Its not a total disaster to rewatchForrest Gumptoday.
He witnesses the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, the March on the Pentagon, and the Watergate scandal.
But Zemeckis doesnt do justice to the weight of these historical events, because theyre presented from Forrests perspective.
In simplifying U.S. history, Zemeckis also whitewashes it.
Forrest Gumpsuffers from this problem, too.
At 142 minutes,Forrest Gumpis a little too long.
Zemeckis didnt need to take as long as he did to show the success of Forrests shrimping business.
The running montage is interminable.
Forrest falls for Jenny early in life and stays in love with her well into their adult years.
While Jenny goes off to sow her wild oats, Forrest remains singularly focused on his love for her.
But thats not the sweet love story the movie presents it as.
Both Forrest and Jenny act in a very toxic manner throughout this entire so-called love story.
Forrest and Jenny getting together isnt actually a happy ending in this particular romance.
He gives Elvis Presley his signature dance move.
He witnesses Governor George Wallace trying to block integration at the University of Alabama.
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He meets more presidents than aSmartlesshost.
Historical figures this iconic need to be explored in more depth.
Rewatching it now,Forrest Gumpplays like a really glaring example of Oscar bait.
Its really sweet and saccharin, and it oversimplifies a litany of complicated societal issues.
But from a structural standpoint, the script is a total mess.
But the disjointed chronology and the boring stretches stand out more on a rewatch.
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It revolves around an average American joe who isnt particularly intelligent or ambitious.
And for doing so, the movie rewards him with fame, fortune, and the American Dream.
It wasnt so obvious in 1994, but it definitely stands out on a rewatch today.
Dustin Hoffman played a character with autism inRain Man.
Sean Penn played a character with an unspecified learning disability inI Am Sam.
In todays climate, Hanks portrayal of a character with an intellectual disability inForrest Gumpfeels a lot more problematic.
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2Forrest’s Entire Story Is Ridiculously Idealized
Forrests entire life story is absurdly idealized.
Forrest never really tries very hard at anything and ends up being great at everything.
He gets drafted to fight in Vietnam and ends up becoming a Rambo-style war hero.
Forrest finds massive success at every turn and doesnt really earn any of it.
Obviously, thats kind of the point.
Forrests relationship with his mother is nothing short of caring, supportive, and affectionate from beginning to end.
Every stranger that Forrest tells his story to is reduced to tears.
