Good Will Hunting (1997)

Featuring a script by obscure actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and direction by Gus Van Sant, previously a director who avoided the mainstream, Good Will Hunting beat all odds to become a huge success. Powered by Miramax's marketing muscle, its real life rags-to-riches story mirrored the fortunes of titular, troubled math genius Will Hunting. The story is fairly conventional: equal parts love story, coming-of-age struggle, ode to friendship, and therapy session, the film didn't so much break new ground as till well-trod property. But its assured direction, strong production values, and heartfelt lead performances helped make it an out-of-nowhere success, propelled by the attractive synergy between its real story and its fictional story. In addition to raking in millions at the box office, it gave Robin Williams his first Oscar and won Best Original Screenplay for Damon and Affleck. The toast of Hollywood in the aftermath of their triumph, they had no trouble finding the sort of quality roles that had seemed so out of reach when they wrote their screenplay. Where many movies seem to speak from their wallets, here was one that spoke from the heart. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide