Now, growing up, my parents boasted their collection of DVDs and frequently made me experience the thrills of comedy, tragedy, action, and sometimes even fear. A film that could fit into many of these categories is Forrest Gump.

The film begins with Forrest sitting on a bench telling the story of his life to a woman waiting for the bus

Throughout his childhood and onward, people called Forrest (Tom Hanks) stupid. His response would consistently be “stupid is as stupid does.” Along with being a marvelous testament to both the shining moments and harsh realities of our history, Forrest Gump tells a story of a life being present through these times, and mainly floating along any path presented to him, valuing love, friendship, and camaraderie above all things. An example of this is during the Vietnam War when he goes into the forest swarming with enemy soldier to save multiple people, including Lieutenant Dan, a key character later in the film.

At one point in the film, Forrest enlists to serve in Vietnam, and he goes back into heavy gunfire so save Bubba, his “good best friend” from death, risking his own life in the process.

Although his successes and stories have their comedic value (for instance when he shows the woman a picture of himself on the cover of Fortune Magazine with Lieutenant Dan) his simple desires and his quest for the happiness of others is ultimately what provided him with his success. Laughably enough, at one point in the film Forrest said that Lieutenant Dan invested their money in “some fruit company” (which was known to actually be Apple by the audience) and he said that they didn’t have to worry about money any more. “Good. One less thing.” said Forrest. The naivety of this statement combined with the fact that not having to worry about money is one of the main goals of Americans nowadays provides a rather humorous response. Although I do not believe the primary purpose of the film to be humor, it does play a crucial role in the development of the plot. Actually, Mr. Hanks received the award for “Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture” at the American Comedy awards.

“And this is me on the cover of Fortune Magazine…”

One of the most amazing things about the film is how they insert Tom Hanks into historical scenes, such as the during the desegregation of the Alabama school and during an interview with John Lennon at his side, as well as him even shaking hands with President Nixon. I was intrigued as to how the scenes worked so perfectly, and the editing was remarkable. The film actually received the Oscar for Best Film Editing in 1994.

The editing masterfully done in this film works to fully incorporate Forrest into very crucial scenes in American history.

Again, Gump meeting with president Nixon, thanks to the film’s editor

I bet a lot of you didn’t know that the man who directed Forrest Gump, Robert Zemmicks, is the same person who directed films like Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Once he picked up the screenplay, “I couldn’t put it down” he said in an interview. He was so intrigued that the film’s plot had no goal, no hero, no villain. Certainly an concept that had never been seen or tried before.

After running across the country for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours, he stopped to announce that he was going home. This was one of his many adventures throughout the course of the film and remarkably enough the filmmakers worked to make sure the feat itself was possible, making calculations for distance. Forrest ran a total of 15,248 miles.

Forrest Gump has its share of laughs, tears, aha moments, and even sympathy. He had overcome adversity without ever having any actual goals in the first place. Everything he had accomplished, as well as having entertainment value had also a degree of impressiveness and a demonstration of persistence. With the film illustrating American history painting a portrait of our country through the eyes of another, it’s no wonder why millions, including myself and my family, fell in love with Forrest Gump.

Sources:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/awards?ref_=tt_awd

http://www.klemm-site.de/23f9ae94210e52919/23f9ae94210e5a31c/23f9ae94210ed922f.html

http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/359270%7C0/Forrest-Gump.html

Pictures:

http://justcomedies.com/forrest-gump/

http://www.jonathanrosenbaum.com/?p=6960

http://www.propstore.com/product-Fortune-Magazine-Cover-Framed-Display.htm

http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2010/02/elf-life-is-bea.php

http://www.centives.net/S/2012/forrest-gumps-running-route/