Good Will Hunting scene Explained by Therapist | "I will end you" analysis

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Hate the loud music? Of course of you. Watch the video here instead kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaubZq1vhqeSm5o Full Good Will Hunting playlist - kzbin.info/aero/PLIrZsx9CxvcHW6mRk75PZveDizWWzafRq The Breakfast Club character analyses - kzbin.info/aero/PLIrZsx9CxvcHrj5Do1NgAewaAkmk-yhGz Patreon link - www.patreon.com/mylittlethoug...

[@khtnsuwdih]

I'd suggest removing the background music completely. It's infuriatingly distracting!

[@anewagora]

It's KZbin. It changes the audio balance once uploaded. Same thing has happened with me where the music is too loud compared to the talking. And in general the audio is quieter. Make your voice louder than you think necessary. I also compare my volume on my computer to existing KZbin videos for reference. If it's 15 for KZbin videos at max volume and that sounds right, I'll go down to 12 when editing.

[@thorr18BEM]

I guess my speakers are just different because I was too interested in the video to notice there was music until I saw the comments 40 minutes later.

[@stukennedy195]

fantastic video, but yes I found the background music terribly distracting. The main problem is that it's only about 10 seconds long and looped (like bad telephone banking hold music). That kind of repetition will drive you mad. But I agree with the others ... no background music is necessary over dense dialog like this. I'm a film/TV composer, so I'm very used to this conundrum. Your excellent analysis is more than enough to keep people hooked without the music.

[@mettehustad8007]

Sorry, was going to say just that. It's almost impossible to listen to things like this with background music. I wonder why people do it?

[@halweiss8671]

I'm equally, if not more, impressed with the fact that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote this sophisticated scene at a relatively young age.

[@bskee001]

I’ve always thought the same thing. It’s quite brilliant writing, especially coming from two guys so young.

[@nyeknyek69]

that's probably why they won an academy award for best screenplay

[@halweiss8671]

@@Johannastairwellstudio Relatively speaking.

[@Johannastairwellstudio]

@@halweiss8671 boomboom!

[@Cjusto1]

Because they didn’t!! I love both guys and the movie. Deep down I believe they really did steal it. No way did they write it, but they did a great job with everything else after

[@keithferris9574]

Your analysis makes Robin Williams' performance even more impressive.

[@GealuGalu]

@@mr.doctor6774 Why did you even post you ended up saying literally nothing

[@greencondoresq]

And Matt Damon's as well.

[@russiazucha]

credit that to writers :)

[@realmadridforever77]

Mr. Doctor I agree with you 100%. Props to the writers for their great script, and of course to RW for his great execution/performance.

[@ernestofr128]

Everyone here giving props to the writers but no one has yet mentioned their names: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

[@genuinejustin6269]

I actually sat down in a therapist office and said, "alright let's let the healing begin" and he legit started laughing and said, "Good Will Hunting, not bad"

[@rainyatsu4588]

That probably depends on the context of the situation but i wouldn’t respond well to having my willingness to fix my problems be laughed at even if it is by using a quote.

[@mariocoelho9380]

@@rainyatsu4588 He was making a joke. If the therapist didn't laught - then it would be bad

[@meditatewithmike4105]

you have to make sure to clap as well haha

[@nootchog8292]

In HS when depression really sunk in, I said this without even knowing what I was referencing. My therapist said the exact same thing to me. I was confused as I've never seen the film or even heard about it at this point in my life. After therapy Dan (my counselor/therapist) suggested I watch the movie. Boy I never related more to character my whole life, even till today. And yes, as a man, I will admit I balled my eyes out when Robin's character broke through to Matt's cuz that was the same shit that I needed to hear.

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Tesla referenced human energy 🌬👻jesus christ referenced living waters 💎👩‍🎓👨‍🎓science described water memory 🌊👩‍🎨👨‍🎨existence reflecting psychologically, psalms16:24 k,j proverbs 27:19👻💖💎👩‍🎓👨‍🎓🗽🤍🧮⚖🌪👩‍🎨👨‍🎨🌬

[@BraeburnTV]

I miss Robin Williams a lot. Celebrity deaths aren’t felt personally usually, but his was different. I felt like I lost a life long friend.

[@bad_luckz]

Felt that

[@kaylons]

Yeah...

[@orry7046]

I'm shocked this has so few likes. Totally agree

[@atrocious_pr0xy]

Same. And now when i see his eyes in his films, i feel them. I often share his eyes. Today.. I had those eyes.

[@AlskaNoelle]

Same. I cried for months. Just the other day, I was laying in bed with my husband I just randomly felt very sad about his death. Like I had lost a favorite uncle. 😢

[@damcgra1]

just want to mention that Wills comment about Zinn's people's history of the United States is actually a test for Sean. Will knows he is a veteran. Zinn's book is INCREDIBLY critical of US imperialism. I believe Sean passes the test by mentioning Chomsky, someone else who is critical of US imperialism. This moment was NOT Sean flexing his Intellect but more virtue signalling that even though he is a veteran, he is not a sheep and understands broader context. I think Will was intending on using Sean's being in the army to hurt him, but Sean mentioning Chomsky showed Will that he couldn't use it to hurt him by, for example, belittling the actions of US soldiers abroad or calling him a babykiller or whatever. This moment is another moment where Sean signals that he is a genuine person.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

This is a fascinating comment, thankyou!

[@aTron0018]

Wow it's been years since I've seen this movie but I didn't notice the allusion to Zinn and Chomsky before. Interestingly enough, Zinn and Chomsky were friends. But yes, the anti-imperialist themes are subtle and great.

[@Donovarkhallum]

Virtue signalling.... Smh. I'll agree with your point but that term is assanine.

[@brettb205]

@@Donovarkhallum It is what it is. Just because the term has bad context now doesn't mean this isn't the intended setting for it. Go be mad about words somewhere else

[@damcgra1]

@@brettb205 thanks. yeah I mean in the truest non loaded sense of the word I think what Sean is doing by mentioning Chomsky is intentionally communicating something about his character....aka virtue signalling.

[@rbbrown6533]

A few points: I feel there is a look of intrigue in Will's eyes when Sean chokes him. Will being from Southie and having experienced violence, he basically realizes in this moment that Sean isn't like these other snobby therapists, he comes from the same place will comes from and has had some similar experiences. He speaks the language of violence just like Will speaks it. So ironically this leads will to trust him a little more, knowing they have similar backgrounds. Notice how will leaves and walks up the steps...he skips every other step as he walks up. I feel this shows his level of excitement from the interaction. Notice how Sean's office is much more messy than the office of the other 2 therapists. Once again, Sean is more of your average guy than the other therapists. Also, notice the first 2 therapists had non-American accents, similar to Professor Lembo. But Sean had more of a Boston accent. To the first point, language, communication, and accents are a big part of the film.

[@reymenders5437]

Absolutely

[@edstringer1138]

The language of violence is a good phrase

[@bord2heck]

Real life: don't choke clients. Movie life: choking clients is a great way to set boundaries and show compassion.

[@Capjedi]

Actually, it's a way of setting boundaries. Most men aren't honest enough with each other to get physical. Once that's out of the way, the pecking order established, they can move on. Did the scene end up in blood and tears? Anyone call the cops? Anyone need medical attention? Nope. It ended quite well.

[@kentgrady9226]

Perhaps an actual therapist ought not lay hands on a patient/client. In daily life, however, a good hard punch in the face is precisely what some people need in order to wake up and clear the cobwebs.

[@kentgrady9226]

@Bigfoot Fair enough. On the other hand, if someone (other than Fred) had punched 45 in the face back in about 1954, we might not be in the shape we are right now.

[@74KU]

@@Capjedi No no, that is violence and should be suppressed.. men need to learn that the rules have changed so extensive biology needs to change too!

[@michelleriley7983]

@@74KU nah

[@jasonpresley7293]

Sean showed loyalty. When Will was going after him he took the hits, accepted the punishment and moved forward. When Will went after his wife though Sean's reaction was immediate and uncompromising, showing that Sean will tolerate him attacking him but not the ones he loves. Loyalty is Will's currency.

[@atrocious_pr0xy]

Awesome!! dang! great insight

[@francischambless5919]

Seems like that's a perspective view of loyalty. He gets a girl pregnant and ditches her. Was that loyalty? There was nothing redeeming about this shithead character in my opinion.

[@retrowave69]

@@francischambless5919 Do you realize the whole reason for the movie is for Will to overcome his trauma and go to california to be with the girl he likes? I don't think you've even watched the movie.

[@jasonpresley7293]

@@francischambless5919 I don't believe pregnancy was in the movie. She just asked him to go with her. I'm betting you're one of those that's never used bath salts in water.

[@tiberiusjones7]

@@francischambless5919 thinking of a different movie, lol. No pregnancy in Good Will Hunting.

[@rowandunning6877]

also i just want to say that the acting in this movie are fucking incredible. The subtle micro expressions and the way you can read exactly what each character's thinking. It's so good

[@ChromeWheelz1977]

Funny, I just called someone out above, for saying that Matt Damon wasn't a good actor in this scene. Glad someone else saw the finer points of both performances here.

[@EtzEchad]

This is a master class in acting. The little micro-expressions that both of them used is awe-inspiring! One thing that you should remember in this movie is that Sean is also a broken man. The therapy goes both ways, and both of them are "cured" by the end of the movie. That is what is important about Sean grabbing Will by the throat - he had reached the breaking point and realized that he needed help too.

[@---cr8nw]

You're right about the acting. And the most amazing part is that Matt Damon was an amateur actor. And an amateur film writer.

[@dav__made]

This is why this is the greatest movie I have ever seen. Biggest take away I got from this film is, how many people in the world do what Will does in this movie without having his smarts? There are people who are just if not more hurt than him out there and do what he does in this movie, latch out before anyone can get too close. In their cases though, people will give up on them much sooner because they don't see any genius traits and believe they are not worth the effort of saving. Really sad when you spend enough time thinking about it like I have.

[@AC3handle]

The only other actor I can think of who could give the level of performance of Robin here, would be Deniro but for exact opposite reasons. Robin is a comedian with very good dramatic acting chops. DeNiro is a dramatic actor with very good comedic chops. I could easily see DeNiro in Robin's place, with only sight differences between the two, but still putting out the performance needed which is 2/3rd dramatic, 1/5th humour, and just a liiiiitle touch of pathos.

[@---cr8nw]

@@AC3handle, DeNiro couldn't pull off this acting. He carries himself in too high of esteem. Back straight, shoulders back, head up. He doesn't come across as humble or low in any of his roles. Not to mention, he's too Italian to be convincing as someone who came up poor in south Boston.

[@AC3handle]

@@EventsKiosk please don't maths me on that. I was strugging to figure out the fractions and just went 'screw it'..

[@jackieandleon]

Did I really just watch a 40 min video deconstructing a 15 min movie scene? Well done sir.

[@thorinhannahs4614]

They have 40 minute videos deconstructing a paragraph by Nietzsche. There are amazing people out there.

[@climbermatt556]

Well I'll be damned....did I also just watch a 40 min video deconstructing a 15 minute movie scene? I really should get to sleep lol

[@bananaboi583]

I didn't even realize it was 41 min untill I was done watching it XD

[@rahhmennoodles338]

@@thorinhannahs4614 Are you referring to a specific person? I haven't found much psychology analysis on youtube. Anyone you'd recommend?

[@thorinhannahs4614]

@@rahhmennoodles338 Outside of the books written by the psychologists themselves, I would recommend Jordan Peterson's Personality and it's Transformations. Peterson drops a lot of knowledge in terms of philosophers, psychologists, mythology and biology. Any university lectures you can find are good.

[@MultiCommissar]

The part where Sean reveals how much he benches(285) is actually a fantastic bit that comes fully relevant during the choking scene. Will realizes that the man in front of him could *easily* kill him with his bare hands. That on its own separates him from all the suits who came before him.

