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Since Oscar-winning best picture FORREST GUMP was released, Robert Zemeckis’ film has easily moved into the pop culture consciousness. How many lines can you quote from this film? Who hasn’t done one Forrest Gump impression in their lives? Some scenes now gain a humor that wasn’t original there just because of the number of times they have been parodied. Having seen the film several times over the years and hearing varying impressions, I’m struck by how chameleon-like the themes are depending on the angle one wants to look at it. From destiny versus freewill to optimism versus pessimism to conforming versus rebellion, what does the film mean to you?

Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks, PHILADELPHIA) is a slow man, but he’s never let that get in the way of life. His mother (Sally Field, NORMA RAE) always said, “Stupid is as stupid does.” Ever since the first day of school, Forrest has been friends with Jenny (Robin Wright Penn, THE PRINCESS BRIDE). Their lives couldn’t be more different. Forrest’s mother is supportive and kind, while Jenny’s father is an abusive drunk. Despite having a twisted spine as a child, Forrest grows up to be a lightning runner, which allows him to attend the University of Alabama on a football scholarship. During the course of his life, he will become a witness to school integration, a Vietnam War hero, a international ping-pong champion, a shrimp boat captain, a millionaire businessman, a gardener at his hometown high school, and an inspirational guru. Jenny’s life course will traverse many of the more revolutionary and shady elements of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

During his life, Forrest will meet many people, including three presidents. During Vietnam, Forrest connects with his best good friend Bubba Blue (Mykelti Williamson, THREE KINGS), a slow man himself, whose family knows everything about the shrimping business. Their superior officer Lt. Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise, TV’s THE STAND) believes that his destiny lies with his ancestors, who died in battle in each of the American wars. But when he survives without his legs, he questions his purpose. After the war, Forrest travels to China to compete against the best in the world and upon his return he meets John Lennon on the DICK CAVETT SHOW. This isn’t the first rock star he’s met, having shown some dance moves to Elvis in his youth. During a confusing time in his life, Forrest will just head out on the road running, which brings him followers who are all looking for a purpose in life.

In addition to Best Picture, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay, Tom Hanks won his second Best Actor Oscar in a row. The iconic performance is a landmark of subtle comedic timing. Viewing it now, one may get an impression that he’s overacting, but I believe it’s the curse of too much success. The character’s ticks are consistent and often understated, but it’s so well known we only remember the ticks and not the subtlety. Watch how Hanks’ reacts every time he finishes telling a story that upsets him. And that’s all I have to say about that. Sinise also received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his disgruntled Lt. Dan. Sinise sells the ups and downs of the character’s feelings with raw energy. Field, in a smaller role, brings her signature pluckiness, but this time with a hint of mature wisdom that suits the character perfectly. And I would be remiss not to mention Jenny. Wright Penn makes the troubled woman a kind friend to Forrest who always looks out for him, but is brave enough to not underplay her troubles that make her selfish.

Eric Roth’s Oscar-winning screenplay based on Winston Groom’s novel is a masterwork. The most prominent theme pits destiny against freewill. Does life have a purpose or are we just a feather floating in the wind? Forrest’s random flowing accomplishments argue in favor of the freewill feather, but his seemingly unavoidable love affair with his Jenny argues differently. Forrest’s outlook on life is based on an innocent optimism, taking pleasure from the simple things in life and not letting the challenges get in the way of living. Jenny is the opposite, allowing the difficulties that life has dealt her to make her bitter, angry, and at times, hopeless. Another reading of the film strongly supports conformity. Forrest listens to his momma and other authority figures like the military and the church, reaping the benefits from being a good boy. Jenny challenges the way the world has become and gains nothing but misery from it. Depending on your point of view, this could be bad or it could be good. But like life, it’s the way you look at it that creates its meaning.

There is so much one can say about this touching and often hilarious landmark film. Now over a decade old there is no doubt of its classic status, coming from one of the great years in cinema, which also included PULP FICTION, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE?, ED WOOD, HOOP DREAMS, CLERKS, THE PROFESSIONAL, SHADOWLANDS, QUIZ SHOW, SPEED, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL and THE LION KING.

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