Directed by:
Gus Van SantCinematography:
Jean-Yves EscoffierComposer:
Danny ElfmanCast:
Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver, Casey Affleck, Cole Hauser, Alison Folland, Vik Sahay, Scott William Winters (more)VOD (5)
Plots(1)
Set in working-class South Boston, a psychological drama about a 20-year-old lad who works as a janitor at MIT and spends most of his time with his coarse friends at the neighborhood bar. Blessed with a certain genius, Will, who has never attended college, can summon obscure historical references based on his exceptional photographic memory. He can also solve difficult mathematical problems with an ease that makes MIT's richer more educated students envious of him. When big shot professor Lambeau presents a math challenge to his students, with a fine reward to match, Will anonymously solves the formula on a blackboard placed in the school's corridor. Lambeau begins a search for the mysterious student, and upon finding Will takes him under his wing. It's the only way for Will to get parole after a number of run-ins with the law. Lambeau makes two conditions: that Will meet with him once a week for math session and that he begin therapy. (Turner Classic Movies)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1998 - Robin Williams (Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role)
- 1998 - Ben Affleck, Matt Damon (Best Original Screenplay)
- 1998 - Best Motion Picture of the Year
- 1998 - Gus Van Sant (Best Achievement in Directing)
- 1998 - Matt Damon (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role)
- 1998 - Minnie Driver (Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role)
- 1998 - Best Achievement in Film Editing
- 1998 - Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
- 1998 - Danny Elfman (Best Original Dramatic Score)
European Film Awards
- 1998 - Stellan Skarsgård (Achievement in World Cinema)
Golden Globes
- 1998 - Ben Affleck, Matt Damon (Best Screenplay)
- 1998 - Best Motion Picture – Drama
- 1998 - Matt Damon (Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama)
- 1998 - Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)
Critics Choice Awards
- 1998 - Ben Affleck, Matt Damon (Best Original Screenplay)
- 1998 - Matt Damon (Breakthrough Performer)
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards
- 1997 - Ben Affleck, Matt Damon (Newcomer of the Year)
Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival)
- 1998 - Matt Damon (Silver Bear for an outstanding single achievement)
- 1998 - Gus Van Sant (Golden Bear for Best Film)