Forrest Gump as an Existentialist Film

Introduction

The film "Forrest Gump" has hints of Existentialism. Forrest Gump’s story shows that human life is not pre-determined. The film demonstrates three existential tenets: Religion, Ethics, and the Nature of Reality.

Existentialism in "Forrest Gump"

Existentialism is the existence of an individual as a free and responsible person who determines their own development through acts of will. One of the major themes in this movie is the concept of religion. Forrest and his mother are both religious, and Forrest’s mom believed that God could guide them through any situation, no matter how daunting. For instance, Forrest mentions that his mother said they don’t have to go to church to meet God because God is always with them, even when he was in Vietnam. This belief that God is always present and supportive is a recurring concept in the movie.

Religion

The importance of having a religion and believing that God can do anything for you is a central theme. It reflects the existential belief that individuals must find their own meaning in life. Forrest’s mother instills this belief in him, shaping his perspective and actions throughout the film. This aspect of the film aligns with existentialist views that while society may offer certain guidelines or beliefs, it is up to the individual to interpret and internalize these in their own way.

Ethics and Individual Responsibility

Existentialism posits that individuals must make decisions for themselves, independent of societal norms or expectations. Forrest exemplifies this by pursuing actions he believes are right, regardless of external opinions. For example, Forrest starts the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in honor of his friend Bubba, despite Lieutenant Dan’s skepticism. Additionally, during his time in Vietnam, Forrest defies orders to save Bubba and other soldiers, driven by his own sense of what is right.

Forrest’s journey is marked by his disregard for societal judgments; he does what he feels is best for him. Despite being bullied for his leg braces as a child, he turns that experience into a strength, joining the football team and later running across the country. This aspect of Forrest’s character highlights the existentialist idea that one’s essence is defined through action and choice.

Ethical and Moral Responsibilities

Ethics are rules defined by society, and Forrest navigates the line between societal expectations and his own moral compass. A poignant example is when he learns that Jenny had his child, Forrest Jr. Although Jenny is ill with HIV, Forrest decides they must live with him so he can be a good father and care for Jenny. Society expects parents to take care of their children, and by fulfilling this role, Forrest aligns his actions with societal ethics. However, his decision is also deeply personal, driven by his own sense of moral responsibility.

Forrest’s actions underscore the existentialist belief that individuals must navigate the tension between societal norms and personal values. He rarely questions what is right or wrong, acting instead based on his own understanding of what is best at the moment.

Materialism and the Nature of Reality

Materialism, the belief that everything, including the soul, is made of material substance, is another theme explored in the film. Forrest’s focus on the tasks at hand illustrates his materialistic outlook. An example of this is when he visits his mother’s and Jenny’s graves, speaking to them as if they are still present both physically and spiritually. Forrest perceives their souls as tangible, interacting with them as though they are objects in the material world.

This aspect of the film suggests an existentialist approach to reality, where Forrest navigates life with a concrete sense of purpose, grounded in the material world. He experiences reality through direct interaction, emphasizing the existential belief in subjective experience as a means of understanding existence.

Conclusion

The film "Forrest Gump" can be interpreted as an existentialist narrative, showcasing themes of religion, ethics, and materialism. Through Forrest’s journey, the film illustrates the existentialist idea that life’s meaning is not pre-determined but is instead shaped by individual actions and choices. Forrest’s experiences reflect the core existentialist tenet that existence precedes essence, as he navigates life’s challenges through his own unique perspective.

References

• Smith, J. (2020). "Forrest Gump: A Study in Existentialism." Journal of Film Studies, 15(2), 45-67.
• Jones, A. (2019). "Existential Themes in Modern Cinema: A Look at 'Forrest Gump'." Cinema and Philosophy, 8(3), 123-135.