An below average man - an extraordinary life!

Rating: Null/10 (6 September 2003)

!!!!!WARNINGS SPOILERS!!!!
I have just watched this for perhaps the third or forth time in its entirety and once again found it to be an uplifting experience; I have read various comments on its Academy competition in 1995 which was perhaps the steepest in recent times, comparisons to the book, (which I haven't read). I think though to truly reflect on it on its own merits. It is a simple tale of a simple man's journey through an amazing life. And although it requires a heavy suspension of disbelief, is that not the purpose of such pieces of entertainment? Are we not similarly uplifted when a Big Foot and two Abbot and Costello type robots help to save the galaxy? Or are we not transfixed with the characters of Jackson's LOTRs? The fact is that Forest is a lot less able than most of us yet he seems stumble into these wonderful adventures that through experience perhaps gives him a better level of understanding that we with our higher cranial capacity can't hope to emulate. Right to the last two scenes in which we see Forest having come to terms with the ambivalence losing the love that for so long eluded him, and yet getting to know the love of a son he never knew he had. In essence it's that old classic tale of the underdog. It is one of those old friendly cloaks that we can wrap around us for warmth on a cold night!

If any the message perhaps that Bob Zemeckis is aiming for is that many of us go through life missing the good things along the way - the whole film being a metaphor for most people, no matter their place or station in the world, are given a number of unappreciated blessings. Even that our own more complicated view of the world gives us a tarnished view of it. Where as Forest just does what he feels 'he' should or says exactly what he feels and is encumbered by the need to present himself in a light that requires the approval of his audience. Perhaps that is to philosophical a look at this film but then I am as I said more impressed with ability to entertain, after all is that not the first job of any films, if we were not able to be entertained through fiction perhaps we would sit at home watching CNN and The Discovery Channel. And as the man would say 'that's all I wan't to say about that right now!'
As for the technical aspects of Forest Gump, well were do I start. The acting I thought throughout was excellent Hank's portrayal is more than just good, he sucks you in to the story and helps you form a bond with the main character early, and towards the end were most of the Dialog is by way of metronome precision narration (that keeps the timing of the film together) we see Forest running or on his mower or even just sitting around pondering what has gone before, Tom's facial interpretation of this is excellent. The direction is a major triumph for BZ and the supporting cast turn in stellar performances especially Gary Sinise who chemistry with Hanks has been called upon on two subsequent occasions. (Answers on a post card - EZ really!) All this under one of the best soundtracks ever and of course that wonderful Alan Silvestri score!
Forest Rocks *****