Journeys in Forrest Gump

Text - Forrest Gump Composer - Robert Zemeckis

Text Type - Movie Date of Publication - 1994

Brief Summary

Forrest Gump is the fictional story of a ‘warm-hearted dope’ and his journey through life. The film begins with Forrest recounting his life thus far to unsuspecting strangers whilst waiting at the bus stop. His life takes many twists and turns from becoming an All-America football player and being named a war hero, to becoming an overnight millionaire shrimper and running across the U.S. several times over. Throughout the movie, his life is entwined with Jenny, his childhood love interest who suffers from the abuse she sustained as a child. They later marry, but soon after, Jenny dies leaving Forrest to raise his son on his own.

Identify and describe the way this text explores the concept of 'The Journey' - support with examples

1. This film chronicles the journey of life of Forrest Gump, who experiences many obstacles throughout his life. These obstacles are all created by his inferior IQ which lands him in many amusing situations. The concept of the ‘Hero’s Journey’ follows this concept loosely. Forrest is first taught by his mentor, his mother, whose words are repeated throughout the text by Forrest. These words of wisdom help him overcome his obstacles (and supposed antagonist of this text) on his journey, and in the end gets his reward of marrying his love and raising a son.

Alongside Forrest’s journey through life, we also see the development of two other characters, his superior officer in the Vietnam War, Lieutenant Dan, and his love, Jenny.

2. Lt. Dan enters the movie as brave, down-to-earth man, intent on protecting his men and winning the war. But when he loses his legs in a firefight he insists on being left behind to die a noble death in war, because of his so-called ‘destiny’ to die on the battlefield like his ancestors. Unfortunately for him he’s saved by Forrest, ending his idea of destined death...