Thirty years ago on July 6th, 1994, Forrest Gump was released to theaters across the United States and Canada. This classic comedy/romance film captivated audiences as they followed the life of Forrest Gump. It explored complex topics of the time such as the Vietnam War, social movements, and the loss of a family member through the eyes of a simple mind.
What some may not know is that the film was based on the novel of the same name. Even though both have relatively the same story, each has its own unique additions. For instance, in the novel Gump was not only a soldier, but also an astronaut, pro-wrestler, and chess player. Additionally, Gump manages to score perfectly in physics class but fails in craft and gym class while at university.
Even though the film left these parts of the novel out, some parts that were added became the most memorable. The two largest of these were Gump’s need for braces as a child and his run across the United States as an adult. Both of these are major plot points in the film, so seeing that they were original additions to the film is refreshing.
Probably the most incredible aspect of the film is Tom Hanks’ acting as the titular Forrest Gump. Gump has a low IQ, and because of this, he can not quite grasp more complex topics in life. While this may seem like an easy character to portray, most will probably not consider mannerisms or small movements a person makes. These are what really bring a character to life rather than make them a husk. Hanks does an excellent job of portraying these. In various scenes, you can almost see into Gump’s head as he experiences life’s challenges.
The most prominent example of this is right after Jenny leaves him towards the end of the film. Gump sits on his porch motionless, but in his eyes, the viewer can see the hurt and pain that Gump is experiencing. Since he does not have a healthy way of venting those emotions, he begins his three-year long run.
Gump is not the only complex character though. Take Lieutenant Dan for example: a soldier drafted into the Vietnam War seeking glory, only to have that glory taken away from him at the last minute. He became angry and spiteful towards Gump for saving his life in Vietnam but eventually learned to find purpose in life through his time working in the shrimping business. A business Dan and Gump started together, I might add, meaning in a way Gump saved his life twice. The character of Lieutenant Dan was a critique of America’s idolization of war and culture in general, something not seen commonly in modern films.
Another aspect of the film is that it’s just so quotable. One of the most famous quotes from the film is, “Life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Really, this one quote alone is a summary of the whole film. Life is a big box of unknowns. In Gump’s case, one minute he’s shaking hands with the President of the United States and the next he’s on a shrimping boat in the middle of the ocean. Gump may be a fictitious character, but still, he is a personification of life’s many surprises and roadblocks. Forrest Gump is a classic film that is still relevant today. From Hank’s phenomenal acting as Gump to its social commentary, every aspect of the film is amazing. Available on most major streaming platforms, Forrest Gump is definitely a must watch.
