How has the period of the Vietnam War been portrayed in film? Forrest Gump (1) (1994) (Robert Zemeckis)

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Question 1

How has the period of the Vietnam War been portrayed in film?

Forrest Gump (1) (1994) (Robert Zemeckis)

This section of Forrest Gump shows little criticism of American involvement in the Vietnam War. It presents a 'cosy' view of the war by portraying it through Forrest's innocent, uncritical, child-like eyes.

The film honours the army and portrays the soldiers as normal, decent young men who were doing their duty for America. Forrest's heroic actions add a patriotic view to American involvement in Vietnam and make the army and soldiers look brave, loyal and chivalrous. Their innocence is also shown in their will to 'get home', creating sympathy for the US.

Although 'cosy' in its view of the War, this section is also slightly critical of US involvement. The music included is often songs by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, whose lyrics are associated with the anti-war movement in America. Forrest's lack of knowledge regarding the Vietcong is suggestive to the lack of knowledge displayed by the whole army regarding the policy of containment.

The conditions of war in the film are displayed as tough and the guerrilla