Perhaps a bit more complex than most would think...

Rating: Null/10 (29 March 2006)

Judging from the box office success, Forrest Gump is a film that has touched many millions of lives. It seems to work on many levels, some of which have been exhaustedly discussed in other opinions here. Shortly after seeing it at the cinema (a decade ago) it occurred to me that the character of Forrest Gump could be regarded as a metaphor for 20th century America. Starting from a difficult childhood, Forrest finds he has outgrown his disability, just as America's economic strength found its feet from 1900 to 1950. His pursuit of Jenny represents the American dream, lost to promiscuity and the moral blight of Vietnam. The death of Forrest's mother represents the passing of "Norman Rockwell's America" (for want of a better expression) and as we all know - a lot of sh** happened in the 70s. That Forrest finds wealth easily represents one of the great myths/truths about 20th century America - the land of opportunity. The parallels are numerous.
It might seem a simple film about a simple man, but it's resonance is far from accidental. This film should be compulsory viewing for anyone seeking to understand the psyche of modern America.