Good Will Hunting: A Screenplay

Reading this script, I wonder how a film was visualized out of it because, on the page, it is so regional and so specific and does not fit into any "genre" per se. Somehow there is a symbiosis between the writers and the actors, who are one and the same (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck), that brings this script to life on screen. While reading this script, it doesn't really translate and resonate off the page the way the film transcends itself to a place only a film can. I feel like the equity of their young careers as actors somehow got it made, not so much as unknown, unproven writers. They said that they wrote this as a vehicle for them to chew on as actors. I think their writing process was to just act out scenes in front of each other and then transcribe them.I read somewhere that the original iteration of this film was in the "espionage thriller" genre and involved more of the NSA element that was a mere footnote in the final film. This is hard to assess or quantify from its final product. I think they were trying to appease the Hollywood gatekeepers in order to get it made. But somehow, at the behest of Gus Van Sant, the eventual director, he encouraged Matt and Ben to write something more personal and speak from the heart, and thank God for those notes because the film just transcends with its heartfelt story about friendships and mentors and first loves coming from a broken working class family the way only an artistic discipline like film can only do.Reading this, you can also see the contribution Robin Williams makes with his imprint, which earned him the Academy Award. What a great archive of the iconic rise of two Hollywood actors from Cambridge, not Southie, who made good on their commitment to themselves, their careers, and each other. This film is easily one of the top 25 film classics of all time for me, so personal and so resonating, that it could never be replicated or remade or sequeled.

I've read it three times from local library until I bought my own copy.

The book initially got lost on the way (post office error) but after emailing the seller it was quickly sent out again and arrived in great condition. Love being able to read one of my favorite movies and am very happy the seller was so kind and accommodating. Would definitely buy from this seller again!

I bought this to see an example of an original screenplay by writers who sold their first script which was actually made into a movie and won an Oscar. I wanted to see their story structure and how they wrote their characters, etc. I loved the movie and the fact that the writers starred in the film.

Good Will Hunting has always been one of my favorite movies. Being an ardent movie buff, i decided to get this book to understand how they capture the mood and conversations. This is a fantastic book for those looking to write their own screenplays or if you are just curious.

I bought this for a friend of mine who was a fan of the movie and working on being a screenwriter, himself. It seemed thoughtful and I think he liked it.

Great story. This screenplay version is more of a spec script than a shooting script, which is nice.

I really like the movie. The screenplay is just, beautiful. What touches me even more than Will&Chuckie is the real-life friendship between Matt&Ben. When I read the introduction of the stories behind their screenplay, I couldn't help smiling:)