Movie soundtracks are chancy in that the music is often geared to specific parts of the film that are meant to evoke concurrent emotions; many don't hold up apart from their cinematic context. The trend of the past few yea... more »rs has been to gratuitously traipse down memory lane, with the convenient stance that a hit parade of '70s funk will lend an otherwise bloodless film some street cred. Thankfully the soundtrack to Good Will Hunting doesn't strive for fake urban cool; this film about white, working-class Bostonians gets a mostly white, working-class sound. The soundtrack effectively mirrors the half-filled desires and lives that the film capitalizes on: restlessness, ennui, doubt, and unrequited love rule here. Elliot Smith contributes the most, and the best, songs, beautiful weepers that outshine Danny Elfman's somber original score, which makes only a few appearances. --Alan E. Rapp« less
Movie soundtracks are chancy in that the music is often geared to specific parts of the film that are meant to evoke concurrent emotions; many don't hold up apart from their cinematic context. The trend of the past few years has been to gratuitously traipse down memory lane, with the convenient stance that a hit parade of '70s funk will lend an otherwise bloodless film some street cred. Thankfully the soundtrack to Good Will Hunting doesn't strive for fake urban cool; this film about white, working-class Bostonians gets a mostly white, working-class sound. The soundtrack effectively mirrors the half-filled desires and lives that the film capitalizes on: restlessness, ennui, doubt, and unrequited love rule here. Elliot Smith contributes the most, and the best, songs, beautiful weepers that outshine Danny Elfman's somber original score, which makes only a few appearances. --Alan E. Rapp
Mark R. from LONGMEADOW, MA Reviewed on 10/29/2006...
Haunting music by the late Elliot Smith. Good for rainy days.
CD Reviews
Great movie, greater soundtrack
04/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Before I saw Good Will Hunting I had never even heard of Elliott Smith, but once I saw the movie I had to have the CD. While Danny Elfman's compositions and the other songs (especially Luscious Jackson's catchy "Why Do I Lie") are wonderful, Smith's music is what makes this CD - it's worth buying for "Miss Misery" alone. In an age where most soundtracks include predominantly glossy pop tunes, cheaply sentimental love songs, and unnerving punk rock, the Good Will Hunting soundtrack contains simple, sincere music that's a refreshing change from other movie/TV soundtracks."
Miss Misery
Brian Murphy | Austin, TX United States | 06/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Quick note: for those of you perpetually searching for the perfect song, "Miss Misery" is one of them. Flawless in a way that very precious few songs are. Compares favorably to the best songs ever, in my opinion, including any Beatles classics. If you appreciate real songwriting and you haven't heard this tune, there's a void in your experience of perfection."
Missing an Important Song, but otherwise a great CD
A. Peyton | NY | 02/23/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD for one, and only one reason. I absolutely LOVED the song that was played in the trailers for the film and I wanted have that song on CD. However, much to my surprise, the song was conveniently left off the soundtrack. I have been searching for the name of this song ever since (if there is anyone who happens to know the name of that song - PLEASE EMAIL it to me - it would be much appreciated). After a period of neglecting the cd (due to my dissapointment) I started listening to the tracks again and found that what the CD does contain is actually quite good. Elliot Smith voice is brilliant, his lyrics communicate the tone of the movie in a very unique way. My favorite song on the album, however, is track #6 - "Why do i Lie" by Lucious Jackson. Basically, other than my initial disappointment with the CD, I have found it quite enjoyable, and really like it a lot.***An update: I recently found the song I was looking for, "Dance without Sleeping" by Melissa Etheridge. Anyone else looking for the 'mystery song' will hopefully find solace in this song.***"
Overall theme of tragedy... well thought out soundtrack.
J. Carmichael | Virginia Beach, VA USA | 09/09/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Great soundtrack to a great movie! The Elliot Smith selections seem to perfectly reflect the tragedy within the drama, a lonely pop track by Luscious Jackson, "Why Do I Lie?" (sad, sorrowful, nicely done), Gerry Rafferty's 'Baker Street' (A classic with a tragic story and mood), and even an Al Green tune, "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?" (need I say more?). I could do without The Waterboys."
A movie deserving of this excellent soundtrack.
Stephen Doig | New Zealand | 07/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Soundtracks are a music business trend on the decline and for good reason. In recent years many soundtracks have been thrown together with sub-standard artists or tracks, little correlation to the movie itself which in turn probably didn't even deserve to be seen let alone heard. Yet these cash cows have been lapped up by the truckload. The Good Will Hunting soundtrack bucks this trend however, and is a startlingly good collection of songs that not only relates well to the film and it's lead character Will, but also entices you to seek out more from the artists involved - this is what a good soundtrack should do. The very talented Elliot Smith provides the backbone of the album with his superb compositions, however I find myself enjoying the other artists involved here just as much. The Waterboys' 'Fisherman's Blues' and Luscious Jackson's 'Why Do I Lie' are two inspired choices, as is Al Green's perennial tear-jerker 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart'. Danny Elfman's theme songs are quite hauntingly beautiful and help make this a great album for the road, and exploring new places. An exceptional soundtrack with a great amount of spirit."