Movies We Hate: Forrest Gump

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.