I wish that I could love Forrest Gump. I promise, I do. For those reading this from under the comfy confines of a rock, Forrest Gump is the endearing odyssey of the lovable and mentally handicapped titular character played by Tom Hanks. After overcoming a crippling physical handicap as a child, he falls in love with Jenny Curran, (Robin Wright) a woman with prototypical daddy issues, who chooses to oppose “the man” in every way possible. Although his penultimate goal is to marry this wonderful woman, Forrest somehow finds the time to serve in Vietnam, own a shrimp boat, create many memorable and iconic images, and meet various historical figures.
Now, as an avid reader of film essays and cinematic critique, I’m sure you’re befuddled. How can anyone hate Forrest Gump? The answer is simple: the film is the embodiment of the things I like least in life. The lead character is a conformist. The portrayal of Bubba, to no fault of actor Mykelti Williamson and all fault to screenwriter Eric Roth, is heavily racist. Lastly, the film is riddled with clichés. Let’s take it piece by piece, shall we?
Forrest Gump, while adorable and unknowing of the harms of the society he surrounds himself with, is the perfect example of a conformist. He twists and turns to follow the way of the world. Gump does what he’s told, when he’s told, and is loved for it. The only person who doesn’t conform in this way in this film is Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise). He battles against what the world wants him to do. He stands up for himself as an individual. Forrest continues nodding. Forrest continues agreeing. Forrest continues conforming.
Bubba is portrayed as just a man. But he is the most important black character of the entire film. We’re never told any of the mental incapabilities he has. Yet, somehow, he seems to be on the same level as Forrest, a man who is obviously mentally handicapped. The story paints him as the average black male, full of dreams and aspirations. Then why is Bubba so slow? A bad call by the screenwriter? Probably. You can judge for yourself.
Finally, Forrest Gump is filled with enough clichés to induce vomiting. From the spectacle of, “Oh my goodness, look at how cool it is that Forrest is meeting with (insert historical figure here),” to the “Oh, so they’re saying that Forrest created (insert catchphrase here),” the film is a clear-cut example of being a try-hard movie. This is a film that was created with awards in mind.
Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump.”
Extremely talented actor in the lead role, playing a character with a disability? Check. Hot love interest? Check. Lovable, wise mother played by a wonderful actress? Check. Billions and billions of ideas, themes, people, places, and things that people will be able to identify and enjoy? Check.
Combine all these ingredients into one film and the citizens of the world will forever gather and applaud this happy-go-lucky film, devoid of a character who shows true development from beginning to end. As I said earlier, I really wish that I could love Forrest Gump, but I am not a lemming.
Betsy Russo
Welcome Steve, nice article… However, Forest Gump is my hero. I love the simplicity of him. Maybe he is a conformist or maybe just an innocent. My favorite part is when he sternly tells Jenny to go back to Greenbow Alabama! Interesting take on the film, personally I loved it. Life is like a box of chocolates and stupid is as stupid does. Sorry, I love cliches.
Cheers,
Betsy
gregory small
Exactly Steve. Good point on Forrest as conformist – I think some people like this film because they feel they’re supposed to. They also bought into the equally schmaltzy Benjamin Button.
Steve Goldberg
Thank you!
Martin Randell
I think you need to research what racism is. To call a character in a film “racist” because it fulfils some type of stereotype irresponsible and unprofessional. If Bubba’s character is racist for portrayal then the Eric Roth should also be labeled a racist for his portrayal of Forrest mom for basing a character on a stereotypical southern single mom. Basically any character based on any stereotype would be racist. Shia Labeouf in transformers is “racist” because he is the typical jewish teen in California. If actors and writers didn’t base characters on pre-established molds there would never be a character on screen… ever…. Does Bubba ever spew hate towards another race? no. If he did that would be the only way in which his character would be considered racist. Racism has become a buzz word and diversion that the media has adopted to divert people from concentrating on the real issues in the world. I suggest to you, while you are still a student, to avoid this trap and grow beyond the bounds of what you yourself would title a conformist.
Steve Goldberg
While I agree on your critique and admit that perhaps “racist” is the incorrect word, I do not simply say it in regards to his stereotypical actions. His family in the film is stereotypical as well, along with other black characters, but Bubba is unnecessarily slow. It’s a stereotype to start out with, but with the additions of Bubba having the thought process of a mossy rock, there is more than just “stereotypes” occrring.
NikkiM
Thanks for writing this. I’ve always thought FG was one of the dumbest movies out there. Tom Hanks notwithstanding, there’s little redeeming value in this film
Steve Goldberg
Agreed!
Tony Wilson
A quick question: you state that Forrest’s “penultimate goal is to marry this wonderful woman.” If so, then what is his final goal? Penultimate doesn’t mean the most ultimate; it means next to last. Dictionaries are wonderful things.
Steve Goldberg
Good catch! Must admit that I thought “penultimate” was merely a synonym. Thanks for the unnecessarily quippy critique 😉
Jamie Garcia
In regards to your point about conformity, I always saw the movie as a stab against conformists. Forrest is a character of simple wit and he can still easily complete all the tasks of a conformist without even understanding what he is truly doing. Making the main character mentally disadvantaged and perfectly going through life where he fits in “like a peg in one of them circle holes” shows that ANYONE can go the army and etc. On top of this, I never saw Bubba as a racist character. Dave Chappelle turned down the role as he saw it racially demeaning but I just see him as another Forrest Gump; I see them as equals. Ultimately, I believe it is your critic mind that will not allow you to enjoy this movie. I am a history major who is disgusted by a few historical inaccuracies but I still allow myself to enjoy this movie because it’s cute. It is! It is a movie that I watch when I need inspiration or I feel like the world is awful. I just try to remember there are people out there like Forrest. In the end, however, this movie was out to get awards but I just can’t stop loving this movie.