Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: Eric Roth (based on the book)
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Sally Field
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors are as beloved as Tom Hanks. Following fame during the 1980’s, Hanks has proven to be one of the greatest actors in the world. With his larger-than-life presence, charisma and likeable personality, Hanks has made unforgettable movies. Whether its war veterans facing D-Day, stranded men on islands cast away or gay men battling homophobia, Hanks has proven he can portray a wide range of characters today. Through ability to play likeable heroes that are sympathetic, the iconic actor has gained a following that’s gigantic.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Tom Hanks and adore all the movies he has made. However, my favourite film would have to be “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, “Forrest Gump” has stood the test of time as a classic that movie-goers adore. Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning drama about a war veteran growing up in Alabama has become an iconic piece of Cinema. Boasting exquisite production-design, sharp storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s one of the best movies ever made. Key to the film’s success is the phenomenal performance from Tom Hanks who pours his heart and soul into a career-defining role. Ultimately, it delivers a universal message that would resonate with everyone that remembers memories of childhood at an early age.
Set in Alabama, “Forrest Gump” tells the story of a man with low IQ that recounts with nostalgia memories of growing up in America. Tom Hanks embodies Forrest Gump, a unique man that grows up with intellectual disabilities. Gump recounts colourful stories of experiencing the Vietnam War, meeting iconic presidents and running across the country. As he reflects on his profound life over the passage of time, Gump discovers the true meaning of living.
Robert Zemeckis is fascinated with stories about time. Before making “Forrest Gump”, Zemeckis was known for his time-travelling blockbuster franchise “Back to the Future”. With “Forrest Gump”, however, Zemeckis crafted his first historical drama. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a beloved book to the big-screen, but he succeeded. Through captivating cinematography, Zemeckis captures a man with low IQ embarking on a life-changing journey. Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes as gorgeous as shrimping boats that Forrest seeks to organize. Zemeckis expertly uses point-of-view shots to capture the world from Forrest Gump’s point-of-view. Throughout the movie, Zemeckis uses point-of-view shots to capture the world seen through eyes of a man with low IQ. Through this ingenious technique, Zemeckis creates a strong emotional connection between viewers and Forrest Gump. It allows viewers to empathize with a fascinating character. Through stunning cinematography, Zemeckis captures Forrest Gump’s journey through history.
Another admirable aspect of “Forrest Gump” that merits appreciation is its production. One of the key reasons why the film works so well is because of the production-design. Zemeckis expertly uses real-life locales across the United States to capture the beauty of the country. Whether its the vast prairies that Forrest Gump passes on his running journey or the park benches of Alabama, the real-life locales capture the beauty of America. For instance, real-life locations are effectively used in the reunion scene. During this heartwarming scene, Forrest and Jenny have emotional reunions following several years of separation in front of the iconic Lincoln Memorial. One appreciates real-life locations showcasing bonds between childhood lovers. Through these real-life American locales, Zemeckis manages to capture the beauty of the country. Using stunning production, Zemeckis captures the life of an extraordinary man learning lessons.
Storytelling is a key aspect contributing to the success of “Forrest Gump”. The film is beautifully written, and does an extraordinary job of adapting a complex book to the big-screen. Eric Roths’ greatest strength as a screenwriter is his ability to capture emotion of a person with low IQ through voice-over narration. In Hollywood, most movies rarely ever paint an accurate portrait of intellectual disability. It’s often easy for filmmakers to fall prey to stereotypes when depicting disabilities in movies. Fortunately, however, “Forrest Gump” avoids these pitfalls. Roth expertly uses narration to capture the life of a person with intellectual disability. Throughout the movie, Forrest Gump narrates with nostalgia his memories of growing up sitting on park benches in Alabama. Through this ingenious technique, Roth creates a compelling character viewers can easily relate to. Using a phenomenal screenplay, Roth celebrates a literary classic today.
One appreciates astonishing performances. The iconic performances given my talented actors are part of the reason why “Forrest Gump” is a beloved classic.
Tom Hanks delivers the best performance of his career as Forrest Gump. Hanks achieved appreciation by playing sleepless lovers in Seattle. With “Forrest Gump”, however, he took on his most challenging role. It isn’t simple to embody a man with intellectual disabilities, but Hanks succeeds tremendously. He brings a commanding presence to the role through his expressions. Through captivating expressions, Hanks embodies the childlike innocence, determination and likeable nature of a war veteran with low IQ. It’s a phenomenal performance that launched the extraordinary career of one of the most beloved movie-stars today.
The supporting cast is spectacular and worthy of recognition. Robin Wright is remarkable, capturing the plight of a woman seeking to reunite with a childhood lover she fell in love with at first sight. Gary Sinise is great, bringing humanity to a disabled war veteran questioning his purpose after miraculously surviving Vietnam War tragedy. Lastly, it’s hard to forget Sally Field. As Forrest Gump’s concerned mother, she is heartbreaking.
Finally, “Forrest Gump” is one of those rare movies everyone would appreciate due to its message about fate. Unlike most movies made in the 1990’s which are outdated, the film’s message has aged incredibly well. It delivers a universal message about destiny, fate and circumstances which everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the novel to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message about fate with which everyone would relate. Therefore, “Forrest Gump” is one of those rare movies everyone will adore.
Fans of historical dramas will definitely appreciate “Forrest Gump” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment.
Nearly 30 years after the release of a beloved film about veterans in Alabama recounting stories on park benches with nostalgia, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost ability to captivate audiences with charisma in every genre whose timeless movies that are as delicious as a box of chocolates deserve to be celebrated in Cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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