Director
Robert Zemeckis
Leading Actors/Actresses
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, Sally Field
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Language
English
Awards
Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor for Tom Hanks, Best Director for Zemeckis, Best Adapted Screenplay for Eric Roth, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
Date of Release
July 6th, 1994
Producer
Wendy Finerman, Steve Tisch, and Steve Starkey
Setting and Context
The American South, from the 1950's to the 1980's
Narrator and Point of View
The film is told through the point of view of Forrest Gump (who is also the narrator)
Tone and Mood
Sentimental, Inspiring, Heartwarming, Wholesome, Dramatic, Comical
Protagonist and Antagonist
Forrest Gump is the protagonist. There is no single main antagonist, though Forrest must deal both with historical upheaval and with perceptions that he is mentally deficient.
Major Conflict
Forrest's struggle to be normal and to lead a normal life in spite of all of his limitations is the main conflict. Also, Forrest's struggle to stay with Jenny.
Climax
When Jenny dies.
Foreshadowing
Lieutenant Dan saying he will be Forrest's first mate if he ever gets a shrimping boat foreshadows the realization of this promise.
Understatement
Forrest often shows up at the center of historically significant situations, but never quite understands the gravity of them. He also doesn't understand how symbolically significant his "run across America" is to his devoted followers.
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
Impressive special effects.
Allusions
Important moments in American history, Curious George, Joan Baez, the New Left.
Paradox
Jenny loves Forrest, but she is unable to accept his love because of her traumatic past, and her self-destructive tendencies end up killing her.
Parallelism
At times, we see Forrest and Jenny's separate lives set in parallel to one another.
