Why did Will need to speak first in the film "Good Will Hunting"?

In one of the therapy sessions, Will and Sean do not speak to each other. Professor Lambeau asks Sean why he didn't say anything and Sean replies by saying that Will is the one who needs to speak first. I do not understand why Will needed to speak first. Is this something related to psychology (the actual treatment) or does this have some underlining symbolic meaning (literary).

Best Answer

Here's the actual script from the meeting you refer to:

INT. HALLWAY -- LATER

Lambeau and Sean walk down the hallway after the session.
                    LAMBEAU
       What do you mean "he didn't talk?"
       You sat there for an hour?

                    SEAN
       No, he just sat there and counted the
       seconds until the session was over.
       It was pretty impressive, actually.

                    LAMBEAU
       Why would he do that?

                    SEAN
       To show me he doesn't have to talk to
       me if he doesn't want to.

                    LAMBEAU
       Oh, what is this? Some kind of staring
       contest between two kids from the "old
       neighborhood?"

                    SEAN
       I won't talk first.

This is actually, I believe, the 3rd session. The first one, Will comments about the painting and we find out about Sean's wife. The second one, Will and Sean go to the park and Sean basically calls Will out on his M.O.. That meeting ends with this monologue:

                    SEAN 
       Yet you presume to know so much about 
       me because of a painting you saw. You 
       must know everything about me. You're 
       an orphan, right?

Will nods quietly.

                    SEAN (cont'd)
       Do you think I would presume to know
       the first thing about who you are
       because I read "Oliver Twist?" And I
       don't buy the argument that you don't
       want to be here, because I think you
       like all the attention you're getting.
       Personally, I don't care. There's
       nothing you can tell me that I can't
       read somewhere else. Unless we talk
       about your life. But you won't do
       that. Maybe you're afraid of what
       you might say.

Sean stands,

                    SEAN (cont'd)
       It's up to you.

And walks away.

During the 3rd meeting, Sean simply waits him out. Will has to be the one to initiate conversation, Sean already put the ball in his court.

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What is the message of Good Will Hunting?

A major theme in this film is knowledge versus experience. Throughout the movie, this theme appears in Will's life but also as a symbolic conflict for the two people guiding him, the professor and psychologist.

What is the story behind the movie Good Will Hunting?

A touching tale of a wayward young man who struggles to find his identity, living in a world where he can solve any problem, except the one brewing deep within himself, until one day he meets his soul mate who opens his mind and his heart. A young adult by the name of Will Hunting has always been living in the slums.

What does the end of Good Will Hunting mean?

On a symbolic level, the end of this movie tells us that Will is finally willing to embrace the uncertainties of life and put his heart on the line to be with someone he loves. Throughout his life, he has pushed people away because he's been afraid that they'll hurt him emotionally if he lets them get too close.

Why is Good Will Hunting such a good movie?

Good Will Hunting is timeless because it addresses certain topics that men simply refuse to talk about. Dreams, fears, loves, hopes, weaknesses, heartbreak, loss, family and friendship. They're all here.

Good Will Hunting | 'My Boy's Wicked Smart' (HD) - Matt Damon, Ben Affleck | MIRAMAX

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