Forrest Gump Essay

The film Forrest Gump directed by Robert Zemeckis portrays the life of Forrest Gump an intellectually disabled man. This historically eventful film details Forrest’s personality and life story, performed by Tom Hanks. Forest is a naive, simple minded man, who had diagnosed cystic fibrosis. The film is based on a novel written by Winston Groom, and details historic events that Gump witnessed, that influence 20th century america. From a disable child from Alabama he grows into a fully capable, father and millionaire. Film techniques are used to create a link between Gump and the audience.

A theme I found provocative is in the film Forrest Gump destiny or coincidence. The film introduces opposing perspectives on life destiny and coincidence.

These strangers are a black housekeeper, a white mom and her young son, a businessman, and an old woman. This technique assists the reader through the story, because we as well as a character are being told a story, and are becoming aware with a character. The dialogue from Forests story fades into a flashback of Forest life, juxtaposing with overlapping dialogue from Forest. The transitions between the present and past time assists the audience in establishing a relationship with Forest, through the techniques of forests mannerism, and openness with a complete stranger

The symbolism of the feather represents Forest journey through the film. Floating throughout his life as the wind takes the feather, forest is taken by the circumstances in his life. While his shoes represent his freedom. It juxtaposes with his leg braces at the beginning of the film that trapped Forest. After he was released from his braces he could run wherever he wanted with his feet. The motif of shoes is emphasised through the dialogue “Run Forrest, run.” A famous quote which symbolizes his freedom, which is emphasized by the dialogue being spoken by Jenny his recurring love. I believe this is represent when Forrest runs across the US for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16