a kid, not lack of power or smarts. So many kids feel they need to prove how strong, how clever they are, desperate for acknowledgement and respect of their personhood because adults can be so dismissive without ever realising it. Helping them realise that it's natural and normal not to know things, that wisdom is something you gain only with time and experience, is in my opinion really important for self esteem. 'I don't know things, yet.'
Exactly. Where experience grants you wisdom.
I love this! I personally struggled with accepting my true age, but I am discovering the growth and peace that comes with being honest with my need to learn
Man, I have never looked from this perspective. I've been kinda rushing throw book to book trying desesperaly to feel smarter and a man of more respect, when i think the time and amount of books i have to read i get a lot of anxiety and anxiousness. But it is really hard to accept this is something to go with time, but the whay you put process of getting knowledge throw experience and time really relax me a bit and give something to think about, thanks a lot
The downside is older people thinking they know more than they do.
Or thinking that a single personal experience is more valid than a thousand other different experiences by others.
Dismissal of expert opinions.
Ignorant to new information.
"Why do I need to know that, I've made it this far without it".
I've seen plenty of pretentious youngsters, but far more arrogant elders.
As someone who has experienced much more than most in a relatively short period of time, I know that what I know and what I have experienced are my own thoughts and experiences and if it is anything more than it is more likely coincidence than anything else.
Smug older people who are oblivious to things they don't already know and are close minded to me information are so much worse than a know it all who will eventually hit a wall.
The older person will likely die before realizing they are wrong.
@@thevirtualjonathan1284 I think that the subset of older people you describe have more going on than just smugness. The kinds of comments, like "I've gotten along just fine without it..." are things they tell themselves to placate their insecurities. They're not open to admitting that there's something beneficial to learn, because that plays back into their insecurities. In my opinion, these are people who for one reason or another stopped growing, and say these things out of defensiveness. It's not that they're content with their wisdom, it's more that they're ashamed for the lack of it.
I can think of a practical reason Sean wanted to hold a session outdoors-- he didn't want Will to feel physically trapped in an unsafe space. Sean's office isn't just an extension of his personality, it's a box with only one exit.
I would say you're on the right track. Mostly, I think Sean wanted to go to a new venue in order to 'restart' the relationship considering how it ended the first time Will was in Sean's office.
Also outdoors fresh air. Restarting a relation dynamic while addressing past grievances air out letting in fresh air.
Maybe I'm reading to much into it
They're on a bench by the Charles River, looks like Cambridge side, so not far from MIT, which is kind of like Will's "home turf."
Publius Velocitor even so. To someone like Will it would absolutely make the difference as it would feel less like a “turf” and more like a spot of impact. It’s not an office building. A room built up by professional memories of someone whose actual memories are in their living room. Kitchen. Bedroom. A place that if you spent a month in you’d easily remember the layout and could feel nostalgic over as you remember where each furniture once was. Not to mention an office is literally just that. A room that could be scooped clean in a few hours and changed. It’s strange. Not normal. It’s like walking into a suburban neighborhood you never lived in and only looking at the outside of the houses. Yet you sit there once. A week. Except in reverse. One house or office won’t look any different than the last. But the benefit of the outside is that you can easily remember this spot. See where the tree was. The pond. Or the swings. It’s somewhere easy to feel familiar with you never met before cuz that place immediately will be haunted (in a good spooky way) by memories of that person.
It also allows Sean to walk away and let Will sit and think about it without feeling pressured.
I love when Sean says to Will, "unless you want to talk about you... then I'm fascinated." It's such a powerful thing to say to someone, that you want to hear what they want to say. It's also showing Sean's vulnerability, though that's not necessarily obvious. It's uncool in a way, to say that you care about what someone has to say, that you're interested in them as a person.
In the environment Will grew up in, it's likely that nobody had ever made explicit their interest or affection for him in such a way. In fact, it's likely that many people have never heard something like that, except perhaps in the most intimate relationships.
The scene in the movie that still makes me cry, though i have seen it a hundred times- Williams saying “it’s not your fault.” Yeah, i get it... “No, Will, it’s not fault.” Okay i get it. “No. It’s not your fault.”
John Ege Just reading that got to me.
A big part of the beauty of all this is that the actors are so damn great at what they do that they actually show basically all of the nuances that people show in reality. There is a certain realness to their performances that hinges on the uncanny. A big part of that is because of Robin Williams. I once heard he improvised and altered lines during the process and, since of course he sadly was a troubled person, made that much more real.