[@benjaminschulman4033]

The scene where Robin Williams makes the joke about his wife's farting in her sleep was actually improv and the rest of the cast and crew didn't expect it during shooting. If you look at the camera shot of Mat Damon laughing its completely genuine and you can even see that the camera is slightly shaking because the cameraman is laughing as well lol.

[@nabilrise1551]

Amazing! At times when I was watching this video I was thinking how good both Robin and Matt are amazing actors

[@ArrowSkye]

@strontiumXnitrate Shhhh. Let people enjoy things. :)

[@officalatom4055]

strontiumXnitrate how?

[@LaStNLiNe]

I want the improv scene commented on... Besides the written script being talked about which is brilliant, i would love to hear how you feel Robin Williams talking to Matt Damon measures up... The adlib MADE that scene!!

[@LaStNLiNe]

@strontiumXnitrate oh how sad i am for you being SO wrong...

[@marshallscot]

Now analyze Toby's counseling sessions with Michael from the Office.

[@jillybeangaming]

😂😂😂 well... that could either be quite entertaining/interesting or quite dumb. probably the latter.

[@Fanuc_Operator1990]

Toby is the real Scranton strangler

[@tracemcsorley7174]

Won't like bc it's at 420

[@Trapinnewyork44]

No, just no 😂😂

[@thesatelliteoverhead6776]

hahahaha, yeah actually Michael has quite a bit of an issue opening up to Toby, and one time, Toby does corner him :) or like Michael accidentally opens up..

[@silentype3008]

33:52 I love how he's choking him out next to a copy of "I'm OK -- You're OK"

[@WickedPrince3D]

Didn't even notice it. Any of the times I watched this. And I should be familiar with the book because it's one I've read most of. Nice catch. :)

[@KarlWitsman]

I caught that too in the freeze-frame. It's darkly humorous. This scene was more like "I'm not OK-You're Not OK." We are all human, we all have issues.

[@alexfurnas1263]

For a tough kid from a blue-collar background like Will, a physical attack probably made Sean way more relatable and trustworthy than anything he could have achieved through conversation. It's not Sean beating and abusing Will like his stepfather, it's one adult responding to an unacceptable affront from another in a straightforward fashion familiar to Will. It shows him that this isn't just some snooty intellectual he's dealing with, but someone who walks the walk, and maybe someone Will can genuinely relate to. It literally and figuratively closed the distance between them.

[@adamjj7751]

That was awesome take man. There's so much that him snapping on him does and even accomplishes.

[@minaswan7043]

I thought the exact same! He is more human than the others and more relatable!

[@csloane4129]

I totally agree. And it probably also spoke volumes to Will that he'd let all of Will's personal passive aggressive digs roll off his back, (zero ego) but as soon as it came to his (beloved, dead) wife, he drew the line. This was an incredible scene all around.

[@honestkaos]

I agree. I think it actually created more respect for Sean in Will's mind.

[@robertthompson7059]

​@steven sprung Although i completely agree with your message, i particularly appreciate the mention of the second option of "Not in the office, you've crossed the line. I'll meet you outside." part and the continuation of it. I still think that's exactly what Sean should have done and i could see the twist of that play in my head too, it's spot on. But i have to say that what Sean was really doing was playing hard, going all in on the power-play, making a clear statement that "I will tolerate a lot and i can take it all, i have a thick skin and great patience but you cross my lines, i'll throw away my job, my freedom, and even my life if i must, but i will stand up to you and will not let you 'break me' no matter the cost." (The "I will end you" perfectly re-states that as well) I think he sets a feeling of "i've been hurt too and i have learned to set some limits." and "I am Human enough that i will do stupid things and take the crazy road to hell for probably even petty reasons to make sure i don't become vulnerable in front of anyone". I'm not great with words and English is not my first language but what i'm trying to say is that, Sean, in front of Will specifically (from what Sean already could see in him, such as his stubbornness and ultimately self-destructive refusal to face any type of vulnerability, regardless of purpose/intentions involved) this made him feel much more similar and understood by him than what the words make us understand. It makes him understand that even an accomplished professional, even more surprisingly, a professional of a field where absolute patience and self-restrain is the minimum requirement for the job, can actually break down, lose their reason and put everything on the line for those little things that have no practical values but have the absolute value above everything for people like them. As the narrator mentioned, loyalty and maybe some form of respect and dignity that they treasure holy to them, is absolutely, under any circumstances, worth the job licence and everything along with it. Although that's obviously wrong and stupid by everyone's understanding, including theirs, they know that and would still make the same choices. I'm just saying Sean showed to Will that he doesn't just "walk the walk" as mentioned above on this thread, but he is all in on walking the exact same walk and he would go all the way through with it too. That just assured Will also that Sean is reliable and a person with values and appreciation for things he considers greater than anything that could be lost (the memory and loyalty for your loved ones is not considered as something that can be lost in this context), so he can count on him, even if as an enemy. So he can walk the same walk, play the same games and throw back the same hits, he just chooses to hold back because he knows better and he's now committed to show him that Will can do the same for himself too and that might just intrigue someone as smart as Will, because he can see as much behind all this. He's seeing someone of his own kind, with what he sees as what he would do but who still stubbornly chooses to hold back and do the better thing, be the responsible and positive adult under any circumstances. Still incapable of restraining himself from what we just saw but only after certain untouchable lines have been crossed. I think Will just doesn't want to admit any end-results (of possible outcomes in his mind) that include vulnerability or any level of inferiority for him. So he'll fight back again in his own way but he has met his equal and he can tell. Yeah, i write a lot but i do it often. Honestly, i'm still surprised when i see it almost every time but here we are again. I just hope i made a decent amount of sense and brought a different thought.

[@tracyroweauthor]

a note about Will's eyes going cold and dead. If you've been abused as a child, this is a defense mechanism. It takes your abuser's power away when you can show them their abuse doesn't affect you. While it may actually antagonize your abuser and cause them to be more violent, in your mind you feel you've won because you've taken some of your power back. It also is a way of shutting yourself down so you can actually pull yourself out of the situation mentally. This is what I used to do when my father would become abusive.

[@dariankaltenbach8062]

Sociopaths have this switch stuck in the "on" position. Basically. Interesting fact for you most sociopaths come from very abused backgrounds. Psychopaths are born that way though. They're actually rather boring once you actually study them. No real emotions just always calmly thinking how they can get another thing that feels good.

[@dianewilkins4418]

Sorry you had to go through that

[@Akheloios]

I can't appreciate that situation from experience, so thanks for expanding on my understanding.

[@tracyroweauthor]

@@dianewilkins4418 thank you

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

Good way to make him carry on. That means by doing that you knew you were urging him on, you wanted more.

[@ViralKiller]

I like the way he slowly and calmly takes his glasses off

[@jamesnguyen7069]

do you now?

[@chodxnielmobile671]

@@jamesnguyen7069 yeah james; he does!

[@gtube6913]

He can feel the rage build and knows that it doesn't stop until it peaks like the storm without alcoholic easing. So by the two steps he takes he knows he'll be ready to physically unleash that emotion.

[@GhostDrummer]

When I was a correctional deputy, there was a sgt I loved working with. He was an older guy, mid 50’s, about 6’4”, 180 lbs; but he could still throw down when needed. I learned very quickly that when Sgt Ramsey removed his watch and glasses, something was about to go south really fast.

[@chodxnielmobile671]

@@GhostDrummer okay

[@stgermain1074]

I think a big part of the movie, which you didn't cover, is that the therapeutic relationship between Sean and Will went both ways towards healing. At some point either Will or Jerry calls Sean a burnout, and that's true. He isn't seeing clients, he's teaching at a community college. He's all but abandoned his career. He's not seeking a relationship, he's drinking too much, he doesn't go to social activities. At the end, Sean's regained his interest in the world, his profession, and possibly seeking a new relationship. His interactions with Will has caused him to reflect on his own life, and make a change for the better.

[@pablodmdp]

Yeah then he killed himself so it didnt do him any good in the end 😮

[@pansepot1490]

Pablo Di Iorio are you confusing a film character with a real person?

[@GhostDrummer]

Pablo Di Iorio until you deal with the darkness Robin (and so many others, including me) dealt with, you’ll never understand it. Not justifying what he did...but I’ve been there, to the point I knew where and how; I’m still dealing with it nightly. But I found a strong support group because of Mr. Williams. I realized it’s not just me. Might be a different reason, but it’s the same none the less. You can disagree or try to say you were joking, but this is not a joking matter.

[@vorpalrobot]

@@GhostDrummer it wasn't darkness, he was suffering a neurological disease and it was getting worse. He was losing himself and didn't want to hold out till he was drooling in a bed.

[@GhostDrummer]

vorpalrobot yes...and that’s the darkness he was dealing with. Mine is ptsd. The darkness is different for everyone, but it’s still there.

[@Daveskee]

One of the most impressive things about Robin Williams’ performance that I realize now is that when Sean says he benches 285, I believe him. No joke.

[@brianthom6798]

I hesitate to make even minor criticisms of this movie, as it's so damn good - but I never bought that one.

[@keyofdoornarutorscat]

Brian Thom Nah he definitely looks like someone who can bench 285, there’s old guys in my gym that are skinnier than him that bench more

[@michaelkent9583]

He can definitely bench that much. Sorry you are weak. Strong muscles>big muscles

[@brianthom6798]

@@michaelkent9583 Sometimes I find myself impressed by how much stupidity can be squeezed into so little space. Your reply is asinine for at least three reasons: 1) You have no idea how much Williams can bench. Sure, you can guess by looking at him, but you don't know. If you had said, "He can probably bench that much," or, "I think he can bench that much," I would have said, "Okay, he's wrong, but whatever." Don't speak in absolutes; you're setting yourself up to look like a moron. 2) You have no idea how weak I am or am not. 3) If you're going for size, then you're flat-out wrong, and big muscles>strong muscles. If you're going for strength, then...no shit.

[@Hermeticrux6145]

In highschool I benched 235. 15 years old. Just months of heavy free weight training

[@Randerson2409]

I remember having a chat with my old Psychologist about how she would describe her job. And she described it as (words probably aren't exact) "I'm here to hold up a mirror, and help you learn how to look at it". Which I think fits really nicely with you describing a therapist's job being to understand their client and help them understand themselvea

[@Andyp12]

It's a good point. My experiences with psychology (heuristically and meandering rather than in an educated fashion) have led me to realise most people, deep down, know what their problems are and even how they might solve them (albeit not in the manner of fixing a technical problem with set results) but comprehending a method consciously and generating the effort required, that's the real challenge.

[@brianthom6798]

I think you totally missed the point of the "grabbing him by the throat" thing: it was actually good for their relationship. While I would, for many reasons, under no circumstances recommend that a therapist attack a client, in this situation it accomplished two things: it made Will understand that Sean is truly unlike any other therapist he's encountered; and it made him respect Sean - a major breakthrough in Will's case - as he realizes that Sean will not allow himself to be pushed around. Other than that, a fantastic analysis!

[@margaretlee-reed814]

Exactly ... For the "movie" the audience sees how Will eventually respects Sean. And, Sean shows how he's different. He has a tough side if necessary - but, he chooses not to be "that" person in his daily life. Not healthy. I also, wonder if Sean's actions were a sign of how passionate he was about "helping" Will. (Ironically) He was letting Will know that. I WILL "help" you (kid) ... Sean's in for the long haul ... BUT there will be boundaries; albeit few, and any anger (what ever) can be displayed to get there ... BUT, what's off limits to get there is his dearly loved departed wife. His one love. His true love. His other half. His better half. (Is off limits) But, true in real life not likely to ever really happen. Not only because illegal and medically unethical but, he doesn't even know Will yet. (AKA did Will come from an abusive home? It could also immediately end their client - patient relationship. Backfire.)

