Great script, acting, but diminished by "Hollywood Style"

Rating: Null/10 (9 March 1999)

GOOD WILL HUNTING is a very good movie. The writing, credited to Mssrs. Afleck and Damon, is among the best I can remember in a recent American film. Mr Afleck appears to have benefited from the script of CHASING AMY or vice-versa. Robin Williams' role as the burned out shrink ties everything together to make this a memorable story. I wish he would do more of this type of material and less clowning.
However, the credible story, realistic characters, and excellent script beautifully played by the cast are restrained by a glossy presentation. Anyone familiar with the coastal Northeast (story takes place in Boston) knows overcast skies, wind, rain. The relentless sunshine bathes the story in a California like light but with gritty old Boston as the backdrop. Doesn't work.
Nitpicking? Probably, but this film is very close to being as good as movies get and every little misstep becomes magnified as a result.