Sean's painting in his office (his space) connects to the painting in his kitchen (their/her space), from a "lost in a storm" to "the sun after the storm and finding land/self, again."
1) a good (maybe the best) reason to go to the park: Sean knew that he was going to end the session after his speech and he knew it would be better for Sean to walk away and leave Will to think than it would be to "kick him out"
2) I agree about what you said about the importance of Sean showing vulnerability to Will first. Not only is it an example that it is possible to do that, but in this case it is the first step in building trust. Sean is trusting Will with those vulnerabilities even though there is already a history of hostility between them.
Robin Williams was truly such a gift to humanity. Truly one of a kind. I feel lucky to have been alive while he was to admire his art.
Good Will Hunting was the first movie that got me interested in the benefits of counseling. A scared adolescent with a high IQ finding it hard to relate and open up to others due to trauma. Relating to Will was far too easy. Really enjoyed your interpretation of the film. Helped me to realize I've come a long way; yet there is always room to grow. Thank you, I wish you much success.
I think it’s pretty amazing how despite the silent treatment, despite the anger, neither one of them is going to give up. Sean is determined to have a break through with Will and it actually helps him.
I can't believe your channel hasn't blown up already this is too good man
I'm still waiting on the almighty algorithm there 😆 thankyou though, that's kind of you to say
@A Love Story honestly, I've now been blessed with more than I ever anticipated. 1000 subs was the only clear aim I ever had. Since then, I've been steadily chugging along, videos gain 200 odd views and +0-5 subscribers a day. I'd had a few videos get over 1k or 2k views, and I kinda just wanted a few more like that. Suddenly this has catapulted forwards though and I am absolutely made-up about it
@@mylittlethoughttree I guess the algorithm found you. :)
This is some good stuff... this is a film I loved, and it's interesting to hear the way you analyze it. Looking forward to the other 2 episodes and the Breakfast Club one [edit: more than one!], too... and we'll see what else from there. Thanks!
@Stu Gatz It's not that simple, really.
I watched the first video on 'Good Will Hunting' and am hooked.
I really enjoyed these. Thanks for making them..
It is interesting how much you can interpret out of few scenes. It sometimes get a bit OTT (like the one about gladiator) but here I was surprised how detailed it was and how detailed the script and the acting were. These days most of the effort goes to preparing CGI and scenography of battle scenes and you have people talking (and acting) nonsense inbetween. I suppose it is also interesting for the curious minds who are bored and appalled by the vile, violent idiocy outside.
When I was in therapy when i was young, my counselor took me out 4 pizza one day. Sometimes you need a change in environment to inspire a change in perspective.
Yeah. the sitting next to each other, facing the same direction, is important like that too, I think.
@@thinkchip Yeah, that's why talking with your kid in the car can be better than at home: you don't have to look at each other.
Notice that when Sean says "... through cancer" Will's starts looking down. Till that point he was gazing into distance. Listening cause Sean was opening up and had his attention but he wasn't as invested. But when Sean said Cancer I stuck a nerve. It was personal to Sean obv but it involved Will too because that the thing he had taken a jab at. He he probably thinking back and feeling a lil guilty trying to justify it to himself. It's a look you have when you are thinking about something recent or deeply personal. Will has no defence for that revelation.
Absolutely agree, and, too, it lets Will know that Sean is not likely to repeat his violent outburst, because now Will knows that he said the worst thing he could ever say to Sean, and Sean was still able to (mostly) restrain himself. It lends an atmosphere of physical safety that was taken away when Sean originally grabbed his throat.
@@manuelodonnell1148 precisely. I love that fact how deep an intricate these scenes are. It's like a different or a deeper movie each time you see cause you are able to notice something more and it isn't a product of Easter eggs or sequals but just the most basic human interaction.
That part in the beginning hit me hard. I was seeing a counselor and she was late to the appointment which was extremely difficult for me to handle because of fear of abandonment. I didn't know that that was why people, including myself, being late gives me such anxiety.
It is disrespect to be late. It says my time is more valuable than yours.
The silent treatment to me feels like him testing Sean to see if it really is “his turn”. If Sean talks before he does that means Sean gave up on Will. Gave up waiting for him and in a sense abandons Will. If Sean can’t be patient enough to wait for Will then Will feels that he doesn’t deserve to hear Will’s story.