[@pirobot668beta]

What I got from that bit was a lot simpler: Will had to understand that there are boundaries, even in a session. For the therapist to 'push back' that hard shows the client that play-time is over and that there are rules. Never had someone grab my neck, but threats to be 'fired' by my therapist had the same effect.

[@drum5ormore2]

At first I was inclined to agree with you. Then as I've pondered how inappropriate Sean's response was, especially toward a client dealing with trauma from an abusive relationship, I've come to agree more with the author of this video.

[@brianthom6798]

@@drum5ormore2 Attacking Will was undoubtedly inappropriate, as it would be with any client but especially a client who has suffered abuse. My point was not that grabbing his throat was the correct thing to do but that it was probably, in retrospect, the best thing he could have done. Of course, it's possible that this was a perfectly-calibrated response, and Sean had Will figured out so accurately that he knew that, despite Will's traumatic history, he would respond positively toward this action. But first, that doesn't change the fact that it is wildly inappropriate, and second, it's much more likely that Sean was acting in the heat of the moment.

[@car3ss]

I don’t think violence is ever an appropriate response unless your safety or someone else’s is in danger. Regardless of the results, or what it may or may not have achieved... it still wouldn’t be the right choice.

[@platitudeomenw441]

I think it's important to note this: you said we know Sean's a better counselor then the former ones, and proceeded to list all the reasons why, such as moments of genuine connection, but I think an important reason was left out. Will had to say genuinely terrible things in order to piss off Sean. Unlike the other counselors who got angry because of juvenille insults like calling them gay, or faking hypnosis, he had to dig deep and become a person he really doesn't like in order to antagonize Sean. I think that's another reason he went from terror to cold defensivness while being choked. He could tell he crossed a line. Not a social line, but a moral line within himslef. And in a sense, Will didn't therefore win that exchange. Not that Sean did either, it was just destrucvtive for both of them.

[@ChromeWheelz1977]

You believe he thinks he crossed a line by talking about Sean's wife, but not when he beat the hell out of the guy with his bare hands? I don't think that's what he was thinking there at all. He was shocked at Sean's reaction, and it brought him right back to the beatings he took from his stepfather.

[@platitudeomenw441]

@@ChromeWheelz1977 no because the guy was a bully, and in his mind, deserved it.

[@snagsTS]

@@platitudeomenw441 I agree, physical conflict or beatings have never touched me as much as emotional/psychological manipulation has. I personally feel physical confrontation is a huge part of our nature, but the neutering of physical response to emotional/psychological has left a vacuum where people could emotionally/psychologicaly abuse others with little to no repurcussions. That's where morality comes in. You have a certain power to make as many attempts to break someone or goad them into a response and Will realised here that he had abused that power and actually accepts that he had fucked up and to a degree accepts the repurcussions. Just my personal opinion. My view point is obviously subjective as I know not everyone can shrug off physical harm like I can. Will genuinely has an issue with power and his lack of control over his ability to accept power over him or his need to assert it. I've wished I'd gone for counceling in my life and after watching this movie I wish I had someone like Sean, fortunately I managed to work through some of my issues on my own. I'm not comparing myself to Will here, but I did have similar issues.

[@Kaleidalee]

@@snagsTS You can still go to counseling at any times in your life, though. People don't have to always attempt to "figure things out" by themselves. Humans are, after all, social animals, not solitary animals like cats.

[@ASSCOCK31]

You nailed it. Will won in terms of getting out of the session, but he did not prove he was better than Sean. He stooped to a very low level to achieve what he wanted which made him and Sean both lose.

[@clicheguevara5282]

The copyright strikes - they aren't your fault.

[@ProfessorJM1]

Why is no one commenting on your comment...I laughed for about a half hour, solid, and I’m still chucking now.

[@L8nitedave]

notice the moderator ignored it? power move.

[@ProfessorJM1]

@@L8nitedave Haha, SO powerful.

[@RodgersXLVmvp]

Lmfao 😭😭😭

[@RodgersXLVmvp]

"Dont F with me"

[@kapioleilanionalanielua]

Sorry if I missed you covering this: Don't forget that Sean uses his 'Southie' cultural experiences to show Will he grew up in he same 'culture' as Will. There is a type of comradery between people when they find out they grew up in the same area. The rough, testosterone contest going on is because Will is from the rough neighborhood and was abused. Sean grew up in the same social, cultural experiences as Will. It is very similar to my upbringing in Hawaii: I know that locals prefer to fight things out under certain circumstances, so if I want to get through to another local person, I talk a certain way, act a certain way, according to our culture. I am accepted faster into their circle this way. Sean even says that a lot of the conversations with Will are two Southie men competing because that is what Southie men do until they respect each other.

[@flowersafeheart]

That's so interesting and a great observation! Also generally (I'm speaking very, very generally though at risk of perpetuating stereotypes) male culture is more (maybd much more?) likely than female culture to use teasing, bonding, criticizing, oneupmanship type talk to interact or bond, maybe especially males with other males (in my experience). Though especially in this scene where Will's goal wasn't friendship but dominance and he felt threatened and defensive. Like he wanted to test and hurt the person before they could hurt or abandon him.

[@sharonneedlesfreedomsnotfr813]

_Growin up in southie your likely to have been exposed to the hc straightedge scene during your youth....now hawaii thats gonna be a bit different experience but still there are a few things we know for certain...like 1) instead of calling someone sir, bro or dude you call them bruh! (Thumb up pinky out) “Sup bruh?” 2)you both can bond over a past or present methamphetamine habit 3) you both secretly harbor a bit of a man crush on DOG the bounty hunter_

[@kapioleilanionalanielua]

@@sharonneedlesfreedomsnotfr813 I get your meaning, Hawaii is different, because even the females tend to fight out disagreements. But if you speak the pidgin slang, (ho brah! Garans!), people are more likely to be accepted if you look like a local too. Hint though, Hawaiians dislike Dog the Bounty Hunter, ugh.

[@kapioleilanionalanielua]

@@flowersafeheart Mahalo for your response! Yes, I agree that in certain areas in the US, men are more likely to play these testosterone games. Hawaiian females tend to fight a lot when there is a disagreement. It is part of the Hawaiian culture. Hawaiians are a fighting culture, lots of wars in our history between kings and clans. I grew up avoiding fights, because although I am part Hawaiian, I look white, so lots of Hawaiian girls wanted to fight me. But I would hide LOL. I am not a fighter.

[@sharonneedlesfreedomsnotfr813]

@@kapioleilanionalanielua lol ahh didnt know i thought he was the local hero to the people or something..atleast the show portrays him that way

[@xgctoby1]

when the acting and writing is so good you can analyze it as if it were real. You'll always be missed Robin.

[@niwatori024]

@@sophiafake-virus2456 dude what the fuck

[@niwatori024]

@@sophiafake-virus2456 I use 'dude' neutrally towards anyone, it's not gendered to me, sorry if it seemed like I was misgendering you. Robin Williams got caught up in Hollywood like many other actors. But there's no denying he had significant influence on people through the characters he played, real or fake he impacted people. I'm not trying to change your mind you don't have to like him, but that's how I and many others feel about him. I hope you have a nice day.

[@niwatori024]

@@sophiafake-virus2456 wow ok, thanks for calling me man at the end lol, as I'm a woman too. Hypocrisy just radiates from all of this. If it's all menial and meaningless why the hell are you writing so much about it. Humans do talk about meaningless stuff because life doesn't have meaning and we must find it.

[@niwatori024]

@@sophiafake-virus2456 I got that the man comment was irony, I'm saying all of what you're saying is hypocrisy. Like in your earlier comment saying that everyone on the internet is rude and abrasive and yet, here you are saying that because of me you want to 'kill yourself'. Also why were you so offended by the dude comment, I didn't mind that you called me man. It was just a very childish thing to do. The fact that this small interaction with a stranger makes you want to "kill yourself" is heavily concerning even as a hyperbolic joke. Taste of my own medicine? I wasn't trying to mock you, I was appalled by you saying that someone, Robin Williams, meant nothing to this world when he so clearly did to many.

[@niwatori024]

@Blake Painter I am so sorry for this shitstorm

[@muxz]

This is a testament to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's script. That's some brilliant work in just one scene much less the entire movie by a couple of 20-somethings.

[@ered203]

Well, you mean Matt Damon's script. Ben just sat around and smoked pot. He got his name on it because Ben's parents were paying for the apartment at the time. . . . I'm just playing. I love Ben. This was a Family Guy skit.

[@nogoodcops6557]

@@ered203 A lot of truth is said in jest.

[@rexbeavers6746]

@@ered203 Seth McFarland may know something we don't lol!

[@patfrerking]

Ben Afflic didn't do anything. He just smoked weed and watched T.V. the whole time. And the only line he pitched was a fart.

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

@@ered203 That skit was right on. Ben really got his name on it for the reasons mentioned AND Matt Damon has a soft heart and loyalty as well - To Ben's parents. Unfortunately. Bafleck is a HUGE fuck up and is destroying his children's lives with his alcoholism and heartache Jen is always going through. A broken home (divorced parents), id always better than one filled with that kind of drama. Shame on him. This is coming from a child of an alcoholic. I could not admit he was a drunk until he was close to death from lung cancer. A nurse commented on how his CT showed his brain had as many holes at swiss cheese. I was 26. She said, "This must be from all of the medications for his M.S.?". For the first time ever I said, "No, sadly. He's a drunk." He died a month later from his cancer. He was 52. I can type "he was a drunk." but talking about it is a whole different ball game.

[@racoon2623]

when i tell my therapist something she says “thank you for sharing that, that really helps me understand” or when she tells me something she says “something i’ve learned from some of my other patients” and it feels really nice and human for some reason

[@diplomasaurus4232]

Its called 'humility'

[@claiminglight]

I'm happy you're taking that well. Though those lines wouldn't land with me. They sound canned.

[@Sycorax21]

@@claiminglight I agree, to me it almost sounds pandering or belittling. Although the delivery versus the message may have more of an impact on that.

[@TraceyMush]

@@claiminglight the delivery is everything. Anything genuinely meant is going to sound ok in the moment, though maybe not in text.

[@ThunderStruck15]

Really? It sounds kind of formulaic and fake.

[@huasohvac]

I had a psychciatrist give up on me after one session. He said "I cant help you". It is the most disheartening thing to hear.

[@henrye6245]

Man, I had a shit counsellor so i know it's not good but fuck that guy, you're a person mate.

[@dannyslammy4379]

@@henrye6245 Me too. I was about 19 years old ... My catholic girlfriend had had our daughter, not even put me on the birth certificate ... broken up with me mostly - ended contact with me except on weekends when i could look after her ... and I went to see this shrink .. older chinese guy in Aus ... and he just was very conservative (about getting married and not going to hell} Buy the end of the first session he told me I had the darkest outlook on life and the universe that the had ever encountered and thart hhe awas not much into any other efforts

[@akuiper2654]

Just know it says more about the professional than it does about you. Reaching out for help is hard enough. It sucks when that person is inadequate to the task. I hope you got the right help.

[@huasohvac]

@@akuiper2654 nope. no doctor has actually been able to help me. no therapy has worked, no medication has worked. im over it. ive just accepted that im a depressed piece of shit who ruins everything

[@evadillon3047]

@@huasohvac I wish you the best

[@fly1ngG0PHER]

33:39 “There’s genuine fear in Will’s eyes right now” That was for some reason the funniest thing I’ve heard all day

[@mylittlethoughttree]

And now I'm laughing too. In an effort to keep the video more concise, I tended not to touch too much on their genius acting itself

[@VicodinElmo]

The most unrealistic thing about this film is the fact that there’s a British woman with the name Skyler.

[@scottdavidson526]

😀

[@superbad1982]

I have an Great Aunt that was named Schyler from England lol.

[@khairinoa]

Lol I knew a Scottish lady named Skylar.

[@LaStNLiNe]

If that is all you took from the movie, i feel bad for you....

[@highestrockslemontree5083]

John A Prata Kind of a mean thing to say

[@AR-ln7ip]

39:20 brought a tear to my eye. Isn't that what everyone needs? Someone who won't give up on you?

