Film Good Will Hunting - Essay Example

Will Hunting is a mathematical genius. Many relationships in this story relate to various communication theories like the social penetration theory. The social penetration theory establishes the fact that as relationships develop, the parties’ communication moves from relatively shallow, non-intimate levels to deeper, and more personal levels. The theory applies in interpersonal communication and aims at reaching the core personality or sense of self among the communicators (Griffin 10 -18). A cyclical and dialectical approach suggests closeness occurs through a gradual process of self-disclosure if the participants proceed in a gradual and orderly fashion.

The theory is thus not subjective to personal feelings or bias but solely relies on facts instead of opinions. This paper will draw the relationship of the social penetration theory to the relationships portrayed in the film. It will also confirm if relationships move through and how the characters self-disclose. It will also explain if any over-discloses too quickly and whether the lack of disclosure harms any of the relationships. To achieve this, the paper will consider the Will Hunting relationships with a mathematics professor at MIT, Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), and with Sean McGuire (Mr. Williams), a therapist.

Relationship of the social penetration theory to the relationships portrayed in the film
The most significant relationship in the film Good Will Hunting is the relationship between Will Hunting and Sean McGuire (Mr. Williams), the therapist. This relationship relates to the social penetration theory in many ways. This relationship emanates from an earlier relationship between Will and Lambeau. Initially, Will would solve mathematical problems and go his way without waiting for recognition. However, after the professor realized his talent, he decided to search for him. Indeed, when Lamdeau found him at work Will Hunting runs away but Lamdeau tracks him down in jail for assaulting a police offer.

Here they advanced their shallow communication to a deeper level when Lamdeau bails him out with a condition that Will Hunting will agree to spend one day a week meeting with a therapist. This leads to the relationship between Will Hunting and Sean, the therapist. They initially had shallow communication. However, subject to the fact that Sean is the survivor of a tough Southie upbringing like Will Hunting, their communication developed deeper as Sean would help him in appreciating his talents. Additionally, Will had an intimate relationship with Skylar. Together, Skylar and Sean took the communication with Will to a more personal level where they taught them to remove barriers in his life and advance his talents. This was a clear demonstration of the communication theory and social penetration theory.

If the relationships move through and how the characters self-disclose

Both relationships move through from relatively shallow communication levels, non-intimate, to more deeper and personal communications. Indeed, were beneficial to all parties as they share their knowledge, experiences, and concern to help one another. Actually, out of concern, the professor sought to help Will come to his right senses and went ahead to involve his therapist friend, Sean to help in the mission. The relationships were relevantly relying on facts from education and life experiences. Where Sean was quick to self, disclose to Will, Will passed through many therapists before agreeing to self-disclose on Sean. Indeed, Will sought anonymity for a long time in disclosing his mathematical intellect. In addition, the professor was quick to disclose that the mathematical problem solved Will took him and other professors a long time to solve.

If any character over-discloses too quickly and whether the lack of disclosure harms any of the relationships
Indeed, the professor, Lambeau over-discloses too quickly to the students that include Will Hunting on his and other professors’ inability to solve the mathematical problem. Additionally, Sean was quick to over-disclose his survival and tough upbringing and what he lost on the way. The lack of quick disclosure nearly harms the relationship between Will and the mathematics professor, Lamdeau. Initially, Will Hunting would flee when the professor sought him for self-disclosure and did not disclose his feelings to various therapists until he got to Sean. Read More