Analaysis of a worldwide hit movie intro; Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is an Oscar winning movie that has touched and influenced many people of different age ranges. Forrest Gump can be classed as a hybrid movie in terms of target audience as the movie appeals to all ages. It is a simple and easy story to follow that captivates audiences and creates huge ammounts of sympathy with a heart warming storyline.

The opening sequence for Forrest Gump is one of symbolism. Initatially, the scene opens with a single white feather in the ambience of the clear blue sky. The use of a white feather holds connotation of purity and innocence which coincides with the main character. The feather for the duration of the opening is being influenced by the wind, somewhat like a free spirit. The feather intertwines with the opening credits which include actors and crew. The feather flows up and down which represents up's and down's in the main characters life. The feather also shows moments on kindness and tenderness which is shown by the slow resting on a mans shoulder. Contrasting with this it also shows moments of danger like when the feather passes under a car which is followed by a fast upwards motion which then ends up with the same slow progression in movement. This represents that he will face danger but his personality will always revert back to the same state of which is calm. The still intact feather also moves from area to area around New York which represents a clear sense of travel and movement which coincides with the main characters journey through the movie.

Finally, the feather comes to rest gently on a pair of muddy sneakers. These muddy sneakers belong to the main character who is in a suit which doesn't create a stereotype as the muddy sneakers contrast with the formal suit. The main character then picks up the feather and puts in into a childrens book.This respresents the characters mindset as he is very 'simple' which also very caring as he looks at the feather with love and admiration.