Thanks so much for stopping by during this busy month of never-ending blogs! My theme for the month is characters A-Z, and for today, April 7, 2012 ...
G is for ....
Is there anyone out there who doesn't like Forrest Gump? What a character! I have to watch this movie every couple of years. Besides the uber amazing soundtrack, following along Forrest's journey is just plain heartwarming. Simple-minded, yet pure of heart, Forrest Gump was focused on one thing, one goal: Jenny. That was it. Everything else that fell his way, were simply obstacles--ones he overcame because even though he wasn't the smartest of guys, he was true to himself, and to what his mama taught him.
How do so many of us relate to a character like this, when most of us have much higher IQs? I'll tell you how--because everyone, no matter who, plays the fool at some time. We all have those moments, hours, days when we just feel stupid, or do something stupid ... and that's just part of life. No one is exempt. Watching Forrest Gump in action isn't about the audience laughing at a mentally-challenged guy--it's about seeing a small part of ourselves in someone who maybe got the short end of the stick, and cheering him on through life's obstacles.
That's what every main character should have us doing.
I leave you with a few of my Forrest Philosophies that I started writing down over the years:
1. Life is happier when we keep it simple
2. Have at least one goal in life--something to always strive for
3. No one has all the answers, so why pretend like we do?
4. Even a person with a low IQ knows the difference between right and wrong
5. The basics in life are what unite us all: love, hurt, loss, joy, friendship, hunger, thirst, procreation
6. And of course ... stupid is, as stupid does
That's all I've got so far, but maybe one day I'll have a book of them. ;)
I leave you with a clip of my fave scene from Forrest Gump:
That look on his face after the braces break away always gives me chills--it's the obstacles being overcome, the freedom from achievement ... the look of "I can do this."
Have a fabulous weekend and thanks again for adding my little blog here to your visits. Anything you want to share? I love your comments! Any thoughts on Forrest Gump, or do you have your own G character to mention?
31 comments:
Great G post, I sa the film Forrest Gump on TV, really enjoyed it.
Have a wonderful Easter.
Yvonne.
One of my favorite movies. It had so many great messages and really makes you stop and reflect.
Great theme and post!
The thing I really enjoyed about this film, and others that do similar, is the journey it takes you along. Yes, it's ok once in a while to switch your brain off and watch a film with explosions, bad language, a car chase, a shoot out, the obligatory female eye candy sex scene and a pretty shallow ending, but films like 'Gump' engage you.
When watching the old black & white films, with James Cagney, Bette Davies, or Humphrey Bogart, you had a sense of depth and story. Even though these films lasted an hour or more, they really took you on a journey and felt much, much longer, and so very enjoyable.
Whereas now, you can be stuck on your butt for two plus hours begging for the film to end, and being able to second guess (correctly) what's coming next... *yawn*
Lovely post for G :)
Great character. There is a lot we can learn from him and apply to both writing and life. Thanks for sharing.
A simple story, well told, can teach so much more than 'clever' films.
I haven't seen Forrest Gump in a very long time. You have just inspired me to get it out and watch it again!
Happy Easter!
Yes, one of my very favorite movies and characters. He's so open and honest. "Run Forest, Run!"
Hi, Love your topic Gump! I love Forrest! Just wanted to let you know I have added you to today's A.D.'s FAV 5 of the A to Z challenge! Yeppie! Come and check it out!
http://adduling.wordpress.com/
A.D.
I really liked Bubba's character too. Such an innocent, and he connected with Gump on so many levels.
I've seen this movie so many times. It is such a great film.
I’ve watched this movie over and over and never tire of it. Great post.
Great character for G. I haven't seen this movie in ages. It would be nice to see it again.
Favorite G character: Ginny Weasley.
Sometimes the rest of us need to be reminded of the rules Forrest lived by....
You definitely chosen two of the best-written shows in history, Forrest Gump and Frazier - timeless classics!
Love your choice for G. Such a wonderful, sweet movie.
When I was a kid my mom always told me "Pretty is as pretty does" and replacing 'pretty' with 'stupid' is even better. :)
Forrest Gump is one of my favourites - heartbreaking and heart-warming all in one hit. It amazes me every time I watch it - in fact I think I'll try to watch it again this holiday!
I've only seen it a couple of times - it is a very sweet film, and it makes me cry!
He did keep it simple. Everything ran through Jenny or Mom.
I love Forrest Gump! Such a great movie! And also, just checked out your covers too on your projects page--how fun! Doesn't it just excite you to give your story a face, in a sense? :)
Yes, it's time for me to watch Forrest again.
Awesome post!! Who doesn't love Gump?
Forest Gump IS a great character. I think what I like best about him is his lack of judgment. He isn't MAD people don't treat him better. He just keeps being a good guy. And that is SO HEALING for the really damaged characters of Jenny and Captain Dan.
I haven't seen this film for so long, I might curl up with it this afternoon :-)
What's not to love about Forrest Gump? It really is a great movie. He's so simple, but he has such a great impact on those in his life, even when it isn't his intent. May have to watch it today. :D
Seems I'm the odd one out on this one, PK. I hate, hate, double infinity hate Forrest Gump.
I must have seen this film twenty times. I showed it to my high school students who all thoroughly enjoyed it, that is, until I asked them to write a 500 word essay on it.
Great choice of a G character. I had thought you'd do it on movie gangsters but you fooled me.
Gimp for the win! To this day, Forest Gump is one of my kids' favorite movies.
He was a great character. there's something powerful about simplicity. And he had such a centered goodness, you couldn't help root for him and want good things to happen for him.
Hi...I'm hopping over from the A to Z challenge. Lovely post...good luck with the challenge.
Donna L Martin
www.donasdays.blogspot.com
Love the sayings. So much truth in them.
This film always makes me smile and cry.
I listen to the soundtrack all the time too.
Great choice.
Heather
I recently realized my kids have never seen Forrest Gump. I've got to break out my laser disk of the movie (and the player) and fix that.
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