External Influences: A Cause and Effect Analysis of Will Hunting

This essay examines the cause and effect relationships in the movie "Good Will Hunting (1997)," focusing on how the characters of Chuckie, Skylar, Professor Lambeau, and Professor Sean influence Will Hunting. It argues that despite Will's innate analytical skills and initial role as a janitor, the interventions of these characters lead to significant changes in his life. Chuckie's encouragement pushes Will to explore his potential, Skylar offers positive support for a future together, Professor Lambeau identifies Will's talents but also creates conflict, and Professor Sean's therapy helps Will confront his past. The essay concludes that these external influences collectively shape Will's character and life choices, leading him to embrace a new future.

Running head: CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY
Cause and Effect Essay
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1CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY
Introduction
Aiming to understand the nature of the influence upon Will in the movie “Good Will
Hunting (1997) that is yielded by the surrounding people, the essay endeavors to impact of these
influences upon Will. The following paragraphs will plunge into a proper and comprehensive
analysis of the factors that contribute in affecting Will. The following paragraphs will argue for
the fact that the character of Will Hunting undergoes a change due to the amalgamation of the
influences of people surrounding him.
Discussion
A closer examination of the movie “Good Will Hunting (1997) will reveal that the
character of Will Hunting is affected by the intervention by the various integral characters. An
analysis of the character of Will Hunting will project the fact that despite possessing certain
intrinsic qualities related to analytical skills, he takes up the role of a janitor in MIT (Cooper
2015). However, as the narrative progresses, it is seen that the surrounding characters start
causing an effect upon him. The supporting character of Chuckie, Will’s best friend is seen to
play a crucial role in influencing his tormented friend (Rennett 2017). It is Chuckie who
understands the prospective future of Will. Chuckie is conversant of the fact that Will does not
deserve his fate at the construction area.
It is observed that Chuckie acts a cause that paves the way for the positive effect on Will,
who moves out to explore the inherent potentials (Good Will Hunting 1997). Will Hunting is
affected by the friendship and compassion that is extended by Chuckie. The effect is that the
character of Will changes to embrace the new world.

2CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY
“You don't owe it to yourself. You owe it to me. 'Cause tomorrow I'm gonna wake up and I'll be
fifty. And I'll still be doin' this shit.” (Good Will Hunting 1997).
The character of Skylar also causes an effect on Will Hunting. She acts as a supportive
cause that yields an effect on Will. Will is affected in a positive manner where he resorts to start
a future with her in California. She acts as a positive and relieving influence upon him.
“You’re afraid I won’t love you back!” (Good Will Hunting 1997).
Will is also influenced by the presence of Professor Lambeau. It needs to be accepted that
following a similar pattern, the character of Professor Lambeau serves to exert an influence upon
the subjugated genius, that is, Will Hunting. The influence that Lambeau exerts over Hunting is
reflective of the cause that changes Hunting’s life. The inherent talents of Will is discovered by
Lambeau (Fitch III 2018).
Lambeau acts as a cause and initiates the process of change in the life of the protagonist.
This acts as a cause that generates the effect of palpable changes in the course of future action.
However, the impact that Lambeau yields on Will adopts a contradictory nature. He is affected
in a manner that compels him to refuse to attend interviews. Will is affected in a manner that he
starts withdrawing and gauging the nature of the surrounding characters who are conflicted and
disturbed at the very basic level. It can be mentioned that the influence of Professor Lambeau
affects Will Hunting in a deeper manner.
“You’re angry at me…Ask yourself if you want Will to feel that way, if you want him to feel
like a failure…” (Good Will Hunting 1997)
Further, it is also seen that the character of Will Hunting is also affected by the
surrounding character of Professor Sean. Sean, the therapist works as a pivotal cause in affecting

3CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY
the life of Will Hunting. Will is quite affected by the external influence of the therapist. The
regular therapy sessions serve to affect Will in a manner that changes his perceptions about life.
It is the supporting character of Sean who comprehends the intrinsic nature of his client. It is
Sean who influences Will Hunting to take charge of the present situation.
The presence of Sean can be considered to be a cause that initiates positive and
comprehensive changes in the future life of Will. Will is effected in a concrete manner where he
decides to leave the torments and pangs of his past. Therefore, it can be mentioned that Will’s
life is shaped by the interventions by the equally tormented character of Professor Sean.
“Liberty is a soul’s right to breathe…” (Good Will Hunting 1997).
Conclusion
After analyzing the above-discussed ideas, it can be concluded that the character and life
of Will Hunting is shaped by the surrounding characters. It can also be concluded that these
external influences have contributed to a great extent.

4CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY
References
Cooper, A., 2015. Representative Men: Moral Perfectionism, Masculinity and Psychoanalysis in
Good Will Hunting. Film-Philosophy, 19(1), pp.270-288.
Fitch III, J.C., 2018. The Cinematic College Professor: Conceptions and Representations.
Good Will Hunting. (1997). [film] Directed by G. Sant. Hollywood.
Rennett, M.D., 2017. How grown-ups are born: the emerging-adult genre and American film
and television (Doctoral dissertation).