The feather tossed by the wind, the box of chocolates, the slogan “Shit Happens”, the free seat on the school bus, “Run Forrest, Run”… When you can summarize a film with a few abstract words, it's what it left its mark on pop culture. This is therefore the case of Forrest Gump, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Ribambelle of Oscars, emblematic role for its star Tom Hanks, digital revolution nestled within the very heart of the project (the geek Robert Zemeckis and ILM had fun taking Forrest on a journey through archive images), melodramatic intensity still intact.. . “Forrest” hardly seems to show any wrinkles. Really ?
Sexist, anti-feminist, nauseating, reactionary: for this anniversary, this false biopic is dressed for winter by certain media. While the cast is reunited in a new film to be seen in theaters this November 6, Hereit is in particular the writing of the character of Jenny, Forrest's soul mate with a tragic destiny, which is contested.
Or rather, criticized. So much so that its star disputes the accusations…of misogyny. She testifies.
“Forrest Gump”, a misogynistic reaction film?
Yes, Robin Wright defends himself at the New Yorker from these attacks.
Critics review Forrest Gump and that's not a happy thing. Especially if we focus on Jenny: forever in love with her dear Forrest, she nevertheless seems to lead him by the nose for decades, leaving him to better find him, as if she were manipulating a person with a disability . Not crazy.
A rather miserable character due to her dramatic life – victim of violence from childhood, by her father – Jenny ends up dying of AIDS, after a life spent rubbing shoulders with marginal figures whose causes are derided – hippies, member of the Black Panthers.
Sexual violence, domestic violence… Jenny's existence is that of a victim, who suffers so much that she seems to pay for her taste towards people on the margins of the system. Conversely, Forrest Gump embodies the American dream despite himself, built into a hero against his will. He doesn't come away so upset, for example, from the Vietnam War. Each page of American history is a consecration for him.
Because she is a woman who accepts the “system” and American values less good-naturedly, Jenny will die of a sexually transmitted disease. Here again, we wonder: is this not a way of punishing so-called loose morals?
We're almost on the verge of slut shaming here. This very particular sexist phenomenon that we decipher for you in this mood post.
“People said she was a Voldemort to Forrest, Jenny. But it's not at all some kind of anti-feminist role“, protests Robin Wright today, who continues, indignant: “She's selfish, this Jenny. I don't think it's a punishment that she gets AIDS. She's just carefree – it's selfishness she expresses towards Forrest“.
“He was in love with her from day one, Forrest. And she's just volatile, running around, doing coke and dating a Black Panther. And then she gets sick and says, “It's your child, Forrest.” But I'm dying. » And yet Forrest said to him: “I'll take care of you at Mom's. » I mean, this movie is the sweetest love story…“, further develops the American actress.
Not sexist because romantic?
Hmm… Mona Chollet would definitely have something to say about that. We explain why in this article on love and romance. Seen thus, even from the angle of satire, Forrest Gump does not really adhere to current thinking. But like many works that arouse our nostalgia: we reviewed for you Mean Girlsand it wasn't really any happier.
