What do you want to do?

Saw this movie - 'Good Will Hunting' an hr back on TV. The protagonist - Will Hunting is a prodigal dude having troubled past. I picked up from the scene where he was solving some complex mathematical problem while doing his janitorial duties. Goes on to assist the celebrated Mathematics prof at the same univ (think that was MIT) & stuns everyone there with his sheer brilliance. He solves problems, which others take years, in hours. The celebrated prof likens him to Einstein. He is equally sharp at history or business or politics or any damn thing. But he doesnt think thats these qualities are important. He has had a troubled past & he doesnt want to trust anybody, love anybody.. because he fears the rejection or betrayal that might come later. He is too defensive in all his relations. Even turns his back to the woman he loves truly.

I thought the movie ran at 2 planes -
First was Will's psychological problems. His inability to enter into a relationship because of his past. & the process by which he overcomes this problem. The shrink (played by Robin Williams) plays an important part in that. One scene where Will breaks down on Robin's shoulder is very powerful. Very very well shot. Made me believe that psychologists can really screw your mind. (Well if they could do it to Will, they could do it to anybody :-) )

The other dimension according to me was about choices Will made (or rather didnt make) in his life thus far. He is gifted & will succeed at anything he tries. But he is not sure of where his heart lies. Another great scene is where shrink Robin Williams praises him for his abilities & then asks him - What do you want to do? The most talented man has no answer.

Finally, in the climax, Robin does help him find his true calling. He leaves for California where his loved one live. Kind of mushy ending but I think message was that he cared a 2 hoots about what other people or society felt he should do with his life or his abilities. He tried & found where his true calling lie. & He gave it all up for that.
Pretty much in line with this amazing excerpt from Po Brosnon's book - What should I do with my life?

A must see movie & a must read article. Perhaps book too.