[@4Distractiononly]

I think Sean realized that authenticity even flawed humanity gets more out of Will than being smart, controlled, polite. Because Will hates artifice. It's not so much that people have power over Will but that they are hypocrites about doing it. Will is triggered just as much by displays of this as by power. Ie ponytail guy and the other therapists. He responds to Sean's humanity, his experiences, not his assessments and intelligence. Probably why Sean doesn't hold back and is vulnerable. It wouldn't work with many people. But it's the only thing that worked with Will. He only made eye contact with Sean after his honesty, he only opens up after Sean opens up with a lot of private admissions.

[@lotusspringshighschool8027]

Yeah, Sean mirrored Will a lot meeting him at every point. I think the book scene was a win for Sean due to his humble honest response rather that going into the one-up with the ego which would only have enflamed Will weakening the trust. I love this movie. Thanks for reviewing it.👍

[@theclimbto1]

Will intentionally provoked a response out of Shawn, as he does with everyone. Unlike the others, Shawn responded to Will in a way Will understands (sadly, due to the abusive nature of his upbringing)... in a way Will would respond (and does respond) when provoked. He couldn't respect the others, because all they could do is quit. Shawn didn't quit, really. Shawn didn't even tell Will to leave... Will told Shawn he was leaving. "Time's up." Will dictated it was over, Will dictated he was leaving. Shawn didn't actually kick him out there. Sure, in our minds we might perceive being choked as being told to leave and not come back. But that's not how Will thinks. Will thinks "I provoked him, and he attacked. Guy at bar provoked me, I attacked. This guy makes sense to me." It was wrong of Shawn to do. We can't get beyond that. But without this, or something similar, these two can't connect. Because Will MUST bring him out of 'Therapist Mode' to be able to see Shawn as an actual Person. Very few things in life are as real as "You talk about my dead wife again, I'll end you"... and it's a language Will is fluent in.

[@lotusspringshighschool8027]

@@theclimbto1 👍

[@113-M]

At the end you talk about how Sean would have been cut off straight away for putting his hand on Will's throat. I think how that was all avoided was from the fact that Will did not rat Sean out. Because, if Will really wanted to get rid of Sean, he probability could've when he went up the stairs. However, if Will ratted Sean out, it could have entirely backfired on him, and Will would end up in jail. While I think Will was afraid of winding up in jail, I'll have to go with Veronica Watson's take to answer both points.

[@lotusspringshighschool8027]

@@113-M Each had their own threshold in order to build trust. The equilibrium met balance between the two. It worked.😊

[@user-qf6xn7rj5y]

Dude, I bet you're an epic therapist.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I've still got a long lot of way to go. I do feel happy with how I've grown so far though, so thankyou, it's kind of you to say

[@quizzicalsmudge877]

Agreed. That said it is easier to analyze something, when you are not directly involved. Which is why some artists say that one of the fastest ways to learn. Is attempt to copy something, then overlay your attempt with what you copied. In my case I tend to find that I draw size relationships wrong, not by much. But the errors compound over time. Even though I know it is a problem I have, it still happens (though I am definitely better at it now). So even being aware of it as a problem, while drawing, is not enough to stop me from doing it. I still need to go back and check every so often. But that is just in art. Which as complicated as it gets, is still much easier than trying to help someone with their mental health. As far as I can tell therapy probably has no end to the learning or reflection required, which is kind of scary.

[@caesertullo1824]

tldr: sorry for the long post, but basically if you don't have time to read the whole thing why do you think most therapists are terrible at their jobs? PS, please don't feel pressured or obligated to respond to my whole post if you don't have the time. It was a comment for you, but I find using KZbin comments to vent about my situation helps a lot regardless of any responses. hey quick question, I have had a lot of shitty therapists. I call them the psys because most were psychiatry or psychology when I talk to my other chronically ill friends. one in particular stole 7 years of my life because he was convinced I was psychotic and it was leading to a "lack of motivation" and the pain and fatigue I was experiencing were "excuses I could give myself not to take responsibility" eventually as I grew up, I slowly became confident in my sanity to the point of confronting him that I had no psychotic thoughts or tenancies in years and don't believe this was ever psychotic NOS, yeah it was that long ago. He then told me well it's more of a "soft psychosis" and that "I'm a useless case he doesn't see getting better but he will still provide me with the drugs." then I got enreanged and screamed at him, telling him he can't just make up things. That I haven't had paranoia or delusions since the first time it happened and read like a textbook case of a Brief Psychotic episode. that was 2012 2013, and the psychiatrist I saw after him, and I'm being 100 percent genuine said I was one of the sanest people he met. He labeled it as mild bipolar. so about 7 years later today, turns out it's autoimmune causing havoc on my amygdala, one doctor saying it's adult pandas, one saying it's stiff persons, and one saying it really doesn't matter what you call it as long as the new treatment works. I'm not at that phase yet, because honestly I don't think anyone takes into account how long I suffered and most people are inherently selfish and pleasure seeking. I learned about this new treatment in june it actually took this long to get the ball rolling. I agree with M, you sound like you know what you are talking about and I doubt you receive the recognition you should. I'm almost 30, this illness has destroyed my life, I guess if I'm lucky enough to have you read all this my second question would be, considering all of the bad therapists I've seen, and my disease needing a therapeutic component to it, how can I learn to move on from this point and try to regain the trust I've lost in the psy system? living in a constant state of emotional and physical stress takes a huge toll on me, and I end up taking it out on my mother. She doesn't deserve it. She's really changed for the better and our relationship has really gotten quite healthy a lot of the time. When I end up having a flare though i explode all my pent up emotions and frustrations on her. We have been communicating more, and I've been apologizing if I accidentally have an out burst. I'd like to hear your thoughts first before I would tell you what the best diagnosis provided was, although I agree with doctor number 3 it doesn't matter both are treated with massive levels of IVIG, so just start giving me that. You have no idea how long I've been waiting around for someone in medicine to tell me there was something I could do about this. from the onset on symptoms to the date things seemed to have been figured out is anywhere from 14 to 18 years. I just want to move on, I want to stop being angry my life has been stolen from me. I work my ass off to try and get better along with my older treatment before I saw a specialist outside of my insurance network. I've lost about 50 pounds, and have gained a bunch of muscle from pushing myself as hard as I can which is usually less than 30 mins a day but depending on lots of things can go for 2 hours, I think I've maxed out at 3. So as you can see I can't work, but I'm about to be reappearing for disability for a second time after 2 denials. I live like a monk, a sick monk, but a monk all the same, I try to spend as little as I can because I hate the idea of being a leech. right now, my mom spends hundreds a month on over the counter drugs and herbs, as well as a very strict gluten free special diet. just for life reference my father divorced my mother when I was 18, he was a brilliant yet greedy man who understood the laws before starting, and hid his money from the court giving him an amazing win in the divorce of half my mom's retirement. we've been living pay check to pay check before covid, now all I can do is worry about the money situation and boil in self contempt. I actually sent my mom some emails after she sent me one. Honestly, out of all this shit I've been dealing with, somehow my relationship with my mom has been helping enormously rather than hurting it. usually we fought like cats and dogs, she's the type who needs a label. and with every test and doctor I went to, without any conclusions, she kept getting more and more skeptical. I don't think that's the only reason by far, but I feel like I've wasted your time enough in this comment. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well in these chaotic times. And if you read this and would like to interview me, considering how interesting of a case I've been and how bawls crazy my life has been essentially since birth, I would be willing to 100 percent. There's more rational to not giving the possible names, you may have picked up I'm really walking around in circles about it. I would love to have the chance to be on anyone's channel that deals with this stuff and give my side to why the controversy seems so petty and I can't find a rational reason to why it exists.

[@Not_the_name_game]

@@caesertullo1824 I have been dealing with mental health struggles for a good part of my adult life, but I think I may have had issues in my mid teens. I didn't start seeing a therapist until my 30's and have been involved with it for about ten years. I am not sure sometimes whether my mental health problems came from a physical issue or a mental health issue first because I didn't have access to medical care. Your story is interesting to me because it's like hearing someone describe my own situation, which I think maybe nobody could believe. I hope you and your mom are able to have some level of comfort inspite of your financial struggles and that you both are safe and able to be healthy. I am on government assistance, waiting for a disability claim, and about to have a hearing, but I see it as a stepping stone, and hope to be completely self-supporting someday, which I'm not sure if that's a weird goal because I sometimes it seems like my struggle with my mental health issues are difficult sometimes.This video gives me some hope though that I can improve my experience with my therapist in the sense of repositioning myself to have a better experience. the therapy I've been getting lately is all by phone these days, which makes the therapy harder it seems.

[@extkking]

@@Not_the_name_game Try writing out some of the things you want to work on with your therapist and send it over in advance. This has helped me in many different ways.

[@SteveGee1986]

This was excellent, & the Good Will Hunting counselling scenes are amazing. I can speak from experience that many counsellors are they themselves, deeply disturbed. This scene and the Will Hunting character development hits home. I think what made Sean so successful is how he embraces his own background, and weaknesses. It comes off as authentic.

[@LMLR187]

You know when you talked about Will standing up, his walking around the room to look around, it harkened me back to a scene from the first Jurassic Park. It's when the hunter is describing the habits of the velociraptors in captivity. He mentions how they would periodically get close to different sections of the electrified fences testing for any weakness. In a way Will was committing the same tactic. He'd get up for a moment and look at the books even noticing the military photo (he really finds nothing there and returns to his seat). But he gets up again to poke about the room some more until he finds the painting. From there he finds the small crack he was looking for and appears to make a breakthrough only to be literally (and figuratively depending on interpretation) shocked at the response.

[@victoriabryer4710]

Did i just watch a 40 min video of a breakdown of a scene from a movie i only watched once? Yes. Did i enjoy every minute? Yes. Is this my first time coming across your channel? Yes. Did i Subscribe? Yes.

[@humanisme6746]

Same!

[@jon636374]

Yup

[@sokrates297]

Hotel? Trivago....

[@coffeeandhoots3712]

I literally didn't realize it was 40 minutes until this comment. Mind blown, not a single wasted second.

[@TheStratsRattery]

Same 😊

[@pranav_k__]

this guy's yt was literally jumpstarted by a yt comment he made on this scenes video on the miramax channel what a legend

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Kinda mad when I think back to that. I literally had no plans of youtube before then, now it's a hugely important part of my life 😂 Just shows where the encouragement of others can lead a person

[@Muzikman127]

any chance of a link to or copy of the comment?

[@aduzzz3322]

Can you lmk where I can find the comment

[@jhyland87]

​@@Muzikman127 That was easy to find... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWGpdnmNg7d9iLM scroll down, it's like the ~7th comment by the user *Joe* that starts with _"This scene is fascinating to dissect and really...."_

[@jhyland87]

@@aduzzz3322 Left a link in my comment above ^

[@coyotetu]

One of the sadder things about Will was that projecting his own self-image on others was the worst insult he could've conceived of.