Brilliant
Seems like i have struck gold. I just found your channel and have watched a few of your videos, very interesting topics. And videos like these are both entertaining as well as being useful for trying to interact with my broken, dysfunctional family. I am honestly surprised your channel doesn't have more subscribers
Thankyou 😊 glad you enjoy them and find them helpful. Good luck with your family though, family can be so difficult. I'm yet to come across a family that doesn't have some sort of troubles, it is hard.
Thanks for taking the time to comment though. I may not have that many subscribers but I haven't even been on here a year yet. 2.5k in under a year? I never expected that
@@mylittlethoughttree You're obviously filling a need here; I have no doubt that if you have faith and stamina you'll do very well. Thanks for this work.
I always thought, both from my own experiences and MHFA training, that the conversation in the park was to make that conversation be NOT therapy. It wasn’t going to be Will talking, Sean listening and asking questions, it was Sean talking, being willing to be open, honest and vulnerable in front of Will. Then putting the ball back in Will’s court and giving him the opportunity to decide whether he is going to come back or not. Clearly based on the first session, and as you said, Will could report Sean for grabbing him by the throat, and Will would have “won” and move on, but he didn’t. He came back of his own accord. He’d demonstrated that he’d take whatever Will would throw at him and not abandon him. Then gave Will his choice about whether to come back or not, but also setting some requirements on him if he comes back.
I think with Will being an intelligent and super guarded person it’s gonna take unorthodox methods to make certain things stick. Plus going to the park to me builds on something much more personal. An even ground for both parties. It creates a “moment.” I hate schools. Hospitals. Buildings that scream “manufactured.” A room without any true personality like a living room or someone’s bedroom has. Place I know can be cleaned out before the days over and replaced. Plus it can feel like you’re going somewhere just to feel lectured. As an introvert I do distrust people and have my walls up. But just cuz I like the quiet doesn’t mean I’m not open to a break in the system. Want me to remember you? Create a moment that won’t just feel like a rerun from one session to next. I go on walks to break away from the monotony. I wish they weren’t by myself but kinda do cuz I can listen to all the music I like without pausing. I can soak in deeply that moment.
I just feel like there has to be genuine good vibes for there to not feel like I’m talking to someone whose not just bs’ing their way for money. Cuz at the end of the day I know there won’t be any attachment once the money isn’t there. Consistency isn’t so much as important as is a good conversation. Maybe as therapist and to certain people. But it helps knowing the person you’re talking to isn’t a robot that likes to use quotes they learned in their study to relate to you.
And I only speak as a person. Not some self proclaimed therapist. I’ve seen some before. No reason to say why when or how as it’s irrelevant. But I just distinctly remember how they all felt. And it literally felt emotionless and with zero impact. Even if I did talk about personal issues. It was just all too formal. To business like. No real grime there. Sometimes a messy home is better than one being cleaned up by a maid each week. Cuz it feels lived. A park or a place of an informal meeting could truly do wonders.
"Good Will Hunting" AND "Samurai Champloo" together?! Beautiful. :-D
Yeah i heard nujabes
Im PROUD to be from Boston... And have sat on that same bench this scene was filmed at... Very emotional... Very powerful... Its now a landmark in the Boston Common with loving messages left on the bricks surrounding the bench for Robin...
@Kevin Krautschneider exactly... Just the way we like it... Keeps the unwanted away... Like yourself...
@Kevin Krautschneider and filling sentences with $100 words, is another way someone overcompensates for their small intellect... Good job though... I can use a Thesaurus too...
@Kevin Krautschneider why do you come into such a positive comment section where people are sharing their favorite Robin Williams stories and then ruin it? Do you have a condition? Or are you just that unlikable of a human being? Please go far far away and learn to be kind
@Kevin Krautschneider you are that guy in the bar that didn’t get Skyler’s number
My father was a piece of shit and this movie got me through alot of difficult illusions I was growing up with. Thank you for this video.
Hope your ok man
Former college teacher from Japan again, followed after your first excellent post about this movie.
Just thought I'd weigh in about Sean taking Will outside on the park bench. One of the movies we analyzed in Japan was Avatar, and though not as psychologically subtle as this movie, thought it fit Japanese college students because the feeling of the protagonist, Jake, in inhabiting a new body, and the values of the ethnic-looking aliens, were a good segue into talking about Japanese buddhism and its Taoist roots, Shintoism, and current environmental concerns. At one point in the seminar, I took the college students outside the classroom, had them take off their socks and shoes, walk in the grass, and then talk about the sensations, thoughts, and feelings in the classroom. Some of the students were surprised at their own reaction to such a simple but direct connection with nature. I can't help but to imagine a bit of the power of the outdoors nature in the park to re-set the relationship between Sean, Will ... and the world.
