ESSAY: FORREST GUMP (1994) by Cecille Arencibia, Faith Nordstrom, Krista Pilling, & Sydney Messinger
INTRODUCTION: Forrest Gump (1994) , directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a critically acclaimed film for good reason. It was a box office success, grossing over $329,694,499 worldwide. Forrest begins his story on a bench, waiting for the bus to arrive. He tells strangers his miraculous and inspirational story of his life. Although, the best of it was only yet to come. Tom Hanks snatched the Academy Award for best actor, as he juggles drama, comedy, and historical “interpretation.” The complexity of characterization and plot is what makes this film so special, that even in 2021, we continue to analyze it. COSTUMES AND MISE-EN-SCENE The mise-en-scene within Forrest Gump (with a specific focus on the physical appearances and wardrobe of characters) is rather interesting and truly helps enhance the telling of the story. Forrest Gump and individuals within his life go through various changes over time. Thus, as a part of mise-en-scene, the costumes (hair, makeup, wardrobe, etc.) of different cha