[@am3iq.464]

True :(

[@bluespace1721]

Lol... Obviously buddy. Will don't care. Don't miss the point

[@theclimbto1]

Same conclusion? No. Why not? Because Shawn never kicks Will out. Yes, he assaults him. I get that. I do. But look at it from Will's view. You run your mouth to Will, you eat a fist. It's a rough world out there. Shawn reacted to Will, once Will crossed the line, in a way that Will RELATES TO. Also in a way that you might expect a Soldier, trained for combat, to react when you wound them... and Will grew up a Fighter. Will UNDERSTANDS Shawn choking him. He can directly relate to that. That's genuine. It's real. It's something no one else he's encountered would have done. It was wrong. But Will does wrong things all the time. He now knows that Shawn isn't fake, isn't some asshole hiding behind books, isn't some cold analytical being looking down his nose... but a living, breathing human being that will fight when pushed to far. You know... exactly what Will is. And despite that, at the end of that session, Shawn doesn't tell Will to get out. He doesn't tell Will to never return. (I think there is a scene later on with that going on, when Will is actually much better and NEEDS to go, needs to live his life, but is seemingly trying to hold on to the sessions because he's comfortable there.) Will declares the session over, gets his 'Win' and leaves on his own accord. I think, on some level, he realized being choked (again, WRONG to do) wasn't dismissing him... Will dismissed himself quiet literally with "Time's up"... it is what it was, an attack provoked. I think the combination of understanding, and that Will dismissed himself and wasn't actually 'kicked out' by Shawn, lead to Will coming back. He connected. This is some one he can talk to. And yes, maybe the talks get to heated (like they might with a friend) and maybe things get physical (again, like they might with a friend... but also NOT something a Therapist should be doing, still not defending Shawn here)... but he can have REAL conversation here. In fact, he was never going to find that person until some one stood up to him and met him on his own level. And I don't mean intellectual level, I mean primal level. You hurt Will, he fights back. If you can't fight back, he can't even comprehend you, he can't understand you, and he certainly can't respect you. Again, don't choke your clients. Unless you're on the BDSM stuff, I guess. :D :D However, in this very rare of circumstances, and ONLY because Will actually provoked it (and intentionally so)... it led to Will being able to actually SEE SHAWN... not just another Suit in a Chair. *286 Likes so far! I don't think I've had this much acknowledgement of a response on KZbin ever. And a Like from the Channel! Thank you all, so much! Even you, TL;DR guy! Even you!

[@shawnmcvey7789]

The best way to get a Bostonian's respect back then was to be willing to fight them. Southie kids (Damon and Affleck were actually from Cambridge) were basically raised in a violently darwinist environment. This movie takes place in the era where dude's in Yankees hats would get jumped leaving bars and if you insulted their mother/wife/sister/gf they had to fuck you up or their chowder head buddies would never respect them. I'm glad it's changed but I'm not fond of how rent prices are the main reason for that. Even the shitboxes are the cost of a mortgage other places now.

[@lookitsdebby]

Ahh that was so tasty to read my brain is tingling. The video was a splendid dinner and you provided the well-balanced dessert

[@theclimbto1]

@@lookitsdebby Thank you. A rather unique compliment, and I appreciate it! LOL!

[@thunderstruckgypsy9848]

agreed - even though it is not a "professional" thing to do, it showed that Sean was human. Violence/fighting is a part of Will's life, anyone who is fully restrained, non-reactive and calm would not "seem human" to Will. Fighting is a sometimes the only language some people (like Will) are able to understand, and with the tough neighborhood upbringing he has, the only way to get respect. As wrong as it was, Will can relate better to Sean than those other therapists. Sean is a fellow resident of Southie, and as we learn later, had an abusive upbringing as well. Sean will become the father figure Will has always needed.

[@thunderstruckgypsy9848]

​@@shawnmcvey7789 My best years were spent in Somerville in the 90's , too bad I can't afford to live there anymore.

[@glengamble526]

He (Robin’s character) is speaking to Will in a language he understands and respects...not in an abusive, ‘father-like’ way but a street, honourable-man way.

[@lettermanstud]

Can we just talk about what a master class in acting this is? Jesus....This made me realize, I'm so blown away....

[@biggiesmol]

The science and art of counseling is remarkable. I cannot imagine such selflessness and at times frustration dealing with troubled individuals day in day out.

[@diamondzieman5508]

I guess you have never experienced long term teaching. Frustratation from 0 to 0... On the surface. 0 to 1000 on the inside haha

[@marshallmcluhan33]

The stairway to heaven

[@barak181]

I just noticed that in this movie Matt Damon wears a Shelby Cobra jacket. He would later in his career go on to play Carroll Shelby. Coincidence? I think not.

[@brianb8003]

and now Matt Damon is rich enough to afford a genuine Shelby Cobra! Illuminati confirmed.

[@ALCRAN2010]

Notice that the man rowing a boat in the ocean represents Robins character who is capable of crushing a windpipe, and then, realize Robin also played the character of a sailor-man with formidable forearms strong enough to crush canned food. Coincidence? I think not. Lol.

[@grantburris]

I noticed that too.

[@BlewJ]

Re: Books - He's also trying to grab his attention on specificities. Obviously Will isn't paying attention and Sean picks up on that

[@MascottDeepfriar]

I have no official training in counseling. I do have a lot of experience as a facilitator and team challenge trainer with adults and children. I've found that generally people will have only a couple quick flippant answers to questions. By the third asking of the same or similar question I often found people had either run out of reflexive non-thinking responses or they actually believed I was looking for a legitimate answer.

[@HRRRRRDRRRRR]

@@MascottDeepfriar "Asked and answered"

[@mikemck4796]

Will is always paying attention, even if he doesn’t react to it. His character is not one that doesn’t pay attention.

[@Reapray]

Something else about the scene I noticed. Sean concedes control to Will just before releasing him. "Times up." "Yeah." He hisses it out, he's a soldier of a vicious era, he was trained to escalate violence. De-escalation was something he had to learn and train in himself.

[@GScheele3]

I love how automatic captions can’t decide between Shawn and Sean.

[@der_pinguin44]

Or even Shaun

[@addelbhatti3872]

"Genevieve" ... Pretty name 😁

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

Shorn or Scene

[@danielkoenen859]

I laughed when: "High and mighty" showed up as "High and might tea"

[@Gregnoxy]

My therapy session was like this and I didn’t even realize I was doing the things I was doing. I feel like a monster. Great video because while I was listening it felt all to familiar and I needed this.

[@thattbugg9531]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@aydentriano2882]

Most people I know don’t know this but when I was younger I was Molesed. Due to the the court made me go to therapy. For context I was in 5-6th grades during this time so I was around 9-11 years old. During my therapy there was no real connection and to me it felt like my therapist just wanted to hear my story and that was it, she didn’t want to make me feel better or make me feel like I had a friend/ someone close when I felt so so alone. Because of her my life took a spin and I was depressed from 10 years old to 16 years old, I’m almost 17 and I’m better now, but it showed me how there are some people that are in this profession that can make another’s life worse because they only do what the court wants and don’t try to make the client feel better and talk to them as a human. I don’t know where this was supposed to go but if you read this thank you for your time.

[@carolcarol3938]

I'm sorry you had to go through both those experiences....of being molested and then not getting th help you needed. I am very glad that you are feeling better now and you have shown great strength getting through those experiences, but also being brave enough to put that publicly online...in doing so, you may give others strength too.

[@silverstorm3729]

I had a similar experience. It felt a lot like the adults around me didn't really take me seriously, or just didn't care. I wonder now if they thought I was joking, or imagining it or something, somehow. As a kid I couldn't articulate what I had been through. It frustrated the first councillor I ever went to, and so much of their treatment towards me left me feeling like I was being a problem child, that I was a nuisance to deal with. That taught me to never talk about my feelings, because it would be a hindrance to other people. Of course, I still had serious unresolved issues, so I still was a "problem child" and that just helped spiral into self loathing and depression. Things have gotten a lot better for me as I got older though, I started going to actual therapy and I learned how to cut out counsellors who were disaffected or condescending, and eventually found one who actually listened and helped me worked through things in a tangible way. Unfortunately she's retired now, but I'm always grateful for what she did for me and I always advocate getting therapy if its at all possible. There are people who care and can help, it just takes some looking (and prior research ahah)

[@aydentriano2882]

Carol Carol thank you. Over the last 6 months or so it’s gone from just my family and I knowing about it (and the courts and stuff) to my girlfriend and one of my closest friends who I knew during the stuff and through the court case too. But finally having the strength and confidence to be able to say it has honestly made it a lot better. Now I’m gonna be honest I feel like I’m a lot better off then most because I was very mature as a kid and was able to kinda see that bad stuff in life happens but you have to push through it, where others don’t know how to or don’t know that and have it much worse. But even though on the outside I was able to completely hide it, up until around 6-7 months ago (right when I told my gf) I finally stopped having nightmares about it. But again thank you, I just wanted to reply to your comment and make sure you knew I read it. I hope you have a good rest of your night or day :)

[@carolcarol3938]

@@aydentriano2882 You are welcome :) (night here in Australia)

[@aydentriano2882]

Silver Arcane- Storm thank you for sharing that with me. I never really felt like they didn’t believe me, but somehow I still keep telling myself it’s was somehow my fault when I know it wasn’t. I didn’t know what was going on during the stuff or after. The only reason it stopped was one day my brother saw a text from him on the phone saying he wanted to play truth or dare “the special way” and my brother who was around 14 or 15 at the time showed my parents and immediately they asked if stuff was going on and I told them. Skipping over some stuff I was appointed a therapist by the court to help me which I was originally happy about but after the first couple sessions it turned away from me being able to just talk and let my feeling out to “you can’t stop coming till you tell me the story” when I didn’t want to share it with yet another stranger. And at the time I felt so alone because my parents were going though their divorce, my brother was going to parties, and I was just left alone going into 6th grade not knowing most people because I lived just inside the next schools zone and couldn’t go with my friends. So what I wanted from the therapist was a friend but it felt like I was only being interrogated by her. Anyways I don’t want to make you read more of this. If you’d like me to I can comment more of the story or leave it here. Don’t worry this isn’t a bad if you don’t want to hear more, I just don’t want to make you read to much. But again, thank you for commenting and sharing your experience too. Have a great rest of your night or day :)

[@breesewilson6742]

Oi bro don't apologize for going in depth and putting work in. I enjoyed every minute. Great work.

[@jasonjason4377]

The algorithm has blessed me, I’m digging this channel. May your tree become a forest.

[@RadekMirski]

try ThereminTrees

[@makaylakolbe7350]

These videos have really helped me. I watch them and see little parts of myself in characters and realize that I've been so stuck in my own perspective that I forget to learn and grow from these little lessons. Thank you :)

[@bamiddleton4741]

I bow to your superior knowledge of the film and your depth analysis of the scene. You don't mention that Sean challenges Will several times, respectfully and genuinely, in the early stages of their session with his questions. These challenges build rapport between them and establish that Sean is respecting Will's intellect. Thanks for the tremendous amount of time and work required to produce this video.

[@RhomanysRealm]

I love the end to this session because it adds so much to the story we haven't seen yet. On the surface, it's Will proving that Sean is just like all the others. But in the second session, Sean immediately shows he's not at all, simply because there IS a second session, even after that. Sean has shown that not only is he willing to work with Will on his stuff, but that he's a person who is still willing to work on his own stuff. He's not a Henry or trying to assert moral authority, he's genuinely trying to help. Given Will's experience that could be terrifying for him, but he's not about to back down to someone yet. Which means he's still got to play the game, but the game is no longer one-sided. It's a fascinating piece of character study for both of them.

[@snuffyscorner]

This video seriously made me realize why its easier to talk to complete strangers versus people I know. I'm afraid that once all the surface details are covered and out of the way, what is underneath and deeper is unlovable. I can handle people knowing inconsequential details, but when it comes down to my true feelings and deepest self I start to pull back. If I do share what I deem to be too much I feel horrified and feel exposed and open to judgement, so I stay closed off and guarded. I use my silence as a defense mechanism maybe? While I form no true connections I also don't suffer the shame and pain of being rejected or my worst fears about my worth being confirmed. Thanks I'll share this with my therapist.

[@mn77393]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, you aren't alone. And I have shared this exact sentiment with a counselor. I've been told that I'm too hard on myself. I overstate my own flaws and understate my positive attributes. I keep most people at a distance, so they can't reject me for who I am. They can reject who I project to be when I meet them, but that's not really me. It takes a long time for me to let someone in close, and that can be isolating sometimes. But it also makes those close relationships very meaningful and valuable, because they've been developed over time and a gradual sharing of trust. I'm still always a little guarded, even with friends and family. Life's complicated, and there are so many ways to live it. Try to do what makes you happy and gives you a sense of worth. Try to connect with others and make a positive impact. Try to be your best self. If you can say you gave it your best effort, you can rest easy at the end, despite the inevitable mistakes along the way.

