FORREST GUMP
A film review by Gregory N. Bond
Copyright 1993 Gregory N. Bond
[Old news to 'merkins, but it's about to open locally]
Stars: Tom "Philadelphia" Hanks, Robyn "The Princess Bride" Wright
This was previewed for local audiences on the weekend, prior to official release this week. The film is basically story of Forrest Gump (Hanks), a borderline moron with a perfect soul, who rises from a tough childhood to become football star, war hero, world pingpong champion, shrimp fisherman and millionaire. Through it all Gump is the anchor for the soul of Jenny (Wright), an abused child and a deeply troubled woman, and "Lieutenant Dan," the officer Gump rescues from his fate to die in glory in Vietnam, leaving him a bitter cripple. Gump is also remarkably unaffected by all that life has brought him: "So I went to the Whitehouse--AGAIN--and met the President--AGAIN" in a very ho-hum voice.
The story is told initially as a series of flashbacks, with Gump sitting at a bus stop, relating his life story to a series of interested or incredulous listeners. The later part of the film takes a more conventional narrative form.
The whole saga of Forrest Gump the person is set against the saga of America the nation, centered mainly in the 60s and 70s. The most fascinating thing about the film is the brilliant use of computer graphics (attested to in the long list of technicians in the credits) to completely seamlessly merge action from the film with the archival footage of the events of the era. Hence you have Gump meeting various Presidents, shaking hands, etc; the Vietnam rallies with hundreds of thousands of people in Washington imperceptibly merging with the characters. (In fact, it was not until the credits rolled that I realised this was real footage, not just look-alikes. I suspect some of these film clips are much more famous in the US than they are out here.) Even the Vietnam scenes are some of the best (and most frightening) war footage I have seen, and the serious digital sound in the Russell Cinemas certainly aided the impact. (The weakest part of the computer graphics also occurs in Vietnam--a Napalm attack by F-4 Phantoms had a very matte'd look.)
In all the incidents, the basic humanity and downright niceness of Gump is used as a telling contrast to those around him, even the best intentioned. The man is *way* too perfect. A Saint. Mother Teresa is nothing on him. Despite a character that could be a major pain in the arse, Gump is someone you feel for, sympathise with, and by golly you wish you could meet him. Hanks handles a very demanding role very well, the script is excellent, and Wright (who obviously appreciates the chance to show she is an actress, not just a princess) is also excellent.
The film is full of humor, the writing excellent, the acting great, the effects stunningly seamless. A lot of fun.