This chapter argues that Will Hunting represents a crisis of working-class masculinity in the 1990s — emotionally repressed, physically aggressive, yet intellectually superior. It contrasts Will’s emotional development with that of his friend Chuckie and therapist Sean.
Film and psychotherapy, realism vs. dramatization of therapy, the role of attachment and transference. 3. “Masculinity, Class, and Emotion in Good Will Hunting” Author: Hannah Hamad Chapter in: Masculinity in Contemporary Hollywood Film (Routledge, 2013) good will hunting videa
This paper analyzes Will Hunting through the lens of gifted education and counseling psychology. It explores imposter syndrome, underachievement, childhood trauma, and the social-emotional needs of profoundly gifted individuals. This chapter argues that Will Hunting represents a
Critical pedagogy, sociology of education, ideology critique. 5. “It’s Not Your Fault: Trauma, Forgiveness, and Relational Healing in Good Will Hunting” Author: David M. Kaplan Chapter in: Screen Stories and Moral Healing (Oxford University Press, 2018) dramatization of therapy, the role of attachment and
Kaplan uses the famous “It’s not your fault” scene to explore how cinema can model moral and psychological healing from childhood abuse. He connects the film to narrative therapy and theories of forgiveness.
Here are several highly regarded scholarly papers and book chapters that analyze Good Will Hunting from different angles (psychology, education, masculinity, and film studies). I’ve included a summary of each so you can find the most useful one for your needs. Author: Tracy L. Cross Journal: Journal for the Education of the Gifted (1999)