[@dandelionbomb]

Oh shit. Thanks for sharing this. It's eye opening.

[@presentfuture3657]

mn77393 thank you so much

[@xxcelr8rs]

Hence the weird yet deeply satisfying freaky bdsm relationships with strangers?

[@mr.m.1409]

The way I was taught it in college Acting, and Theatre was, "To be the funniest it can be, the joke has to have an element of truth.

[@billwithers7457]

One small note. Will's an orphan. He didn't have a stepdad, he grew up in the foster system.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Oh God, how did I forget that? That's such a crucial point

[@daxisperry7644]

Was it his biological dad then? Because he distinctly implies that it was a specific person who beat him.

[@anubislee36]

@@daxisperry7644 foster father. Functionally the same thing.

[@chrissegee]

If it wasn’t an orphanage then he would have gone from foster family to foster family which at the time had to have a two parent household

[@---cr8nw]

@@anubislee36, no, a foster father isn't the same thing at all as a stepfather. A stepfather, whether good or bad, has married the mother. That's important in two regards. For one, it shows that the mother is present and raising him. For two, there is a long-term commitment on the stepfather's part. Sure, the commitment is to the mother, but it's a long-term commitment, nevertheless. Not all marriages last long term. But the foster care system cycles kids through homes at a fairly rapid rate. There is no expectation that a foster father will be there in a year or five years. That dramatically changes the dynamic of the relationship.

[@delias17]

“I won’t go overboard with psychoanalysis.” Makes a 42 minute video

[@homiefo56]

He isn’t homie....

[@jerryglennie5375]

42 mins. Usual sessions are about an hour. So not totally in depth. But that is a very touching scene.

[@davidmaheengun2672]

Perhaps, if you understood the difference between describing the action from a therapeutic point of view and what psychoanalysis is, you'd be qualified to comment?

[@delias17]

David Maheengun And here comes the know it all with too much time on his hands. Don’t act so stuck up, it was just a joke.

[@adamjj7751]

@@davidmaheengun2672 thank you.

[@dinorahdarby4499]

A heart felt gratitude to all who made this film. Great message and so well done. Love the break down and perspective. Thank you.

[@miguelchippsinteligente6072]

Jesus christ referenced living waters 💎👨‍🎓👩‍🎓science described water memory 🌊🎭Tesla referenced human energy 👻🌬psalms16:24 k,j proverbs27:19 existence psychologically god bless fight the good fight 💖👻💎👨‍🎓👩‍🎓🗽🤍⚖♟🌪🌬

[@RinkyDink77]

The "top-shelf" books line is a joke about pornographic magazines to try and endear himself to Will.

[@equalitystateofmind5412]

There's a political element to the book listing. Will brings up that Howard Zinn book because he saw the Army picture. "A People's History of the United States" is an iconoclastic volume written from a leftwing perspective, and Will's trying to piss Sean off, either by falsely or correctly assuming Sean to be a patriotic reactionary.

[@ResistanceQuest]

That's a really good point

[@lydiafayre9806]

Yeah, and the fact that Sean responds with something super leftist (Chomsky, and one of his most anti-capitalist pieces, to boot) as well is very telling, very indicative of Sean's awareness of the chess game they're playing.

[@equalitystateofmind5412]

@@lydiafayre9806 Yeah, and Will instantly absorbs it and starts hitting Sean on his class position. "You spend all your money on these fancy fucking books."

[@Noir0rioN]

Also.... Howard Zinn was Matt Damon's neighbor... just saying So, while all of the socio-political shit is mad interesting - simple fact is, it could've just been a cool name drop/shout-out by a 20-something screenwriter (Damon) who grew up RIGHT beside the guy (Zinn) [*WHILE he was writing that exavt book...again...just saying.]

[@lydiafayre9806]

​@@equalitystateofmind5412 Oh, I didn't even pick up on that transition. It seems kind of like a rabbit trail at first maybe, like he just starts talking more to himself than to Sean, it's so muttery, so passive aggressive, that we're led to assume he's just changing the subject--But it's the same subject, he's just changing the nature of his mockery and derision. He could just as easily be saying: "You want to pretend to understand to understand class struggle, man? Fuck you and your fancy fucking books."

[@VvSlaveofMetalvV]

This is such an insanely well written and acted film. The subtle nuances in it from the actual words they use, to the facial expressions, postures, gestures, and tones of voice are mind boggling. I'd even go so far as to say it's a good example of a once in a lifetime movie.

[@billybobtexas]

Bravo on producing one of the best analysis of a film scene I have ever seen. I really, really enjoyed it. It also shows how absolutely nuanced and detailed an actor with huge talent can bring to a character. That depth is impressive. Thank you for opening out eyes to those layers. Amazing really.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Thankyou! 😄

[@CapraDemon101]

All your points on the dialogue around Sean's books are spot on, however you missed the bit about "what about the books on the top shelf" was more of a way of Sean attempting to parry Will's hostility with humour. The books on the top shelf being adult magazines. Will is then momentarily Impressed by Sean, it's a taste of where their dialogue goes throughout the film. Not making a critique in your vid! It's excellent, just thought this was worth mentioning.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Oh my god, how did I miss that? 😂

[@gavinbessford1006]

I thought the same about the top shelf bit

[@ReasonMakes]

Little comments like these just keep making this movie better and better... how did I miss that?? There's so much depth to it, wow

[@FIRSTtimeGAMER22]

I get sad when a watch a robin williams movie now. Especially good will hunting since Robin isn't just acting. He really was depressed.

[@anthonyjacobs93]

Loved the analysis! When Will gets grabbed by the throat by Sean my mind went instantly to the photo of Sean in the army. Sean shakes off the personal attacks and warns Will to stop attacking his wife. Will read books about war but Sean actually has been to war. I got chills when I first watched this scene. It's movie logic but I think Will took it as Sean standing up to a bully. Do you think maybe Will had moment he realized this? The fear in his eyes wasn't from being choked but that he was becoming like his step father?

[@colinprincipe6293]

I think up to that point Will had divided his personal world into two categories: tough guys he could beat intellectually, and intellectual guys he could beat physically. Will walked into the situation assuming that Sean was in the latter camp, but Sean's quick and direct violence and utterly serious tone of voice indicated a new type of person that Will couldn't easily categorize.

[@kargs5krun]

I am third here. 2nd replied. Interesting comments but my take is this scenes explanation in simplistic terms is: A power/control chess match/battle being played out where "win/lose/draw" is possible. Of course Will wants to win, and does......(sort of).....for the moment (round one).

[@DiegoMartinezCoria]

@@colinprincipe6293's perspective makes more sense to me, where Sean's direct and forceful action labels him as a completely new type of person to Will, a person who can direct action immediately and unilaterally. Will was probably expecting to either get thrown out or having to discuss what he said if for some reason he was brought back. He's used to dealing with intellectual types that hem and haw, instead of an old soldier, who can and will put him in a submission hold. I had something similar happen with my father, who after talking down to me for years thought I was passive. Then he raised a hand to strike my girlfriend, at which point I lifted against a wall by his throat. The look in his eyes was the same as Will's, a realization that they took it too far and things are now outside their control. What I told my dad was along the lines of what Sean told Will too. It was a great litmus test, I didn't hear from him for 3 years. And it turns out he was still salty, but jokes on him, I'm still going to end up writing his obituary. In a sense, what happened at that point in both our situations is that they where forced to accept us as equals simply because of the fact that we're stronger and/or meaner. Will came back because he wanted to speak with an equal, someone who's around not because he has to be, but because he wants to be. My dad didn't come back because he thought himself the biggest and baddest around, and the fact that I had him at my mercy was probably causing cognitive dissonance like a motherfucker. That last moment sets the tone for their relationship, that Will is the "kohai" and Sean the "senpai", Japanese terms for a superior-inferior status relationship like that between a teacher and student or a manager and one of his team members. Will challenges that relationship, as tends to happen in most any hetero younger-older convivial male relationship, and these challenges also serve to open areas of opportunity like the "don't do it that way" moment that will invariably pop up. That last moment was less so a counselor-patient moment than a man to man moment, the young lion challenging the leader of the pride for primacy, and the old soldier disappointed in himself for yelling at a kid who still has a world of knowledge ahead of him. I think Sean recognizes that he got mad at a pissant for making fun of his wife, and he thought himself better than that. So I think they both recognize that they can learn from the other. The last few lines, where Will steals Sean's line, that was when Sean finally saw Will as his equal and Will recognized that too.

[@maddoxwilliams6812]

Since will has his defences set up so no one to get to him to hurt him, it is all the more sweet when will opens up to Sean.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

It really is nice going through them, scene by scene, for these analyses, and just seeing how he gradually does open up and blossom

[@maddoxwilliams6812]

My Little Thought Tree it is a very realistic movie in that sense and very heartwarming

[@billdoesjudo]

Half way through and this is flying by. It feels like I'm learning a lot about therapy, maybe even a bit about myself, and gaining a new appreciation of this movie and movie making. This is the best of KZbin. Honestly thank you. Subscribed.

[@davetriglianos4288]

I've never commented on a video before, but I gotta tell you, I loved this one. I loved your insight, and it made me appreciate the amazing acting in the movie even more. Those little looks by both actors, the subtle little hints about what the characters are thinking; it's easy to forget we aren't watching a real session, with real sparring. It's two incredible actors intentionally giving us those little clues, clues we pick up without even realizing it. Love the movie, love the scene, and love your breakdown. Bravo.

[@emr1d341]

The bit about how showing someone the worst of oneself, so that "If you're going abandon me, do it now" hit me really hard. I always saw it as a way of pushing others away before they could push me away, and while it's the same overall concept, the inference that there's a chance of not being abandoned broke me down.

[@YusufKhan-wm2os]

lmao shut up no one cares

[@SoManyColours]

@@YusufKhan-wm2os Idk why your rude but its not your fault

[@moiseschicgarrido4776]

THANK YOU! This is my favorite movie since I was about 17 y.o. I'm currently starting a career as an actor. It has been so hard to reach where I am cause I've had a lot of issues with my family since I was a kid. My father was a drug addict. Men I cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to you for this video series, I'm about to watch it entirely. Makes me so glad that in this tik tok times there's actually a few people uploading such a valuable material to KZbin. THANK YOUUU!

[@JonahNelson7]

It's criminal that you don't have more subs and views. These kinds of videos are great

[@gorelegrimshank1110]

Subbed

[@JonahNelson7]

@@gorelegrimshank1110 ayyyyy

[@JKaiserable]

Sean: “I teach the stuff, never said I was good at it.”

[@WickedPrince3D]

ROFL. I had this math teacher who would tell us this line every day: "I'm not very good at math, I've just been practicing it for a very long time." - Every day while we were going through the previous days assignment he'd go through some of the problems people had the most trouble with - and do them wrong every single time. I could never figure out if he was doing them wrong on purpose or what. Back then I thought he had to be stupid, now I wonder if maybe this was part of his teaching method; forcing us to really look at what he was doing so we could find his mistakes.

[@Ravnolinijski]

I think one other part that's really important is the fact that Will sees that he can connect with Sean, talk with him on the same level, since they have a similar "context". He also makes an assumption about Sean's lifting by asking him if he does Nautilus, which is seen as more casual and part of "health club" workouts, not real gym work. He's taken aback by Sean's bench press since he expected him to be fake. Also, Sean is completely raw and real in his anger too, and shows himself as genuine. Will probably sees that he can connect with Sean.. On the other side, the other guy was telling him "no more shenanigans, no more tomfoolery...". The disconnect between them is painfully obvious from the guys vocabulary alone, and Will cannot hope to have a person like that realize who he is and what his background is.

