Awesome Dialog

Rating: Null/10 (15 July 2003)

Saw this for the second time last night. I liked it pretty good the first time, but liked it even more on the second viewing. Perhaps I was let down a little when I saw it the first time after all the hype? Anyway, on my second viewing, I really noticed the incredible dialog between Robin Williams and Matt Damon's character, most of which was delivered by Robin Williams. Superior stuff. Mr. Williams, you are far better at drama than comedy!!! In fact, it is so good, I really have a hard time believing that the same talent that produced Dogma wrote the dialog in this movie! I think there must have been some assistance on this part.
I even thought Affleck did a pretty good job in one place, which I missed the first time. At the end of the movie, when Ben's character goes by Matt's character's home to pick him up for work, and Matt is not there, you can actually see the light bulb come on ... very slowly ... while watching Ben. Well done.
Cool story. I don't know what it is referred to in a story, script, or screenplay, but I am noticing it more and more, and it occurs in this movie too. What I am referring to is when something is explained in one context earlier in the movie so that it is more fully understood later in the movie, usually for a very emotional purpose. In this movie, some of William's brilliantly rendered dialog concerns telling his buddies he has to "see about a girl" when meeting his future wife for the first time, instead of seeing game 6 of the World Series. This dialog is very emotional. So, later, when Matt uses the same line, all is understood with little said. Elegant. Same concept was used in Rock Star concerning "taking a pi$$". But, the best I have ever seen this done was on the last Cheers episode that Shelly Long was on when Dianne and Sam were saying goodbye. She supposedly was only leaving for a few months. He says "Have a good life." She explains that he says that as though they will never see each other again, which we know to be the reality as does Sam, though he won't admit it. She has explained the meaning of the phrase to us the viewer. She asserts, she will be back. After she is out of earshot, Sam says again "Have a good life" letting us know the finality of their relationship. One of the best pieces of dialog I have ever seen!
But, back to GWH, I think it is a very good movie, and well worth watching. Very impressive for them (Ben and Matt) to have done.