Forrest Gump, a analys

Forrest Gump 

8/10

Starting this blog off with a classic, “Forrest Gump”(1994). It’s truly an accomplishment within the world of film, despite all the struggles they had behind the camera and the long process of making “Forrest Gump” what it eventually became. If you want a detailed backstory of the production, I highly recommend checking out the show “The Movies That Made Us” on Netflix.

“Forrest Gump” from my perspective is about the ultimate struggle between innocence and experience, hence the world. Forrest, as you can probably guess, represents the innocent side of things. And I think his having a learning disability further elaborates that claim. But Forrest’s simplicity and honesty are ultimately what allow him to succeed in life, making it almost seem as if it were an accident. This is in stark contrast to Forrest’s great love, Jenny, who constantly seems to struggle in life. From the first time we see her on screen, her problems are presented to us, and in reality are darker than Forrest sees them. Jenny is seeking freedom, but is constantly led down the wrong path by society. This makes her see freedom as things most people wouldn’t perceive as. This strongly highlights the duality of how different choices and perspectives shape life and the human experience.

There are also some things I would like to point out, considering Forrest’s learning disability. It’s actually mindblowing that a movie from 1994 shows a person with a learning disability in a positive light. Considering the type of representation special needs characters have had in the past, and had in the 90s, it's actually mindblowing to see, first of all, a special needs person to be the main character, have him not be one-dimensional, played as a joke, and have him succeeded and lived a full and happy life by the end of the movie. This is a topic I am especially passionate about and look out for whenever I watch a movie. Of course, there is some humorous dialogue by Forrest, but it’s not all that he is. 

The story also raises the question of destiny and free will. Forrest famously repeats, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.” It is a strong indication of the human experience. In life and as individuals, there are a lot of things we can’t control, although we wish we could, but kindness, resiliency, and honesty can still lead to happiness at the end of the day.

In summary, “Forrest Gump” is a heart-warming story and a commentary and criticism on the “American dream,” suggesting that true happiness and greatness do not depend on intellect or ambition but on decency, loyalty, and honesty. Sometimes we all need to look at life through a simpler lens, and maybe that will lead us to true happiness.