Having the time to sit down and experience a movie known by many others, made for a famous man who was well–known, I had the pleasure of watching the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Directed by Robert Zemeckis from The Tisch Company and starring Tom Hanks, the movie was meant to be based on the 1986 novel Forrest Gump by Winton Groom. Even now as years passed, Forrest has proven to be a character deeply cherished and loved by many. For me, it’s shocking because after watching the movie, it’s kind of hard to get that out of your head. Especially all of the characters and emotions that are packed within the film.
To start off, Forrest Gump tells an emotional tale that includes major themes like adventure, heartbreak, loss, love, action, and comedy. It intertwines with many moments in American history. In the center of it all, the main character never changes his core values. Although Forrest’s IQ is lower than most, he is nonetheless steadfast. Tom Hanks’ role of Forrest may be his most known one, considering how great of a job he did during the movie. I think what’s really interesting about how it plays off is how the story is entirely told through Forrest sitting on a bus stop and reminiscing.
Forrest’s way of storytelling is based on his innocence and his ability to break down his very own story to the essentials. In his view, meeting the president is on equal footing as getting a free doctor pepper. The scenewriter, Eric Roth, managed to tell a different story at times compared to the novel, yet still was able to inject so many feelings into this film that lasted a bit over two hours and twenty minutes. In there, we witness Forrest grow as well as experience many notable events.
We’re able to see Forrest get a football scholarship from the University of Alabama where he takes under the wing of Bear Bryant, his coach. He also witnesses the Governor of Alabama, George Wallace, attempt to block desegregation at the school. Forrest then serves in an infantry division in Vietnam, meeting President Kennedy and even later starting a shrimping business running along the United States. There’s so much more that could be listed! You meet a variety of characters throughout the movie, and some of them vary in their treatment of Forrest, but he realizes that events and objects come and go. Forrest’s loyalty to his friends never wanes. It’s especially true of Jenny, the girl he falls in love with in grade school. And it’s true of Lieutenant. Dan and Bubba, his closest friends he meets in combat in Vietnam. He sticks with them even when they don’t deserve his devotion. Loyalty is one of Forrest’s defining characteristics.
In conclusion, Forrest Gump is a very interesting film when it comes to displaying all kinds of emotions, along with honorable speeches and figures. The film techniques that were mostly shown during the production insisted on well-made dialogue and scenery. There are plenty of parts where I think scenery plays a major role in the movie, like the moments where Forrest is involved in the war. It almost makes you feel anxious and scared for him. In the end, I really recommend this film for anyone who’s interested!