[@scottbickerton4152]

As a nurse and NP it deeply saddens me the thought of providers not wanting the “burden” of certain patients. All people want is to be heard and understood. It doesn’t take a medical degree to understand that

[@ThunderStruck15]

Hahaha just get a type 2 personality disorder diagnosis. *No one* wants to see those people.

[@pthithic]

Wow, wish I'd ever found a therapist that understood any of this. This guy's amazing

[@cpresto2]

Just when I'm about ready to give up on KZbin, I watch this. Outstanding

[@guillermozepeda9967]

Hmm, I would love to see your analysis of Williams in "The Fisher King"; another great movie dealing with mental health.

[@EasyThere]

What an awesome film. Love it. One of my favorite redemption stories.

[@heatnicoleher]

What Dreams May Come

[@guillermozepeda9967]

@@heatnicoleher That's another heavy one...let's lighten it up by checking out how being alert to social cues and personal psychology can help extract you from sticky situations...I'm thinking "Cadillac Man".

[@GhostDrummer]

Guillermo Zepeda yes!!!! Awesome movie!!! “Forgive me...FORGIVE ME...FOR-GIVE ME!”

[@Ottowankanobi]

Yes this!

[@paulad.4578]

This was a very well done video. When I first started watching it, the thought ran through my head about it being over 40 minutes in length. I wasn't sure I wanted to invest that much time. But those 41 minutes were very well accounted for and engaging. Thanks for the video. ❤

[@deadlotus4445]

Another thing to point out, when Sean gets out of his chair, that's him subconsciously protecting himself. He realized that which is why he didn't put himself in between the painting and Will and just commented and tried to sit back down. People can do this by walking around someone's personal space. When they change the subject, get up, get defensive, try to redirect, it means there's something personal there, "don't touch that".

[@prodbycave6073]

This was amazing. I really feel like I have similar flaws that Will has so this video really hit me deep. It was a very moving video and very informative/insightful. I even feel like I just went through my own little therapy session oddly enough lol. Thank you for making this!

[@stevenperry7041]

Yeah... I had to look in the mirror too.

[@MaxONeill403]

Not a step dad, a foster dad. He was removed from several foster homes due to serious physical abuse

[@madeleineanderson6331]

That was driving me crazy this whole video. It’s his foster dad!

[@Naoki00]

I’ve always found psychological analysis like this to be rather fascinating and you explain it very well. As someone with aspergers I’ve always been very confused by the way people hide themselves or attack like this. It might come off as apathetic, but I’ve wondered “well yeah of course you’re being hurt. You’re asking to be hurt acting this way, just don’t be such an A-hole to everybody and you won’t be”, and I know that it’s not that way, but it’s hard to really have that explained sometimes. I may not personally understand this power struggle mentality, but you’ve broke it down for me in a way that makes the movie much more intriguing than it already was, thank you!

[@feralbluee]

i find it so interesting and so terrific that you want to understand and are trying to find out how emotions work. not everyone cares enough - and a lot of them are not living with aspergers. you would probably be a very interesting person to talk with. Keep safe :} 🌷

[@Naoki00]

@@feralbluee It means a lot to hear that, even from a stranger, so thank you! It's something I've struggled with for years now, but the older I get the more I want to understand others rather than just form my own flawed interpretation. I hope you and your own loved ones stay safe too, it's some crazy times we live in right now.

[@feralbluee]

@@Naoki00 yes, it is a crazy time - thanks for letting me know how you felt about what i said. makes me feel good to know that. hug :}🌷🧸

[@jkg2088]

@@Naoki00 Yes! It’s good you are open to change - keep flourishing 🌟

[@aussiewanderer6304]

My father always told me "there's an element of true in all sarcasm".

[@andrerior]

youtube really works in weird ways, i got this on my recomended just as i was doing a psychoanalytical study on the whole movie for one of my classes on uni, great stuff really, good job.

[@blatherskitenoir]

This felt like a class war to me. Will straddles two classes: working class (with its strong community ties, masculinity, and anti-intellectualism) and middle class (with its need for independence, education, and mobility). He does not fit in either, which is a defining aspect of his character. All of the university people Will has met so far are firmly white collar and do not understand Will's blue color upbringing, which causes Will to have low opinions of them as fake or flighty, cut off from "real" problems, as he resents them for thinking of him as lesser for being from a poor background. Here, Will is requiring Sean, another class straddler, to prove Sean's blue collar credentials (which would make Sean an "in" person from Will's community worthy of respect and admiration, capable of being "real", and who can communicate the way Will understands, and is most comfortable with) AND Sean's white collar credentials (which would signal he's an educated, good therapist, capable of understanding Will's intellectual interests without mocking them, which makes him 'safe'). Will commonly dons the armor of one class to battle the expectations of the other, which we can see here as Will flip flops between working class and white collar insults to test Sean's credentials. Sean is easily able to counter Will's attacks to both Sean's white collar and working class credentials, because he is a fellow straddler, but Sean is still primarily a white collar intellectual due to his position. By physically attacking Will, Sean reacts in a way Will understands, and respects. Any man insulting another man's wife and prowess in their home neighborhood would react this way. It is the litmus test which proves Sean's origin and that he is not a class betrayer. I would also argue that the attack was vital to making Will comfortable. Will is aware people are capable of extreme violence, and is on constant lookout for the boundaries of their snapping points. People who aren't violent and protest they never will be probably feel like liars to Will, or as if they are faking for some reason. This attack made Sean feel like an honest, no nonsense man's man to Will (something prized in Will's neighborhood) and established a clear, safe boundary Will knows how to deal with: don't insult Sean's wife. It has nothing to do with Will, it's a common, even admired, boundary, and Will is very easily able to handle it, while being relieved he knows where it is.

[@damcgra1]

I really like this analysis of the characters through a class consciousness lens. good stuff.

[@TheJeremyKentBGross]

That's amazing. Between this comment and the video, I'm amazed at how much is in this scene.

[@MissJetsa]

You make me want to read more about what people from different classes want. Surely these problems are at the core of some problems the world is facing nowadays. For example people of low class valuing human connection and rejecting science so that they don't wear face masks and don't take distance.

[@TheJeremyKentBGross]

@@MissJetsa With respect, you can't generalize what people want by class any more than you can by race, religion, sex, age etc. People are just too diverse for that. Furthermore it is a mistake to think it is primarily lower class folks who resist restrictions around Covid. For example, a friend of mine has a girlfriend who is a teacher, and from her experience it is the wealthiest people demanding the school disregard many closures and precautions on account of wanting their kids to back in school and participating in sports. Many small businesses destroyed this year by lockdowns wers owned by people in the middle class. (You aren't a millionaire if you have a shop with 1-3 employees.) While I think there is some merit to the idea Will is shifting between what we could classify as rough blue collar and white collar mentalities, even these are generalizations. And I don't think you can draw clear lines at all on who resists aspects of Covid precautions. Elon Musk is a billionaire and is moving Tesla out of California on account of their totalitarian measures.

[@blatherskitenoir]

@@MissJetsa Lubrano's "Limbo: blue collar roots, white collar dreams" may be a good place to start. It is by a journalist whose father was a bricklayer, so it's a bit more approachable to beginners than an anthropological text. The book presents his interviews of people who have gone from working class to middle class, and their observations on the differences. It has an interesting view of both sides, which could help when you read more about either.

[@keneucker371]

This is a great analysis, thank you. I was following along the whole way, but I did want to say that there was a moment I felt was important that I did not see you address. At 32:45, at the moment where the physical interaction between Sean and Will reaches its peak, Sean actually touches the client and does so with a book to the shoulder, then directs the client with his other hand to where he expects him to fall in line. Following this moment is when Sean's attempt to display the wounding cycle that he experiences "finally lands", but I feel that there's an explanation for this last escalation on Will's part. Touching a client should always be done with a lot of care and consideration. In my experience, whenever someone touches me, especially near the shoulders or neck, in a way to direct my physical presence, I immediately feel like the power balance has been stolen in their direction. In magic, touching someone can play a huge role in misdirection. In a power balance between people, one as fragile as the one between counselor and client, I would almost expect to see an escalation from the client if an attempt to steal the power balance was made in this way. I'm curious to hear what you think. In certain scenarios, I can see there being a present danger to others necessitating physical contact, but, in this context, it seems to be inappropriate. You said that from here, Will continues to push Sean which ultimately elicits the physical attack and choke. I see it differently. Will could already be triggered by the physical contact from Sean and is now following that up with an escalation to egg Sean into making the physical attack one worth damning his reputation over. I have experienced this behavior before where it feels like the first punch has already been thrown but the person who threw it is gaslighting the situation by acting like it wasn't the first punch. Again, physical interactions can have a huge impact and it was technically Sean who made contact first, before Will's provocation about his wife.

[@xenxander]

He favorite-ed this comment but didn't reply to it. Now I feel like I should address that in a way he addresses the dynamics of patient to client. *laughs*

[@kelbachus7719]

Yeah, as someone with a background similar to Will's, I'm intensely aware of every second of context and proximity. I notice everything, and coming up behind me to trap me into a wall would be a terrible idea. If, in theory, Will is using his peregrinations to avoid the center, pursuing him is clearly going to make him defensive. And that happens even before the first boundary transgression of the touching. You don't go after the bird. You sit and wait until the bird is ready to come back. And if it doesn't it was never yours to begin wi -- Anyway. As a survivor, what Sean does horrifies me. Completely. I have a rage and sorrow reaction to it on Will's behalf. I'd never trust Sean again. I don't think Will should. For me, it's capitulation and forced capitulation is death. Fuck Sean, seriously. I'm not sure on what planet anyone would think Will's returning to Sean after that moment is a good thing. Sean's entire job revolves -- as he SAID -- around trust. He broke trust at the most critical place for Will, within minutes of meeting him. Yes, abandonment is bad but being in a position of trust and then causing harm is just as bad or worse. @My Little Thought Tree, I'm a little baffled by the notion that Will is supposed to learn about broken things being mended here. Sean broke trust. In a huge way, in the most painful possible way to Will, save possibly abandonment (although I'd argue that Will chooses abandonment over harm, but anyway). This scene totally dates the movie; it's a huge moment of toxic masculinity at its worst, not just the act itself but the forgiveness of it. Our bookish hero can bench 285 while talking Chomsky and will give you a whuppin' for disrespectin' his wimminfolk. BLARGH. Sean should have nothing to prove. His strength should come entirely from his gentleness, and that gentleness should be seen as potency and masculinity. Strength is not rising to *any* of Will's taunts. Strength is stepping back, not having to "show no fear" if Will needs to assert. Deescalation is about giving the aggressor nowhere to go. You said in the video that if Sean didn't respond, Will would up the ante. That might be true once or twice, but if Sean keeps giving him positive options and removing the negative option as even a possibility, Will will move to the positive option. Will wants to connect. Violence is how he connects. Sean should be modeling good, gentle and positive connection throughout. If he speaks Will's language of violence, he's lost.

