'Forrest Gump' is a story of a slow, simple minded man from Alabama that, despite beating all the odds and becoming a success in multiple areas of his life, finds it difficult to get Jenny, his dear childhood friend, to reciprocate the feelings he has for her. The movie follows them through the years to adulthood. In Forrest Gump, the mise-en-scène uses items and popular trends from the particular time period in question to allow the viewer connect the time frame and story.
A scene of utmost importance from the movie 'Forrest Gump' is entitled; "Peas and Carrots," is when Forrest and Jenny meet for the first time on the school bus, thus beginning a lifelong friendship. At the time of this scene, it was the beginning of the school year and Forrest gets on the bus. After receiving multiple rejections from the other children on the bus to let him sit down, Forrest turns and locks eyes with Jenny. She invites him to sit with her and they have an immediate bond. This friendship with Jenny is special to Forrest because she is his only friend. Forrest proves to be unaccepted by others because he is a boy of low intelligence who presents with a strange walk due to braces he must wear on his legs to aid his crooked back. Jenny accepts Forrest as he is and she does not make fun of him.
The setting begins depicting the time and style of the 1950's south in the United States. As times change throughout the years between the 1950's and the 1980's. The methods and culture the characters present for speaking and dressing are symbolic of the era. True historic events that have occurred are presented throughout the movie during their corresponding time periods. Old automobiles and a 1950's barber shop are shown, evident of the time. In addition, the televisions that were on display in the window were all in black and white, showcasing Elvis Pressley at the infancy of his singing career
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