Forrest Gump

Movie: Forrest Gump, 1994; 141 min

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Actors: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field

Summary: Forrest Gump, an unintelligent but sincere man, shares the story of his life and his accidental presences at many historic events. He also shares the story of his true love, Jenny.

Question 1: What significance does the feather have within the story?

The floating feather opens and closes the film. The film begins with the feather floating, accompanied by the musical score, through the sky. It happens to land of Forrest’s foot, to where he sees it and stores it safely in his Curious George book. The book is then seen in Forrest’s memories of his childhood when his mother reads it to him before bed. Later, at the end of the film, Little Forrest brings the book to show for show and tell at school. Before Little Forrest goes to school, Forrest opens the book and reflects back on his childhood and his mother. The feather then falls out and floats away in the wind, tying up the end of the story. In many ways, the feather represents Forrest’s life. He goes with the flow and lets life take him wherever the wind takes him. Forrest does not plan ahead into the future; instead he lives in the present moment and follows where his heart takes him, just like the feather.  

Question 2: How does the soundtrack contribute to the film?

The soundtrack plays a major role in this film because each song defines the time period in which the movie is taking place. The movie begins during Forrest’s childhood in the 1950’s when Elvis just began to emerge as a musical icon. Elvis Presley’s song, “Hound Dog,” plays on a television set that Forrest and his mother see as they are walking by a store, and Forrest’s mother says, “this is not for children’s eyes.” The mother’s statement historically matches with the older generation’s reaction to Elvis’ new, more scandalous style of music. Also, during the Vietnam War time in the film, legendary songs of that time period are played in the background before Forrest goes to war and while he is in combat. Before Forrest goes to war, he goes to see Jenny sing Bob Dylan’s famous song about peace and acceptance, “Blowing in the Wind.” While Forrest is away at war iconic war songs such as Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” play to define the time period in which they come from. These recognizable songs continue throughout the film and help audience members relate to or reflect on the different time periods in the film.