Question

“Forrest Gump, the latest cinematic impersonation of American innocence, has become an icon dear to the hearts of the baby-boom generation whose common experience he mirrors. Gump’s life, it seems, is how millions of middle-aged Americans feel theirs should have been” (Charles Laurence, Daily Telegraph)
1. What does Charles mean when he says this audience shares a “common experience” with the character of Forrest Gump? Explain.

2. Do you feel that without this “common experience” one’s enjoyment of the film Forrest Gump might be lessened? Explain.

Answer 1

Charles wants to say that the public identifies with the character of Forest Gump because they lived in situations and feelings similar to what he lives. Without this common experience, the enjoyment of watching the film would be diminished.

How does the public identify with Forrest Gump?

• Seeing Forest go through situations similar to the ones the public went through.
• Seeing Forrest feel feelings and express them in a similar way to the public.
• By seeing Forrest's relationship with the people around him.
• By identifying with Forrest's behavior.

When the audience sees themselves in Forrest's shoes, they begin to share common experiences, leaving the audience emotional and imagining themselves as Forrest. This is very important for the success of the film and the positive view of the public, without which the film would not be so successful and enjoyable.

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