At 11:00, found my eyes starting to tear up ... now thinking of the passing of Robin Williams.
ps. Further to my brief intro in comments to your first video on this movie, although my undergrad was in biology, grad school was education / applied linguistics, and the biggest influence on my pedagogic approach was 'Humanistics and Values Clarification' exercises, the best book for this being Gertrude Moskowitz, 'Caring and Sharing in the Foreign Language Classroom'. I found a group counseling approach to be the best way to break through affective filters that are barriers to second language acquisition. Unfortunately, most Japanese pedagogues are not educators ... they are bureaucratic functionaries, self serving in their career paths ... not unlike the first two psychiatrists that refused to work with Will.
Looking forward to more of your analysis. Great stuff!
I was in therapy for anxiety. One thing that impressed me and helped me WAS the timing. The therapist made sure we always started at the exact same time and gave me a 5 minute warning and ended at the exact same time. It made me feel safe.
That’s awesome
May I ask, what do you think you'd have felt unsafe about if there wasn't regularity with the time? I'm not doubting your experience for a moment, just curious to hear what insight you might have.
@@TheShamansQuestion if we didnt end at the exact moment i probably would have been nervous she would cut me off early or we would run late and i would miss the bus the entire time and without the warning i would spend the entire meeting checking the clock. Knowing we would end at the same time and i would have a warning first to finish my thought then knowing i had enough time to get to the bus without rushing let me relax enough to talk to her.
I do the same thing at night. I have to have a clock i can check everytime i wake up or i cant sleep and i set a warning alarm so i know the time i have to start moving is coming. Then i set an alarm for the time i have to leave the house.
l'm surprised you haven't pointed out in detail that Sean is locked in grief for his wife and that's why Sean went for Wils throat. Wil misinterpreted Sean's past - Sean later realising Wil is just a kid who is blind to other people's pain but his own. You can see Sean is completely broken throughout the entire film. I myself can feel Sean's pain and how hard it is to control anger when you feel cheated by life and when people don't understand grief. i lost my wife to cancer 7 years ago and its as raw now as the day she died. I feel completely robbed - I've tried all the counselling in the world but my wife is dead nothing can change that or make it better and Sean is in that same place too.
I'm thinking that having the conversation in the park gives Sean the chance to walk away and leave Will alone.
If the conversation happened in the room, Sean wouldn't have to walk away and truly give the next move to Will be Use the next move will be for Will to leave the room.
Does that make sense?
Thanks for the effort in making the video. I learnt a lot and liked the way you gave a commentary on virtually every line and action. Ditto the previous video on the first encounter.
The key realisation will has in this scene is that even though he's smart he's still just a student regurgitating knowledge. The same way the douche in the bar does. The line "I won't learn anything from you I can't read in a book" perfectly reflects the insults Will uses earlier. He realises that his guard of intellect is just the same as everyone else's and his criticism of not having an original thought applies to him as well.
Your explanations make the scene where Robin Williams character kicks out Matt Damon’s character in discussing what he wants more meaningful. The shock and objection Matt has demonstrates his defenses are coming down. Then when he breaks down and cries when told it is not his fault shows he’s free to be completely vulnerable.
there is an interesting symbolism in transitioning to the park bench.
As you pointed out in the last video to some degree both Shawn and will have surrounded themselves with books, and learning. There's an element to which they were combative as...more or less....equals in this space. In this sense the office is a place of strength for Will.
While the part is literal out experiencing the world. the exact thing Shawn is telling Will he doesn't know about. How does it start?
Shawn sitting there taking in the experience, While will tries to tie the scene back to his learning from books. He seems uncomfortable in his opening start to prod at Shawn. Will is out of his element here in the real world.
Great video, both this and the first. I have now subscribed.
My brother is a community mental health support worker. He told me of one guy (in total anonymity) who he would visit in the guy's home. Week after week, the guy sat there for an hour watching TV with my brother, no matter what else my brother suggested. My brother asked him eventually if he should not come back because it seemed the guy didn't want or need him. The guy was surprised and said he looked forward to their time every week, and enjoyed it very much, and it helped him get through life. Who can know for sure what was in his mind, but maybe just knowing that someone is there, and reliable, can be a powerful thing.