[@keneucker371]

​@@kelbachus7719 1,000% YES. Thank you for this thoughtful response to the video and for relating to my comment. Also, thank you for your apt use of the word "peregrinations", as that was a new word for me that I learned today! I feel that this is a great video + analysis of a scene that you would likely show to level 100 therapy students to spark conversation and demonstrate the good along with the bad. Then, in a 400 level class, you could dissect all of the ways that this is a very bad situation made worse and discuss the deeper ethics behind therapy relationships. I have to say, though, that I did not prescribe a value judgment to stealing the power balance from a client. I cannot advocate for this meeting violence with violence strategy of therapy, but I can say that I have witnessed situations where those who only know how to connect with violence end up finding therapy and catharsis in another person stealing the power. That what can follow, for some, is temporary subordination which can lead to therapeutic moments. Again, I cannot advocate for this method of connection, but what I can recognize is that Sean refusing to abandon Will afterward is the therapeutic response: reinforcing the safe container you build with the client so they can learn that things can be different. Rebuilding the neuropathways to respond to triggers not with immediate violence but a calmed, rational, decision. Will decided to go back, and maybe Sean should have bowed out due to his lack of professionalism but they both grew through the experience together. In this scenario, you can demonstrate that a seasoned therapist and student of psychology can make mistakes by being a human being as well. The movie can move on from there to teach that these moments that make us all human are the very things that help create breakthroughs for clients. Additionally, you can also demonstrate the need for caution with some clients who only know how to connect through violence. Alternatively, this scene can also be used to teach how Sean's analysis of how to connect to Will, through the lens of violence, was correct but in practice ended up being worse for both the client and the therapist. This is, as you pointed out, glossing over all of the toxic masculinity involved in this story. In a world with masochists, the golden rule makes us all miserable. I prefer the platinum rule: treat people as they wish to be treated. This requires asking someone how they would like to be treated, agreeing to meet someone halfway, paying attention to how you interact with others in regards to your agreements, and provides continuous opportunities for consent. Thanks again for your insight and the conversation. :D

[@kelbachus7719]

​@@keneucker371 Aw!! I'm enjoying the conversation as well. You're giving me new things to think about too, in terms of a more nuanced view of this onscreen moment. "I have witnessed situations where those who only know how to connect with violence end up finding therapy and catharsis in another person stealing the power. That what can follow, for some, is temporary subordination which can lead to therapeutic moments." Yes! But. I don't think I've ever had a relationship that's close enough with a therapist (I've had a lot of therapy! LOL) for this to happen, or be appropriate if it did. These moments, these kinds of critical cathartic moments are things I've seen in intimacy, in healthy BDSM relationships, in various kinds of role play and play, and in creative work. The short story "Miss Parker Down the Bung" was my outrage over the movie "Sling Blade," both literally and symbolically. "Parker" was sorting out those emotions, directly through the suffering and oppression of a character. That's me, as a writer, but regardless (grain of salt, I know nothing from the other side of the couch), I have difficulties imagining a therapy context being right for that. I like the idea of different opportunities for analysis and discussion of the scene for a 100 class vs a 400 class (I'm a professor so the analogy is a good one for me :D). Sorry if I incorrectly read judgment on your part for that method -- I can't see past my own knee jerk reaction over it, clearly (the irony given the topic...). I get what both you and My Little Thought Tree are saying, in terms of the valuable lesson of a new outcome, a new neurological pathway, as a result of the whole incident. I'm not saying you're wrong (also you're both professionals and I'm just experienced having been on the receiving end -- not at all the same thing. ;p). But two things about that. One, there are several opportunities in this scene for new paths that don't involve assault. (Ahem.) A critical one would have simply been Sean's patience, and refusal to meet Will with *either* abandonment or violence. What if Sean had never escalated? Then the therapy space becomes a completely new "room," one which is sacrosanct. In this space, Will is allowed to be who he is with acceptance, without retaliation of any kind. The relationship is that space, by extension. Will has in one session learned that this is a possibility. He might even reject it, simply because as the video points out, we stick with what we know. But then Sean's insistence on another session on Thursday becomes that much more powerful. It's just... such a toxic masc, such a sort of Western value that says we have to smash through things to make change. It likely wouldn't make for good film either, because a scene wants conflict, and for some people who are not me, Sean grabbing Will by the throat would be very exciting. (I hate it.) The second thing is that no one has respected Will's boundaries until he's laid them down by force. Often preemptively. To the extent that now Will has created this massive wall to prevent transgression. Sean gets past the wall and... goes for the throat. WTF. This just reinforces what Will understands, which is that anyone who gets close will hurt him. I'd MUCH rather then lesson of the session be "your boundaries are your boundaries." Right? Because that's also a very available lesson, a very powerful new pathway. In the movie, violence is apparently inevitable. Which isn't true, in real life, and shouldn't be true. A therapist who assaults a client should be removed from practice. People can and should be in relationships without every laying a hand in anger on their partners. It's not inevitable. This isn't an "oopsie." This isn't, actually a mistake we should have casually and then bounce back from. "But really I'm a good person so it's okay." Right? Because of that last. Abused people keep looking for connection to their abusers -- the pain isn't just about the abuse, it's about the repeated breaking of the person's trust, the person who *keeps returning* because they hope the relationship can be better. Again, I'm hugely biased but I actually don't like the "Sean can lay hands on you and still be a good guy and admit his mistake," lesson. To me it sounds way too much like the easy "well, you just made me so mad" excuse or the "I just lost my temper that one time" excuse, or whatever else. Lots of people get through their day without punching others, or choking them. If someone goes to a chokehold in the first twenty minutes of conversation after having transgressed clear physical boundaries twice? (First rising to follow, second touching without invitation.) Fuck that guy. And Sean, if he *really* had Will's best interests at heart would have seen that and affirmed Will's right to be involved with a therapist (or anyone) who would never hurt him physically. Because that's not *normative behavior.* So don't fucking normalize it, basically. To be truly revolutionary with Will, we say "listen, you deserve to never be touched if you don't want to be touched. Full stop, the end." That's the correct new pathway. "You get your boundaries and you get to be loved, served and stuck by without being hit first." I may have overstated in my exuberance here but you get what I'm saying and I know you at core agree. I'm mostly quibbling around that very small "but it's still a good lesson" point. I do see your view on it, regardless.

[@illarionbykov7401]

@@kelbachus7719 the message is Sean is damaged, also. He is not a perfect "therapy robot" and has trauma from violence far worse than Will ever experienced, as well as losses at least equal to his, as well as similar experiences, childhood memories, and talents. In that sense he is the first man Will has met who can truly connect with Will. They both help each other. FYI: I spent 10 years in Southie, met many people who knew Whitey Burger (or even got shot by him) got top 1% on every standardized intelligence test I took, got into MMA back in the 90's, came from a broken home, grew up poor in roach-infested apartments, read Zinn and Chomsky before "Good Will Hunting" was made, hung out at MIT and took classes at Harvard night school while working a working class job and impressed my teachers who recommended I go Harvard fulltime, served in the military, went through cycles of self-sabotaging behavior apparently wasting my talents, had similar experiences to Will with therapists, pushed people away from me to my detriment, and have experienced most of what these two guys experienced. I would say Hollywood did as good a job as they could with the subject matter. It was not perfect, but still better than any similar movie, and it really hit home with me when I saw it. In the 7 years after I saw this film, I accomplished more in my life than in the two decades before I saw it. It helped me change my life for the better, even though I was never lucky enough to meet a Sean type person.

[@leighroberts8697]

Sean crumbled under pressure. Will did'nt know enough about Sean's relationship with his wife and Sean just lost control then regretted it and learned from the experience

[@jakesidor8208]

Shawn is also sitting in the only spinny chair, maybe this was on purpose to show that with his experience, even with will walking around the room he was able to adapt, but if he were in a stationary chair like any of the others in the room, he would have had to react to will moving differently.

[@tracyroweauthor]

possibly, but clients are often given the "comfy" chair to help make them feel more relaxed.

[@dpaulsen2]

Something a bit interesting that the movie does to differentiate the 3 counselors: in their first sessions, the other 2 counselors physically leave Will alone in the room while Sean does not leave the room, another indication he won't abandon him.

[@ksleggs]

I didn't see it mentioned earlier, but I think 285 for bench is an interesting PR for Sean because it's typically four 45 lb weights, two 25 lb weights, and two 5 lb weights (bar weighs approx 45). It's likely an honest number in this conversation, but it's also a good response to the question of whether or not he uses nautilus (variable resistance machines) where what you're capable of isn't always something that can be directly compared. Somebody coming into a gym who doesn't go regularly might load up 225 (four 45's), 275 (four 45's, two 25's), or 295 (four 45's, two 35's), but 285 (four 45's, two 25's, two 5's) shows that Sean has a very good understanding of what he is personally capable of.

[@ellagris]

18:50 i saw that as the counselor doing anything they could to engage the client, will is proving that arguments and subtle clashes of power are how he moves through the world, which robin’s character picked up on and is matching his client in order to create any kind of dialogue

[@The_Gallowglass]

"It's just a movie" That doesn't mean it couldn't or wouldn't happen. Probably a lot of things we don't know about that happens in therapy that people simply let go. We're all human. "Sean isn't perfect." Nobody is. :P

[@_Wai_Wai_]

art immitates life, and life imitates art.

[@WolfsFleetOps]

This is how you know a movie is well written. It holds up to this level of scrutiny.

[@LiVeLiFeoNtHeEdGe-pt1pk]

Thank you, never apologize for making it long. I enjoyed it.

[@sashmiel6566]

It feels more that Will is pulling a "Kaiser Soze" he's pulling from Sean's environment to create a profile and attack him. I think he did that with the previous therapists.

[@Zealbourne]

Ask an artist, the boat from a compositional standpoint the boat is separated and half empty. It has its border shape like an infinity symbol is very strongly indicative of a missing partner.

[@todds.6028]

I think Will's goal with all three therapists, ultimately, is to just simply find their weakness or that ultimate "button to push"...and I think the change in facial expression when Sean's got his hand around his throat is just simply an outward expression of the process in his mind of REALIZING that "Yup. There it is. That's the one." And the final punctuation "Time's up", is basically his way of saying "I found it. Game over. We're done here." Again, although there's plenty to analyze about this scene, it's no more DEEPER than the other two meetings. Because from WILL'S perspective (ie not from OUR perspective...the audience who can watch it unfold and analyze it), the ONLY thing different about Sean is that he's tougher to break. That's it. Will doesn't CARE about Sean, and he's not INTERESTED in Sean...I would even say that he's not even IMPRESSED by the fact that Sean is more of a challenge. Intrigued, maybe. But that's it. To WILL, this is just another meeting that he's REQUIRED by court order to attend. Nothing more. It's WAAAAYYYY too early in the game for Will to even APPROACH caring about Sean or ANYTHING he does or says. He's just another link in the chain...albeit an unusually intriguing one (To Will). And the only reason the other two kicked him out and Sean didn't, is because they didn't even bother to put up a fight, because they couldn't have cared less. Sean DID care, even if just marginally at the beginning. But I guarantee you, even Sean would've had his breaking point eventually. But Will was the same Will in all three meetings.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I'm from Boston, "I will end you" is just how the locals signal they're about to attack. It's actually "Dood I'll fakkin end yah". Your best bet at that point is to be ready to fight, or just run away praising Bill Belichick as loudly as you can. Nowadays it's mostly prissy young professionals (the only real downside is rent prices) but if you see a dude with light colored dad jeans, a worn out Boston sports shirt, and a heavily curved baseball hat not saying their R's it's probably not the best idea to mention any women they know unless you have a fetish for getting choked by meaty hands. For the record, I'm one of the artsy fartsy musicians in the city and my dad did his best to pretend he wasn't an orphan from Southie🤣

[@joepermenter7228]

We'll see how the Pats play without Tom Terrific and the favorable whistle. In the meantime, the Chiefs are about to stomp that ass.

[@UncSmokey]

Joe Permenter Kansas is boring...

[@joepermenter7228]

@@UncSmokey Good thing The Chiefs play in Missouri then dipshit...

[@TR-ru7wl]

Too bad it's impossible to tell midwestern states apart

[@UncSmokey]

T R u got a point all just the boonies where dental insurance isn’t a thing and ur cousin may in fact be ur other sister

[@datman3416]

I love the part where will tells the story about his stepdad telling him to pick a tool to get beat with and he picks the worst of the 2 because "fuck him" lol

[@dustinwilson4815]

I identify with this, having been abused myself.

[@datman3416]

@@dustinwilson4815 Sorry you had to go through that man

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

I would have said "Snakes and ladders", because I'm not a corny character in a movie.

[@chewycarnival]

I didn't/don't understand that

[@wojciechgrodnicki6302]

Who hits a kid with a wrench? Seemed odd, even for abuse. I’ve heard of pots, pans, broomsticks, belts, switches, night sticks. But a wrench?