Film: Forest Gump (1994
Tom Hanks – “Forest Gump” – Stylized Acting
I particularly thought that Hank thoroughly encompassed himself in this films character very well. As Goodykootz & Jacobs (2014) write, “Stylized acting is used when actors and director want to call attention the fact that the actor is, indeed, acting” (sect 5.4). From the accent he uses to the mentality his character assumes, we can see that his acting scope includes a wide range of styles. I have included a clip of a scene in which, I feel, best represents his stylized acting skills.
Robin Wright – “Jenny Curran” – Realism Acting
Wright, in this film, has the audience truly believing that this is her true personal traits. She is carefree, sweet, and simply cannot find it in her heart to turn her back on her one friend that has stuck with her throughout her life. Her character comes off extremely real or natural, as it does throughout the movie, when she speaks to Forest, as seen in the clip below.
Gary Sinise – “Lt. Dan Taylor” – Method Acting
Sinise’s character in this film is a typical method acting role. Method acting, according to Goodykootz & Jacobs, says that is when an actor genuinely attempts to feel the emotions of their character rather than pretend (2014). For instance, in the scene below, Sinise can be seen really laying into Forest for saving his life in the war. The intensity of Sinise’s character can be heard in his voice and seen in his eyes. The audience can understand how upset he is by his ability to assume the characters genuine emotions of going through such turmoil.
The choice to use the above styles of acting, in my opinion, adds to the dynamics of the movie. We realize that not everyone walks the same path in life, but this film shows how even though we may be different goodwill always prevails. For instance, with Lt. Taylor’s character, he keeps good on his word to be Forest’s first mate if he ever got his own boat. Or, Jenny’s character as she always seems to find herself coming back to Forest. She comes to the realization that Forest is somewhat helpless in life, even though he has his own experiences, and always tries to help him or take care of him.
With Tom Hank’s character in Forest Gump being so distinctively different from his other films he has completed in the past, I would certainly not categorize him into this style of acting. For instance, the style of acting he plays in Castaway is a realistic and method like acting as he can be seen dramatically transforming his physical look to cater to the directors vision of what he should look like. Visually, you can see the different styles of character Tom Hanks has performed over the years.
References
Broadway Buzz. May 4, 2012. Weekend Poll Top Three: Tom Hanks Fans Hope to See
Forrest Gump and More Make a Run on Broadway. Retrieved from
http://www.broadway.com/buzz/161852/weekend-poll-top-three-tom-hanks-fans-hope-
to-see-forrest-gump-and-more-make-a-run-on-broadway/
Memsaabb. Tom Hanks A Still From Castaway movie.
Retrieved from http://www.memsaab.com/gallery/stars-are-either-lost-or-
gained-weight-suit-their-respective-roles/tom-hanks-still-castaway
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.).
San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Movie Clips. (1994) Forrest Gump – “Life is like a box of chocolate” [Video file]
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJh59vZ8ccc
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