I remember going to Boston Commons (the park in Boston where this scene was filmed) and going to that bench two days after Robin Williams tragically took his life. There were so man flowers and notes of appreciation, it was overwhelming. I don't think their has ever been a celebrity death that hit as hard as it did when Robin Williams died. He was a beautiful human being and an underrated actor. Bless his soul. May he rest in peace.
One of if not the greatest scene in movie history in my eyes. Robin Williams is so amazing R.I.P.
I think it's interesting that the book next to Will when Sean grabs him by the throat is 'I'm OK, You're OK'. Clearly, neither of them are at that moment.
With the quality of the first video and this one, and just how much you can feel the effort to make it accessible and well done. I can’t wait to finish this series and watch more of your content!
These videos of yours are really fantastic. Really well structured, insightful and very interesting, and for someone who's interested in filmmaking it really gives a great perspective on how to structure and break down how a scene is written and filmed. Not only that it also gives me some insight into psychiatry. Keep it up!
I feel like there was a point missed about the cancer thing. The whole point of the second session was to further disarm Will and walk back the end of the first session. He makes will realize that his reaction was justified, that his wife is dead. He also makes Will realize that his assumption was wrong, this is important because Will uses his intelligence as armor. Showing how Will isn't omniscient is crucial to the efficacy of the therapy. Also I like how he leaned into the military thing, he lets Will know he was paying attention. Will avoided the subject, and once more into the breach could also be seen as an analogy for therapy, or at least foreshadowing of whats to come. Great video! loved the analysis.
Really enjoying your analyses. One thing you may have missed is that the two hours of silence is part of an ongoing competition between the two. Starting with the first meeting where Will immediately begins to try and make Shawn feel small, Shawn knows he has to demonstrate that he can keep up in conversation, in weight lifting, about demonstrating that the books in his office are not simply decoration meant to signal to his clients his importance and expertise. During the second meeting, when Shawn leaves and says, "Your move, Chief," he's again demonstrating that he's willing to play games with Will, even if that's not the purpose of their meetings.
I think Shawn sees the competition as important to establishing the relationship. We compete with our friends, our neighbors - even our enemies - but we don't compete with children, or with the President, or our boss. The competition puts Will and Shawn on the same level.
I really like your videos. I've been through a lot of therapy for what i view as an unsolvable problem and getting some perspective on why i might have quit on some therapists or counsellors has really intrigued me. I relate a lot to this character and actually watched this movie for the first time because of the "i will end you" scene analysis video. I am by no means a super genius like will but i have very similar interactions with people and some therapists I've met. These videos actually did quite a lot for me and showed me that if therapy and counseling is done a certain way that most if not all people can be helped by it. So thank you and keep doing your thing!
I'm a support worker I'm used to long silences and don't try to hard to initiate conversation because it can actually be detrimental to progress.
No idea how this popped up on my feed but I am so happy it did.
This series is so good. I’ve always loved this movie and picked up that a lot more was going on than I was even aware of. This breakdown makes so many memorable scenes so much deeper for me
Had a breakthrough with my counselor when we went for a walk outside. I do a lot of thinking while walking and it opened up some new conversational avenues. Just sharing, great content, thanks.
personally, I'd feel MUCH more comfortable talking in the park side by side, than in an office face to face. However "homey" or comfortable the office may be decorated, it's a CLINICAL space. Neutral place, as you say in the video. Myself, I'm always more comfortable in nature, and I think better when walking. So really, an ideal session for ME would be walking through the park with the therapist, instead of a clinical setting.
I often have trouble talking while someone is looking at my face. I find it uncomfortable.
This is so well acted that a lot of times I forgot that these are just actors and this is just a movie.
I love this video series, not only does it make me appreciate how well this movie is written so much more, but you offer a super insightful analysis that makes me think we could have an amazing conversation together. kudos on the great work.
I like your videos. I started going to therapist 3 months ago and when I watched this film 2 months ago I thought it is quite unrealistic about sessions. Now with your analysis I do see sense in all that. And with all that I can see how a session works. Thank you!
Well I won't say there isn't stuff that a bit unrealistic or exaggerated for the sake of film. There's a lot of therapists who don't like the way the film presents it, but there is still a hell of a lot that rings true, and every therapist has a slightly different approach anyway because we're all slightly different people. Glad you enjoyed it though, thanks for letting me know 😊
I love the whole execution of this platform and your channel. It's a great analysis and highlight of fantastically written stories full of character depth, and the actors who've embraced that character. I'll be back for more.
