Forrest Gump revisited
When Forrest Gump first hit our screens a colleague of mine wrote in the local press how the film was a sort of feel good film for Americans. He said that in a world in which the ability of the US to influence outcomes was diminishing, Gump gave people hope – that big things could be achieved if you wanted them enough, or had luck on your side – it could still happen for Americans.
I watched Gump on TV last night, and came to see it in a different light; instead of seeing it through the eyes of my friend, I thought it sent out an entirely different message – one still giving hope and encouragement, but in a realistic way.
Gump begins life with all sorts of handicaps, the most obvious one provided by the irons on his legs – his legs aren’t as straight as they should be. His IQ is low, making it necessary for his doting mother to have to do things she might not otherwise do. Gump gets into school despite his low intelligence.
He is persecuted for his 9appearance, his irons, and his low intelligence, but as his life progresses it becomes clear that he is gifted in ways that are not usual – this is a film, don’t forget, and film producers tailor scripts and scenarios to sell the films they make. Forrest Gump lands on his feet in whatever situation he finds himself.
He teaches Elvis how to rock n’ roll, gives Lennon the idea for one of his greatest songs, witnesses Watergate without being aware of it, and even moons to President Johnson. He also makes hay when every shrimp boat but his gets destroyed in a storm, and gets into Fortune 500 in the process.
Gump makes it without even knowing – almost without trying, but he doesn’t know it, or at least doesn’t allow it to affect him – one could say he is too thick to know what he has done. It is up to Lieutenant Dan to reinvest the money they make from shrimps into a ‘fruit company’ – Apple, no less.
Is the film telling us that the American dream is alive and well, or is it telling us that money doesn’t make a difference to our lives – or something entirely different. As I watched the final scenes, it seemed to me that it was saying, ‘It aint over till the fat lady sings!’
Robert L. Fielding
I watched Gump on TV last night, and came to see it in a different light; instead of seeing it through the eyes of my friend, I thought it sent out an entirely different message – one still giving hope and encouragement, but in a realistic way.
Gump begins life with all sorts of handicaps, the most obvious one provided by the irons on his legs – his legs aren’t as straight as they should be. His IQ is low, making it necessary for his doting mother to have to do things she might not otherwise do. Gump gets into school despite his low intelligence.
He is persecuted for his 9appearance, his irons, and his low intelligence, but as his life progresses it becomes clear that he is gifted in ways that are not usual – this is a film, don’t forget, and film producers tailor scripts and scenarios to sell the films they make. Forrest Gump lands on his feet in whatever situation he finds himself.
He teaches Elvis how to rock n’ roll, gives Lennon the idea for one of his greatest songs, witnesses Watergate without being aware of it, and even moons to President Johnson. He also makes hay when every shrimp boat but his gets destroyed in a storm, and gets into Fortune 500 in the process.
Gump makes it without even knowing – almost without trying, but he doesn’t know it, or at least doesn’t allow it to affect him – one could say he is too thick to know what he has done. It is up to Lieutenant Dan to reinvest the money they make from shrimps into a ‘fruit company’ – Apple, no less.
Is the film telling us that the American dream is alive and well, or is it telling us that money doesn’t make a difference to our lives – or something entirely different. As I watched the final scenes, it seemed to me that it was saying, ‘It aint over till the fat lady sings!’
Robert L. Fielding
posted by Justice at 12:48 AM
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