By Rachel Simon, Editor in Chief, Emerson College
In times of need, I go to the movies. On Monday night, after the initial shock and devastation of the Boston Marathon bombing, which had occurred just four blocks away from my college dorm, had passed, what I needed was distraction. So I settled in on the couch, made a bag of popcorn, and illegally streamed The Iron Giant onto my computer. Unfortunately, even the 1999 animated classic couldn’t hold my attention. All I could think about was Boston. I thought not only about the day’s attacks, but about all the things I loved about the city – the warmth of its people, the vibrancy of its culture, even the bitterness of its winters. There’s something special about Boston. I’ve only lived here eight months, but already, I’m completely, hopelessly in love. It’s terrible to see the city become a place of terror and violence instead of a center of light and love, but I have no doubt that we’re resilient enough to rebuild. In honor of this city, here are my five favorite movies set in or around Boston:
1. Good Will Hunting
This is the ultimate Boston movie. First, you have the locations. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s characters are from Southie (South Boston for all you foreigners). Damon works as a janitor at M.I.T. There are scenes at the Public Garden, Harvard Square, Woody's L St. Tavern. It doesn’t matter that the majority of the movie was actually filmed in Toronto. It feels like Boston, and that’s enough. Second, you have the accents – thick, unintelligible, distinctly Bah-ston accents apparent in each word that comes out of the characters’ mouths. Then, finally, there is the plot. The story of a brilliant but troubled math genius who rises through life with the help of his slacker best friend and a determined therapist, Good Will Hunting is the kind of feel-good success story that’s pure Boston.
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In times of need, I go to the movies. On Monday night, after the initial shock and devastation of the Boston Marathon bombing, which had occurred just four blocks away from my college dorm, had passed, what I needed was distraction. So I settled in on the couch, made a bag of popcorn, and illegally streamed The Iron Giant onto my computer. Unfortunately, even the 1999 animated classic couldn’t hold my attention. All I could think about was Boston. I thought not only about the day’s attacks, but about all the things I loved about the city – the warmth of its people, the vibrancy of its culture, even the bitterness of its winters. There’s something special about Boston. I’ve only lived here eight months, but already, I’m completely, hopelessly in love. It’s terrible to see the city become a place of terror and violence instead of a center of light and love, but I have no doubt that we’re resilient enough to rebuild. In honor of this city, here are my five favorite movies set in or around Boston:
1. Good Will Hunting
This is the ultimate Boston movie. First, you have the locations. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s characters are from Southie (South Boston for all you foreigners). Damon works as a janitor at M.I.T. There are scenes at the Public Garden, Harvard Square, Woody's L St. Tavern. It doesn’t matter that the majority of the movie was actually filmed in Toronto. It feels like Boston, and that’s enough. Second, you have the accents – thick, unintelligible, distinctly Bah-ston accents apparent in each word that comes out of the characters’ mouths. Then, finally, there is the plot. The story of a brilliant but troubled math genius who rises through life with the help of his slacker best friend and a determined therapist, Good Will Hunting is the kind of feel-good success story that’s pure Boston.
Read More Here