Starring:	Matt Damon
	Robin Williams
	Minnie Driver
	Ben Affleck
Screenplay:	Matt Damon & Ben Affleck
Director:	Gus Van Sant	Colour

Damon is a Harvard boy, possesed with a mathematical mind so brilliant he solves near-impossible problems in a blink of an eye. Student? Lecturer? Ah ha - he's the cleaner. So the boy has an attitude problem, but aside from numerous public order offences, seems happy enough with his mates down the bar telling rude jokes and getting plastered. The lecturer who discovers his genius quickly realises that if his abilities are ever to be used to something worthwhile, he's gonna need a shrink. Enter estranged old pal Robin Williams. This really is an intelligent film, and for this it stands out from almost every other American movie, independent or otherwise. It beggars belief that the script was penned by the two young stars Damon and Affleck. Perhaps it is not coincidental that the film is partially about not drawing snap judgements about people. Maverick director Van Sant handles the cast brilliantly - with Williams perfect and Driver very natural in her home accent - and the camera with flair. Yet despite all these plusses, the film falls a little short near the end. Having created such a complex world for Damon's character, ending the story in a satisfying way was always going to be tricky. It's not a bad effort, and has some great aspects, but overall the impact of the previous hour and a half is somewhat dulled. But hey, I feel mean griping. Films this good - warts and all - are rare enough without me spoiling the party. Go see.