Forrest Gump Opening Sequence Analysis

Forrest Gump Opening Sequence Analysis

The opening sequence stays fairly consistent in term's of camera shot's used, as it mainly consists of a close up tracking shot of a feather. This could potentially signify how the story is likely to be structured, with the main character being tracked. The quiet, innocent piano sound used foreshadows a sweet nature of the film to the audience. At certain points of the opening sequence, an aerial shot is used in order to establish the scene of scenic views and pure nature with trees and Greenland being shown. This could potentially signify a calm aspect to the film. The music used jolts into a more lively nature as the feather begins to approach the character, this signifies to the audience who the main character will be as well as indicates to them an important moment is set to occur. Towards the end of the opening sequence, The camera is a close up on Tom Hanks, whose character is likely to be main character due to the camera's focus on him as well as the fact that no other character are really indicated in the opening sequence. The close up also indicates the facial expression and body language used by the main character.

The feather has evidently been used to represent the main character in the opening sequence due to the fact that the feather is being tracked constantly before the camera going on to track the main character, Forrest Gump. Feather's often connote peace and innocence which could potentially be a good interpretation of Forrest Gump, as his calm nature is shown by his handling of the feather in the opening sequence. In addition, the scene is evidently set in a fairly busy town, this is indicated by the vehicles and people manoeuvrings around the setting. The fact that Forrest Gump is sat on a bench, away from other people could potentially signify that he is unique. The costume used on Forrest produces a sense of contradiction, with Forrest presented in colourful, child like socks as well as muddy trainers, yet wearing a smart, cream coloured suit. This could potentially signify that Forrest Gump is a child like character, trying to transition into acting more adult like. But judging from the costume it will be difficult, as it indicates there will always be a child like attitude within him. The box of chocolates signifies a sweet nature to Forrest as chocolate can often be connoted as sweet. It also shows Gump to be caring, as he has evidently gone through the effort of buying a box of chocolates for a certain person, which can be classed as narrative enigma due to the uncertainty as to who it is for.

There are several hints of narrative enigma which can be referred to. Some aspects are to do with his body language and facial expressions, for example, why does he look upset? Forrest is evidently in a thoughtful mindset, potentially reminiscing mindset. The fact that he looks slightly upset could have been caused by something in the past, and the audience are likely to be intrigued as to why. Several other attempts by the producers to hook the audience from an early stage include what was mentioned before: Who is the box of chocolate's for? The box of chocolate's could be indicative of the genre, with it having many romantic connotations. Towards the end of the scene, Forrest is seen placing a feather in his small suitcase. This is a usage of Narrative enigma in itself as it is a fairly strange action to take. However, the possessions in the small suitcase are fairly childlike, which gives further enigma as the audience are questioning as to why he has these possessions. It is also questionable as to why he has dressed in a smart nature. Perhaps he is going somewhere. This is likely to hook the audience and make them interested as to what is set to occur.

Furthermore, judging by the opening sequence it is likely the fans of the Romance genre are likely to be attracted, due to the usage of a box of chocolates, with its many romantic connotations. The fact that Forrest has dressed smartly could be indicative of a potential destination. Possibly a date, for example. Fans of Tom Hanks are also likely to be intrigued by the opening sequence, due to the emphasis on him with the camera as well as the fact that his name has appeared separately from the others in the opening credits. This indicates he is the star of the film and this attracts fans of him in particular. The childlike nature of certain aspects of Forrest's clothing contrasting with the well presented suit sums up the age of the target audience well. It is obvious the producers have looked to aim at all age's for this film, a family film.