This summer, the Fort Point Stage movie nights were “impromptu” in nature, according to the organization’s website, meaning that no schedule was to be released with ample advanced notice. To find out about the movie nights, those interested were encouraged to follow Fort Point Stage on Twitter, @fortpointstage, or to check their website frequently.
However, their August movie screening is getting some attention ahead of time.
On August 22, Fort Point Stage will screen “Good Will Hunting” at the Park at Channel Center, in honor of Robin Williams’s death on August 11, 2014. The iconic 1997 film, which earned Williams an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, has risen as a way for mourning Bostonians to show their grievances; most notably, the bench where Williams’s character sits with Matt Damon’s character in the Boston Public Garden has become a spontaneous memorial. Visitors have left flowers and memorabilia as well as heartfelt messages written in chalk on the sidewalk.
After hearing word that Williams had passed after an apparent suicide, both Damon and “Good Will Hunting” co-star Ben Affleck spoke out to pay tribute to the late actor and comedian.
Affleck posted the following message, which was shared nearly 1,000 times, to his Facebook page in light of the news:
Heartbroken. Thanks chief – for your friendship and for what you gave the world. Robin had a ton of love in him. He personally did so much for so many people. He made Matt and my dreams come true.
What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything.
May you find peace my friend. #RobinWilliams
Following Affleck’s message, Damon released a statement remembering Williams as well.
Robin brought so much joy into my life and I will carry that joy with me forever. He was such a beautiful man. I was lucky to know him and I will never, ever forget him.
I truly hope the people in the media can find it within themselves to give his family some privacy during this horrible time.
After the makeshift memorial came together at the Boston Public Garden bench, a local petition surfaced to spur the production of a bronze statue of Williams seated on the bench. According to Boston Magazine, Friends of the Public Garden cited serious hurdles in erecting such a statue, but they’re currently monitoring the online conversation.
In the meantime, Bostonians can gather together for a free, public viewing of “Good Will Hunting.” The screening will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 22, and those attending are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. A rain date is scheduled for August 26, and the screening will take place instead at Wormwood Park.
Earlier this summer, Fort Point Stage organized a screening of “The Last Picture Show”; in July, their scheduled screening of “The Shawshank Redemption” was postponed due to rain and has yet to be rescheduled.
Image via YouTube
