Most cinephiles would agree that 1994 was a particularly strong year for films. The best picture nominees included film fan favorite “Pulp Fiction,” heartwarming classic “The Shawshank Redemption” and the winner, a simple tale called “Forrest Gump.” The snooty film lovers bemoan the loss of “Pulp Fiction,” but for my money “Forrest Gump” is easily good enough to win the Oscar.
The story of the movie is basic. It follows the title character (Tom Hanks), a simple man with an IQ of 75 from Alabama. In his life, Forrest experiences some of the significant events of the last 50 years. He goes to Vietnam, meets presidents, fishes for shrimp and a host of other things. For him, though, his most important life event is loving his childhood friend, Jenny Curran (Robin Wright). In addition to winning best picture, Tom Hanks added to the movie’s Oscar total by winning best actor, one of the most deserving winners of the prize. …show more content…
Hanks nails the role on the accent, speaking mannerisms and body language alone. He goes beyond that, however, by turning Forrest into a complex character despite his dearth of traditional intelligence. He also makes the character one of the most sympathetic and likeable ever put onscreen. If you don’t love at least the character of Forrest Gump, along with Hanks’ performance, then I feel a great deal of pity for you indeed.
“Forrest Gump” isn’t a one-man show, as many of the other players are quite good. Robin Wright does well as Jenny, especially once she ages. Once her character has been through more of the trials of life, the pain of the character is evident in Wright’s voice, face and body language. Gary Sinise is fantastic as Lt. Dan, earning an Oscar nod. He’s funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, realistic and everything else the movie asks him to be. Finally, Sally Field is great as Forrest’s momma, exuding the warmth and love so central to her character. This film isn’t merely an acting showcase, however, as it boasts other commendable aspects. Even after 22 years, the special effects by Ken Ralston, George Murphy, Stephen Rosenbaum and Allen Hall are great. As many will know, “Forrest Gump” incorporates the main character into various scenes from history, by using special effects to put Tom Hanks in archival footage. This still looks totally believable today. Plus, one would never guess that Gary Sinise’s legs were removed via CGI later in the move. It looks absolutely real. The real credit to “Forrest Gump” is the story and the way its told. For that, praise goes to director Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Eric Roth, who both one Oscars for their work. The narrative is simply marvelous, with Zemeckis and Roth telling a supremely interesting story that mixes heartbreaking sadness, amazing inspiration and profound humor with ease, resulting in a sublime emotional experience. (If you don’t get choked up when Forrest asks about the intelligence of a child late in the film, we can’t be friends). Zemeckis and Roth also do a fabulous job with the simplicity of the movie. They don’t try to overstep their bounds and make the picture about more than it is. This is simply the story of one simple man. It has a simple message to convey, and it does so effectively. It also takes on
The story of the movie is basic. It follows the title character (Tom Hanks), a simple man with an IQ of 75 from Alabama. In his life, Forrest experiences some of the significant events of the last 50 years. He goes to Vietnam, meets presidents, fishes for shrimp and a host of other things. For him, though, his most important life event is loving his childhood friend, Jenny Curran (Robin Wright). In addition to winning best picture, Tom Hanks added to the movie’s Oscar total by winning best actor, one of the most deserving winners of the prize. …show more content…
Hanks nails the role on the accent, speaking mannerisms and body language alone. He goes beyond that, however, by turning Forrest into a complex character despite his dearth of traditional intelligence. He also makes the character one of the most sympathetic and likeable ever put onscreen. If you don’t love at least the character of Forrest Gump, along with Hanks’ performance, then I feel a great deal of pity for you indeed.
“Forrest Gump” isn’t a one-man show, as many of the other players are quite good. Robin Wright does well as Jenny, especially once she ages. Once her character has been through more of the trials of life, the pain of the character is evident in Wright’s voice, face and body language. Gary Sinise is fantastic as Lt. Dan, earning an Oscar nod. He’s funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, realistic and everything else the movie asks him to be. Finally, Sally Field is great as Forrest’s momma, exuding the warmth and love so central to her character. This film isn’t merely an acting showcase, however, as it boasts other commendable aspects. Even after 22 years, the special effects by Ken Ralston, George Murphy, Stephen Rosenbaum and Allen Hall are great. As many will know, “Forrest Gump” incorporates the main character into various scenes from history, by using special effects to put Tom Hanks in archival footage. This still looks totally believable today. Plus, one would never guess that Gary Sinise’s legs were removed via CGI later in the move. It looks absolutely real. The real credit to “Forrest Gump” is the story and the way its told. For that, praise goes to director Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter Eric Roth, who both one Oscars for their work. The narrative is simply marvelous, with Zemeckis and Roth telling a supremely interesting story that mixes heartbreaking sadness, amazing inspiration and profound humor with ease, resulting in a sublime emotional experience. (If you don’t get choked up when Forrest asks about the intelligence of a child late in the film, we can’t be friends). Zemeckis and Roth also do a fabulous job with the simplicity of the movie. They don’t try to overstep their bounds and make the picture about more than it is. This is simply the story of one simple man. It has a simple message to convey, and it does so effectively. It also takes on