- Good Will Hunting.,.
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Western Sydney University **We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
SOCIAL SCI WELF7011
Subject
Psychology
Date
Apr 18, 2024
Pages
5
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Film Analysis 1 - Good Will Hunting
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Film Analysis 1 - Good Will Hunting
SECTION 1
The Psychological Principle(s) Illustrated in the Film
Will Hunting's past is used in a very clever manner to reveal the psychological principles of attachment theory as outlined by Mary Ainsworth (1989). The attachment theory, which forms
the basis of understanding emotional maturity and relationship formation, is represented brilliantly through Will Hunting's troubled life. Will's troubled childhood and abusive experiences will serve as the perfect significant painting that reflects the fundamental principles of attachment theory (Good Will Hunting, 1997). The lack of secure attachments is when Will suffers from trust, empathy and healthy adult relationships. The theory of attachment that stresses
the impact of caregiving on emotional stability and interpersonal relations throughout life is demonstrated in the film through Will's character. The treatment of attachment theory enhances the plot, revealing the complexity of Will's way to healing and relationships.
SECTION 2
Relevant Scenes Illustrating the Psychological Principle(s):
The attachment-related difficulties that Will Hunting faces are presented in numerous heartbreaking scenes of "Good Will Hunting". One deeply internalized anger emerges during confrontational situations throughout the movie (Good Will Hunting, 1997). Will's indescribable incapability to trust anyone is described in detail with his cold and reserved manner, especially as
he approaches a romantic relationship with Skylar. The Film brilliantly represents Will's survival tactics, a beautiful act of retreat, hiding in reading and other intellectual pursuits. However, a touching theme is emerging as Will suffers from the failure to marry his intellectual pursuits with
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emotional entanglements in his love life. Through the scenes, we see how Will's emotional pain intermingles with his intellectual genius to produce a visual narrative of problems from ruptured early attachments and their outcome on relational transactions.
SECTION 3
Analysis Using the Assigned Article
Adaptations to Ainsworth's article on attachments beyond infancy provide valuable information regarding early caregiver relationships that shape people. According to Ainsworth's works, the lack of secure attachment during early childhood can be used to explain why Will is unable to regulate emotions, establish relationships, and trust people (Ainsworth,1989). The article focuses on the importance of caregivers meeting children's needs that influence their inner
strength and self-esteem. Will's disorder of idea of self and dysfunctional emotion self-regulation
reflects the claim in the article that shame is a consequence of contradictory or unrecognized desires.
The article also discusses the role of caregivers in promoting children's emotional resilience through reflection and validation. This critical support is missing in Will's case, which makes him feel fearful all the time and unable to manage his emotional world. Following Ainsworth's ideas about the need to maintain constancy throughout one's life, nonverbal attunement is a source of a problem in Will's interpersonal relations.
SECTION 4
Critical Analysis of the Film's Portrayal
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Although "Good Will Hunting" captures the psychological turmoil of individuals lacking secure attachment, it reduces the therapeutic process to a dramatic scene that may be misleading to the audience ( Good Will Hunting 1997). In fact, dealing with such ingrained problems as Will
does is usually a long process spanning months or even years, and the cinematic version of this journey might make them seem somewhat straightforward.
The Film Good Will Hunting is, indeed, an accurate portrayal of the inner conflict of individuals leading a life without safe attachment but does not fully describe the therapeutic process because it is reduced to one spectacular scene that might set the audience on the wrong track (Good Will Hunting 1997). However, to handle such entrenched issues as Will does is generally a very long process that takes place over months, if not years and the cinematic version
of this journey would make such an undertaking appear quite streamlined.
In conclusion, it is established that the theory of attachment is well depicted by the movie
"Good Will Hunting" on how emotionally troubled Will Hunting fights his emotions. The lack of
secure attachment results in such consequences as emotionally excessive mothering and a boy whose need for a mother is not met by maternal nurturance, and the Film is fairly accurate in portraying these. However, some elements, especially the compression of the therapeutic process, may not be so close to the reality of psychological treatment. Overall, the Film helps to increase awareness of how early experience can influence a person's mental health and relationships with other people.
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References
Ainsworth, M. S. (1989). Attachments beyond infancy. American Psychologist,
44(4), 709-716.
Good Will Hunting. (1997, December 5). Ridomovies. tv. https://ridomovies.tv/movies/good-
will-hunting-watch-online-1997-rd2
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