starting actors matt damon and ben affleck make a definitive breakthrough with their self-written "good will hunting" script. the film yielded no fewer than seven oscar nominations, but ultimately only won two: damon and affleck receive recognition for writing the script and robin williams for best supporting actor. the message of "good will hunting" is not original, but it has been given a nice new look. the fact that you have to live your dreams and take the opportunities that arise is not new. the packaging the gentlemen came up with is. a good script alone is not a guarantee for a good film. the interaction and chemistry is clearly present between the actors, who sense exactly how the scenes should be played. partly thanks to the merits of gus van sant, who has tight control and translates the script into a catchy film, "good will hunting" knows how to captivate you until the end. where the film starts out as a drama, it turns out to be a feel-good movie as the end approaches. a good choice, because this actually reinforces the message in this film. it is not entirely unfair that robin williams has won an academy award for his performance. he will amaze many again with his performance. he plays on the edge every now and then, but convincingly manages to portray the frustrated psychiatrist who has to get will (matt damon) into line. that matt damon and ben affleck succeed in portraying their characters will not surprise anyone. after all, they wrote the script themselves. the other actors play well and leave the shine to the aforementioned. "good will hunting" is a beautiful film that makes you think about the choices you have made in your life.