However, because it is a fictional story, it is possible to watch the film without paying attention to the ideologies at play and still have an enjoyable experience. This is an example of dulce et utile, which is a latin phrase for “sweet and useful”. Essentially, it means that art is meant to teach as well as entertain. Film is a form of art where this phrase applies quite often. Because of this, the actors must be very good to be able to portray characters in a way that is both entertaining and meaningful. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Minnie Driver, and Stellan Skarsgård are all able to do this. During the film, it becomes clear that while Professor Lambeau is what most people would think of as successful (as he is a mathematics professor at a prestigious university), he is not nearly as happy or satisfied as Maguire. Damon and Affleck are real-life friends, and their chemistry translates to the screen. They also wrote the screenplay for the film, so having them star in it may have been almost inevitable. Their performances would not have been possible without expert direction,