Robert Zemeckis Films Ranked: #12 – ‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)

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#12 in my ranking of Robert Zemeckis films.

Wow, it’s clear that many people have a deep affection for this film, yet I struggle to believe that much of this isn’t rooted in nostalgia from the audience. The storyline seems to serve as a snapshot of the 60s, making it an appealing trip down memory lane for Baby Boomers. Since I didn’t experience the 60s myself, my connection to the era is limited, which might explain my more subdued response. It’s undeniably a well-made film with a compelling protagonist and impressive technical aspects (as one would expect from Robert Zemeckis), but the historical survey aspects feel shallow to me.

In a tranquil park in Savannah, Forrest Gump is waiting for the bus when he starts recounting his extraordinary life to a serene nurse nearby. Despite having below-average intelligence, this man has lived an exceptional life. He impacted Elvis Presley’s dance style while residing at Forrest’s mother’s bed and breakfast in Alabama. He played football for Coach Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama. He engaged with the first black students at the University of Alabama after the National Guard compelled George Wallace to allow them entry. He met John F. Kennedy, served in Vietnam, was wounded there, played ping pong in China, shook hands with Lyndon B. Johnson and exposed his backside to him upon returning home, participated in a large demonstration near the Reflecting Pool, interacted with Richard Nixon, and even reported the Watergate offenders to security – all while remaining true to his cheerful, uncomplicated nature, influencing others rather than being influenced himself.

In the portrayal by Tom Hanks, Forrest is constantly the eternal optimist, entering every circumstance with unwavering faith in the kindness of others. Similar to Pollyanna, he tends to bring joy to those around him. This film, in a way, mirrors Doctor Zhivago, where Yuri Zhivago was swept along by significant historical events without any sense of control. However, unlike Yuri, Forrest always seems to be actively engaged in his circumstances after being moved somewhere new. A prime example of this is the peace protest in Washington D.C. After showing a bullet wound on his back to the President of the United States and exploring the city, Forrest finds himself thrust into a line of veterans demonstrating against the war. Due to his impeccable attire, he’s pushed to the front of the line and asked to deliver a speech. Although the speech cannot be heard in the movie, the reactions from those who introduced him and stood beside him reveal its impact. The speech was likely intentionally kept unheard to avoid dividing the audience and maintain the film’s intended emotional resonance, rather than causing any negative audience response. While I believe this scene effectively achieves its purpose, it also takes a more accessible approach to broaden its appeal.

The depth of the portrayal of the 60s, particularly in Vietnam, became clear to me when Forrest arrived there. The scene, featuring Lieutenant Dan’s introduction and Bubba’s death, was well-executed, but the overall depiction of Vietnam felt superficial. It seemed that every significant event Forrest encountered was handled in a similar way, providing an entertaining experience but lacking in historical depth. While I can understand the nostalgic appeal for those who share the era’s memories, as someone not sharing in that nostalgia, the lack of substantial history is somewhat frustrating. This section of the film, despite its entertainment value, felt more like a surface-level glimpse into the past rather than an immersive experience.

I’ve spent too much time complaining.

The purpose of Gump’s travels becomes clear as he consistently improves the world through small acts of kindness. This is particularly noticeable in his relationship with Jenny, the girl he grew up with. She suffered abuse at the hands of her father and became involved in the counterculture movement (portrayed in a somewhat negative light in Hollywood movies). However, Forrest continues to appear and provide the stability she needs. Nurtured by his mother’s teachings from Nowhere, Alabama, Forrest is an honest individual who eventually becomes Jenny’s source of strength. In essence, their child symbolizes the unity of two parts of America following the 60s, as they jointly nurture the next generation.

Another significant character aided by Gump is Lieutenant Dan. Having been brought up in a family with a rich military background, spanning from the American Revolution to World War II (although some battles are skipped), Dan was denied his opportunity to die when Gump rescued him. Disillusioned and bereft of purpose, Dan turned to alcohol and mirrored Tom Cruise’s appearance in the film “Born on the Fourth of July“. It is through Gump’s optimism and determination to fulfill his dream of purchasing a shrimping boat as a tribute to Bubba and making it prosper that helps draw Dan out of his despair.

The following paragraph discusses the quality of the visual effects in a certain movie: Many of the special effects in this film are still impressive, particularly the scenes involving the Reflecting Pool crowd and Lieutenant Dan’s prosthetic legs. However, the blending of the character with historical footage has not aged well. In the 90s, seeing the character appear alongside notable figures like JFK, LBJ, and John Lennon was awe-inspiring, but the effects now seem dated. Characters’ heads float unnaturally, and their mouth movements are awkward and artificial, often failing to sync with the dialogue. Mouths are challenging to replicate using computer graphics, and it shows in this film. This technology was also used in “Death Becomes Her,” but it’s more ambitious here, which is unfortunate because it detracts from the intended humor rather than enhancing it.

In summary, the special effects that combine the character with historical footage have not aged well and detract from the overall experience of the film.

As a movie critic, I’d say, “Overall, ‘Forrest Gump’ is my personal account of a charming film that offers a sweeping tour through 60s America, featuring an endearing protagonist who consistently strives to uplift those around him. It’s an engaging odyssey that’s both humorous and effortless to watch, but it seems to lean heavily on nostalgia that doesn’t resonate with me, which may diminish its impact for viewers, including myself, who didn’t live during the 60s or don’t share the same sentimental perspective of that era.

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2025-01-14 00:30