Forrest Gump as the Modern Day Fairytale

Forrest Gump as the Modern Day Fairytale

Forrest Gump is a classic film; this essay will explore all aspects if

this favourite. From the beautifully naïve Forrest, to the political

underlay throughout the narrative.

The opening sequence of the film stimulates a distant memory, a

reminiscence of fairytales from years gone by. Once getting to know

the character of Forrest I realize this innocence of fairytales is

reflected in his being. The tinkling keys of the piano sets the

atmosphere for the rest of the film; magical.

We see a feather floating on a breeze. A signifier is a symbol, it can

be verbal (seen) or aural (heard). It is a symbol that the audience

can place a significant meaning onto. In Forrest Gump the signifier is

this feather. To me the feather has no complex underhand meaning. Like

Forrest the feather is simple. I believe that it represents his life;

worry free, just meandering along quite happily on a breeze.

"The feather is a metaphor for the randomness of life. It has a

destiny, or did it choose to land at Forrests feet?"

This it what the director, Robert Zemekis ponders about the feather.

He refers to destiny, are the events in our live due to destiny like a

feather on the breeze or do we make our own destiny? A question we

will all surely ponder in our life, and a theme that this film subtly

addresses.

We follow this feather on its significant journey from a high angle

camera shot; this was probably done using a crane. It allows us; the

audience, to have a clear view of what's going on beneath us. High

angled shots can even make the audience feel powerful and superior and

the actors seem small and v...

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...spotter and is offered a place in a university for a sports

degree.

The only parts of Forrest Gump which contrast to the magical fairy

story image I have created are the tragic deaths of Bubba, his Mum,

and Jenny.

Jenny's death is a tearful culmination to a previously happy ending.

They don’t all live happily ever after, Jenny dies and Forrest is left

with a living reminder of her memory, his son little Forrest. Jenny

knew that she was dying and in a final moment of sanity and compassion

she gave into her will and let happiness reside in her heart by

allowing herself to love Forrest. At Jenny's grave we hear a heartfelt

tear provoking speech from Forrest, Jenny can finally rest in peace.

The film ends with the feather floating in the air. Signifying the end

of one journey and the beginning of another, new life.