I had watched this scene 50 times. I underwent psychotherapy for years myself but your analysis still provoked a lot or thoughts in me. Thank you
Loads of parallels to what you’re saying about building relationships and power plays and the dynamics of teacher/student relationships in the classroom.
Thanks for the videos. I’m sharing with the psychology teachers in my department.
This may be the best scene in any movie that I’ve ever watched thanks for doing this it gives it a whole other layer
This GWH series are the first of your analyses I've watched. I find them fascinating. I've been in therapy on and off for 40 years, I really am crazy af, and have fired more than once counselor for lack of chemistry or what I felt to be pushing me too hard to "get better." You've given me some incite into how the therapist works, at least a good one. Thank you.
The bench scene is one of the most intriguing things I have ever seen on film. Thanks fot the analysis.
The point you make about having regular session times is spot on. One of my therapists moved from a group setting where he worked with a clinic to individual practice and I tried to go along with him, but he went from the regular schedules to changing my day and time every session and it confused and confounded me. I could never remember WHEN my session was supposed to be and I kept missing them by a few hours before I'd realize I'd forgotten and try to call. After the 2nd or 3rd time he stopped returning my calls. I finally had to go back to the clinic and start over with a new therapist. I found out eventually that several of the patients that followed him from the clinic to his private practice ended up back at the clinic. The part I found unprofessional was that he never spoke to me again. He DID contact the clinic and suggest they contact me to set me up with another therapist which I learned from the clinic when I contacted them myself after waiting about a week for him to get back to me after I left at least two messages. We'd worked together for at least a year and he cut me off cold without explanation. I tried to make sense of why he kept changing my schedule, was he deliberately trying to rattle me so he could end things or was there a reason I couldn't see? He'd pushed pretty hard to keep me coming to him when he moved to the private practice but then he pulled that one me almost immediately. I think I actually saw him twice at his private practice office. I had to struggle to not see this as another rejection and abandonment. And as you suggested it was all about the timing.
This is an amazing analysis of one of my favorite movies. Great work man, I can't wait to see more.
Thank you for this!
I had a coach for year and half. it was company paid and I believe that I didn’t open up fully because Of that.
It made it challenging for her forsure. Your video has helped me understand our relationship and looking back, I see how much she cared. And how much she actually did understand about me.
I’m now reaching out to her a year later,
Because honestly, I miss her. No one has ever tried so hard to understand me. I can’t find a word to describe how much it means to me to have someone in my life like that. And she’s so smart, I trust her advice can help me be the best version of myself.
This totally says more about me than anything. XD
But I always took the dynamic in the start between Will and Sean as Will not respecting psychology as a "intelligent" thing to be concerned about. That it's bullshit. And Sean is just proving to him that he can be a "fun" opponent in a mind game. Knowing that Will will fall for the temptation of a challenge more than anything. He can't ignore it, and he needs to prove to himself that he will always win. Being stronger than "them". To keep up his own defence and ego.
So when he sits in silence it's him trying another technique to make Sean "give up" on him. (Cuz that's the winning requirements)
But eventually Sean wins that too with just having more patience.
And now Will is gonna try something else, talking about feelings, but not about anything *too* important. Though this is exactly what Sean wants, and that's why he first talks more like a friend with the "nagging" thing you mention in the next video. Bc he basically know that the first step is to make Will forget about the "game", showing him unknowingly that the talks can feel good and help him. And then I'd say I see it the same as you basically.
I think there's probably some truth to that interpretation, too. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that everything always has more than a single reason behind it
I love how this is also a cinema lesson.
I'm watching the movie along with your videos.
I have watched that movie many times before, but each time I rewatch it, I still don't remember many plot points. I keep forgetting about them.
I really loved this scene and while it's true that a councilor typically wouldn't want to take this approach, however i believe it's a perfect one for Will. Sean had to show Will not only that he couldn't be bullied, but also reveal to him his weaknesses. This is important because up till now Will hasn't met anyone who he feels as his equal. Two hours of silence is an extremely short period of time for someone like this because silence isn't uncomfortable, but rather is just another tool to be utilized against the enemy. Make no mistake Will still sees Sean as an enemy at this point the only difference is he actually has a measure of respect because of the park scene. I can say this with a certain amount of confidence because when I was younger my life strongly echoed what was portrayed from Will's point of view.
Great analysis...never stop finding these moments.
