The Sixties is Like a Box of Chocolates

The sixties is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get

With the first viewing of this film, we never know what we’re gonna get. Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeck, 1994) is a classic movie which catches our attention when we flick through the TV, even if it’s mid-way through. Why do we love it so much? Well Tom Hanks would be too much of an obvious answer. We fall in love with the quirky and sweet Forrest, but we also follow his adventure through life. The film introduces iconic events throughout the era’s in America from the fifties to the eighties; reflecting the history we learn today. This blog focuses on Forrest’s experience through the sixties and the movements which occurred through this decade.

I have a dream

 Forrest Gump is an interesting character and we perceive him as dumb. He may need crowds of people directing him toward a home run, but alone he recognizes racial equality. In the sixties, the prominent era of Civil rights, Forrest encounters many vital experiences. Firstly, he befriends an African American man named Bubba, and despite witnessing racial comments he deeply values their relationship. Furthermore, during his visit to Washington DC he attends a Black Panther Rally at the Lincoln memorial, the same spot as Martin Luther King performed his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Later we witness a scene where a Black Panther officer confronts Forrest Gump at a Black Panther party, which demonstrates the methods and attitudes of the organisation. Although, despite the officer ranting at him, Forrest barely concentrates as he’s fixating on Jenny. Music is also carefully selected which includes anti-war songs such as Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe.”

In the bottox, sir

Forrest Gump served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, which was a fight between North and South Vietnam. The Vietnam battle is an intense, action packed scene. Limbs are lost, bombs and bullets flying in every direction which provides a realistic depiction. Despite the panic of every soldier, Forrest Gump seems confused, but the emotion is enhanced when Bubba passes away. The film however, represents the actors in an honourable manner, showing their dedication and loyalty as service men.

Talkin' Bout my Jeneration

One of the features of the film we notice is Jenny’s evolving style. “The sixties Jenny” wears hippy style clothing and plays the guitar. This reflects the emergence of protests and youth in the sixties because Jenny travels around joining anti-Vietnam rallies trying to promote "peace". However, this leads her to a downwards spiral of hard drugs which became increasing with youth in this era.

That's all I have to say about that 

Over 2 hours later and many tears Forrest Gump ends its unique journey of a love story. Basically, it is about a boy chasing a girl, but a lot of historical context is thrown in. The topics may be represented in a subtle tone, but we are seeing it through Forrest’s innocent perspective and are aware of his low IQ. Overall, this film demonstrates iconic events in the sixties civil rights era but in a light-hearted way which makes it memorable for its audience.