David Fortuna

Forrest Gump Film Analysis

Forrest Gump was a groundbreaking film, full of grippingly intense,
emotional scenes that continue to enthrall viewers to this day. The movie
built a strong, believable narrative through bold design choices.
Everything, from the choice of protagonists to the memorable scenes in
which Forrest Gump shows up in historic footage, adds something unique
to the film.
One reason the movie was so captivating was because of the sheer
scope of issues it covered. In a unique way, Forrest Gump addresses
many of the conflicts and controversies of the latter half of the 20th century,
discrimination, child abuse/neglect, depression, suicide, the keeping of and
conflict of faith, and more. All in all, the film, more than most others, is
distinctly human in regards to its emotional approach to these pressing
issues.
From Jennys unfortunate lifestyle of consecutive bad choices and
suicidal tendencies to Lt. Dans lack of self-worth and loss of identity after
losing his legs are not simple character flaws. Forrest Gump addresses
these negative character traits from a deeply personal level. Ultimately, the
approach makes the characters feel more alive, making them easier to
identify with.
Additionally, the trials and tribulations faced by the nation as a whole
are often directly participated in by the protagonists, frequently commented
on, and occasionally glossed over. Although this might seem like a strange
aspect of film design at face value, it makes sense when the movie is
considered as a whole. Forrest Gump is not a documentary; it is the story
of one man, those close to him, and how they experienced their lives in
turbulent times. Naturally, the average American is not affected by every
major event that befalls the entire nation.
Another aspect of the narrative of Forrest Gump, and one that is
arguably more important than the issues themselves, is the manner in
which the film showcases them. Digitally adding Forrest into historical
footage was a stroke of cinematic genius, and one that has become so
iconic, it has been copied and parodied many times. Altering history
allowed more creative liberty with the films story. To put it simply, it was an

ingenious and original method of strengthening Forrest Gumps central

narrative.
The scenes in which the titular character indirectly changes the
course of U.S. history unintentionally connect otherwise isolated events,
making them feel more significant as they are linked to a relatable,
identifiable protagonist. Aside from the events themselves, the alternate
history approach engages the viewers, and peaks their interest.
Finally, the most important detail of Forrest Gump as a cultural
artifact, is who is portrayed as the heroes. The film focuses on the types
of characters othered in most other movies. Forrest is unintelligent and
has a hard time understanding some of the more abstract concepts
addressed in the turmoil of the mid-late 1900s. Jenny was abused as a
child, made plenty of bad decisions, is morally loose, became addicted to
drugs, became suicidal, and rejected the man who loved her, pushing him
away for decades. Lieutenant Dan becomes an amputee, loses his sense
of self, becomes an alcoholic, and becomes homeless after the Vietnam
War. Additionally, all of the protagonists come from very poor, humble
backgrounds.
The choice to center on unlikely protagonists is essential to the
central concept of the film as a whole. By giving the power to the stupid,
crippled, and lower class citizens who smoke, drink, and throw their lives
away, the film empowers everyone, and sends a universal message of
equality. Forrest Gump is a movie about hope, faith, and accomplishing
your goals, regardless of your position. The film asks who makes a
difference, and boldly answers, anyone.
We are all people. We all have flaws. We all make mistakes.
We will all die someday. We are all the same, but we couldnt be more
unique, and we all have the potential to make a difference; to change the
world. THAT, I believe, is (at least one of) the theme(s) of Forrest Gump,
my favorite movie.

Works Cited:
Forrest Gump. Dir. Robert Zemeckis. Paramount Pictures. 1994. Film.