See I always just assumed that he chose that spot so that when he was done with his speech, he could actually walk away. It's kind of a power move. You say what you have to say then go, leaving Will to think about what you said and forcing him to make the next move himself. If they're in his office he can't really do that. The only options he would have would be to either just sit there in silence, giving Will time to come up with something to counter what he said or to kick Will out which would have the opposite effect of what he wants.
I think that Sean was saying, you ripping apart my life to run me off isn’t going to work again. Cause I see you for who you are a kid.
This was something new for the two.
I think because nature is calming. It’s also in a park that gives Will the freedom to just walk away. Then Sean calls him out. I love these videos! Thank you!
I like how this scene mirrors Will's takedown of the arrogant ponytail guy at the bar, but in this case Sean is the one doing the takedown, pointing out how Will currently offers nothing of himself.
Awesome point.
The script towards Good Will Hunting in general towards dialogue itself is deep
And that's what i miss about movies in todays age.
I love these videos. Rewatching them all again
Former Psychology student here, loving your videos and your analysis! I have been sharing them.
I am enjoying your commentary. Amongst other things, the commentary brings out the underlying strengths of the script.
I appreciate your takes here on the process of therapy. I'm in therapy, but it's hard to shake that there is a seemingly unspoken rule that the therapist doesn't disclose the why behind their approach. It helps to understand that (hopefully) everything has a therapeutic purpose, and it makes working with my therapist easier. So, thanks.
this made me want to watch GWH with fresh eyes. thank you. i hope its not silly to say that this lifted my spirits. thank you.
Incredible physical acting on Damon's part as well in this scene as Will could have gotten up and walked away at any point during Sean's monologue, but the reason Will doesn't isn't because walking away = submitting/losing... but it's fear that keeps him nailed on that park bench. Sean seeing right through his bullshit for what he really is ''a scared shitless kid'' and Will's expressions and body language is showing exactly that.
My therapist actually took me out for a walk during our session once. We walked around the trail for a bit and then sat on a bench and worked on grounding, and how to scale my anxiety back before it blows up. That said, we had been seeing each other for several weeks at that point and I already trusted her. And also I am already an outdoorsy person. So she was consciously bringing me into my comfort zone. I imagine different people, different needs, different techniques. I was told several times in the process of finding a therapist that not all therapists click with all patients. My own therapist has told me several times that if I ever feel she is no longer helping me, then I need to move on to someone who fits my needs. It's a complicated process, but I am enjoying and appreciating your perspective. Especially on this movie, which I already found really interesting. 😊
I’m in waiting to attend school for therapy/ counselling and I find your videos so interesting man. Keep them
Up
This is amazing content. I found your channel a couple days ago and I've been binge watching since.
Interesting topics and put in a way that's easy to understand.
Well done 👏
Thankyou! 😊
I'm really enjoying these vids and regret I did not find them sooner. I think Will was indeed testing Sean. But also, I think Will was at a loss, stumped, met his match, so to speak - not by cleverness but by a wall that didn't hit him back and was soft and almost transparent. There are so many things Sean did toward him that was tender, and respectful. You could tell Will was not used to that kind of treatment from adults in roles of authority. Will allowed Sean to call him "scared kid" and "sport" without a backlash, because Sean had already levelled himself with him. I don't even think Will was even aware of this allowance, but he did feel it.
I really enjoy your videos. You discuss a lot of movies I really enjoy and you do if from a perspective I would never have access to. Thank you.
This movie is such a favorite of mine, i love your commentary.
I'm currently in college going through the SSW program. I'm learning a lot about mental health, it's fascinating. I'm learning a lot about myself as well, a lot that I didn't even know about myself. I had to watch Good Will Hunting for an assignment and my god was it difficult to have to analyze a few of the scenes in the movie. I appreciate the work you do, it isn't easy. I hope you're doing well during this pandemic! Always remember to practice self care!✌️
Really enjoyed this and definitely connected with a lot of your points. The scene left me thinking Shawn sort of did what he needed to do, regardless of the therapy context. It mostly worked for that, but he was being real about his life. It was focused on opening the lines of communication, but those raw circuits of himself needed to speak what he’d been holding in. Unprofessional? Maybe so. “I teach the shit; I didn’t say I know how to do it.” But it’s also a movie about how Will helps Shawn genuinely move through his own struggle. What Shawn thought about in his depressed night of drinking probably mainly had to do with his sadness about losing his wife. Perhaps his friend from the army as well, but that painting had been the focus and the catalyst.
