Comparing Good Will Hunting and A Beautiful Mind

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The commonality between the films Good Will Hunting and A Beautiful Mind lies in the heart and the capacity of the human spirit to triumph even during the most dire circumstances. There seems to be much more dissimilarity between the two movies then there are similarities. Essentially we are looking at two very different individuals and the people and situations that surround them. To achieve a true understanding of these characters the observer has to ask several questions. The questions asked vary from personal thoughts and behaviors to social and adaptive ones. How does the social climate during the era in which they live contribute to the problems caused by their individual situations? How does their genius play into each of the disabilities they have? How do they interact with the people around them, both those they know on a personal level and those they may meet only in passing also, how do they interact with the genius in others? Firstly, because there are few similarities, they will be addressed initially and the paper will move on from there. Both Will and John have what most would consider a blessing; with closer examination a realization occurs, there is a problem with genius. Both main characters are incomparable geniuses and therefore aloof among their contemporaries. Rarely understood and always awkward by definition; these men live in opposite worlds compared to the general population. In A Beautiful Mind the disparity between John and other geniuses during his era is obvious; there were not very many people who could identify with him. It is possible that is why his psyche decided to generate Charles (John's roommate). Even in the depths of madness this gentleman's brilliance made it possible for... ... middle of paper ... ...ld not rid himself of schizophrenia, but he was able to get around the disability with much effort and a great deal of trial and error. This is a fantastic achievement because this disease is degenerative in nature and should have only gotten worse with time. However he was able to go on to teach again and with time newer medications and the strength of his will made it possible to live with relative normality. Will was able to come to terms with his past and look forward to his future. This must have been more difficult for him than the average person. The fact that he knew so much and could self diagnose made it harder to make plain what had often been read or heard in vain. He resolved to find Skylar and the viewer is left with the impression that everything would turn out fine. Both films were entertaining and gave the viewer a feeling of hope and accomplishment.

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