One of the best films ever. Can’t remember a recent movie that has the same heart and charm.
Over done special effects with no sole or distracting from a great story to force an agenda to qualify for a nomination at an awards ceremony.
One thing about going to the park, at least in my mind, is that the park is a neutral location, where nobody is supposed to have the power and no one does. So the two can talk as equals, rather than as an authority figure.
In my childhood therapy we often had our sessions at cafes and parks, I had been hurt by therapists in the past and felt uncomfortable in therapists offices. I felt manipulated and abused especially knowing my previous therapist had my abusers listening the entire time which lead to worsening of abuse at home. Really helped me feel more conversational and comfortable to express myself. Didn't feel as watched, didn't fear opening the door to see my abusers on the other side.
I already love this movie
After watching your analysis, I appreciate it even more
Taking him to the park removes Will from the environment where he can examine and use against shawn, items and such that have a personal connection to shawn. This is well illustrated when Will goes on about ducks, grabbing at any armer he can find.
Sorry, just watched the vid for more than 5 mins, you do state the above. My bad.
Indeed!👍
Maybe also he chose a space outside of the office because he felt uncomfortable making comments like "I see a scared shitless kid" in his professional establishment. Like he needed to say those things to Will in a space no therapist has dared say things like that.
Love your content, man. Keep it coming.
Random thought; perhaps the no smoking rule is such a big deal because his wife died from smoking causing her cancer, and thus the smell of cigarette smoke might also be a reminder that with hang about the safe space and make the space not feel safe for Sean. This might also be why they went into the park due to Will coming in smoking?
Another great video, and I also realized that I enjoyed not only the insight into the story and the performances, but the insight into counseling. Thank you for that; I'll be continuing to explore your videos.
I want to also point out two reasons I think Sean takes Will out to the park in this scene. The first touches on the fact that, as you said, the office is meant to be a safe space. But it's not a safe space anymore, because Sean physically attacked Will there. It's unlikely that Will fears a second attack from Sean, but I think it's important that Sean takes them away from "the scene of the crime", as it were, to reset their relationship. This reason seemed clear to me from the beginning, but the second I didn't realize until I was most of the way through your analysis: Sean knows he's going to tear Will down a bit, and by doing it away from the office, it allows Sean to get up and leave Will in a peaceful spot to reflect on it. I can't imagine the talk having the same effect on Will if, once complete, Will had to get up and walk out of the office.
Anyway, thanks again for these. I came because I love the movie, but I'm staying because of your insight.
Another great video. I agree that Sean must have realized that silence can speak volumes. I've not had a client sit for two whole sessions of silence, but I've had them clam up at specific times. I always kept track of what we were talking about just before the silence. That's something to come back to in later sessions.
Great point!
This scene perfectly sums up the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
What is so beautifully poetic about this all...and the video analytical beakdown...this movie was written by the person playing "the kid" a young genius actor understood about pychology enough to right this masterpiece and craft a character (played geniusly by Robin Williams) that is well advanced into therapy. A 20 something child wrote a character that was aged in psychology so well...one of the best scripts all around
Thank you for these videos - the main thing about the silent sessions is that Will kept showing up. When a client really doesn't want to engage, they don't show up. Will, by simply showing up, was testing Shawn to see if he actually *meant* what Shawn said at the lake. As you point out, Shawn - having put the ball in Will's court - was ready for however Will showed up.
Stubbled into these. Love your videos. You’ve got me hooked.
okay i just started watching this series and i loved the indepth ep 1 but what made me hit subscribe is i'm 0:57 in and you're using Nujabes as your background track while explaining your disclaimers... you definitely earned a sub ty for all that you're doing it's insightful
To be honest I was really skeptical watching the first video of this series at first, since thera are a lot of people pretending to understand counceling or therapie. However, your analysis really helped me understanding my work better. Thanks!
Great vids. I think Will was also quiet to see if Sean would abandon him, like so many others. If Sean was truly interested and committed to sticking around for Will to open up, Sean had to prove it. He did. Sitting silently with someone is a very powerful message, and when Sean was nodding off, Will wanted to get his attention again.
I really like your videos and It's a shame that they dont get more attentione/views, this i legit one of my favorite movies and I love to see analyses of it
Thankyou, that's kind of you to say. Maybe they will with time? The fact the comments are so nice is the most enjoyable thing for me though
Just found your channel today and wow every one of these videos is broken down and feels so personal I can’t believe you only have 20k subs or so