In depth analysis of 10 selected movie soundtracks for Forrest Gump

Mango’s classic film “Forrest Gump” cleverly incorporates nearly 50 classic songs closely related to different eras. From the passionate rock melodies of the 1950s, to the globally popular Beatles hits of the 1960s, and to the dynamic disco and pop music of the 1970s, these songs are like keys to time, not only helping audiences clearly understand the historical background in movies, but also vividly outlining the ups and downs of the protagonist Forrest Gump’s growth and life trajectory. Their careful arrangement and clever selection deeply highlight the diverse emotions and themes such as love, friendship, adventure, and growth in the movie, complementing and shining together with the transformation of characters and the progression of the story. The following is a wonderful presentation of some classic songs and related scenes. Hound Dog “- Elvis Presley In the film, a young man carrying a guitar comes to stay at Forrest Gump’s house. During this time, Forrest Gump enthusiastically taught him his own unique dance routine. Later, Forrest Gump was pleasantly surprised to see the young man dancing the dance he had taught on the TV screen, full of vitality. And the ‘Hound Dog’ that young people played and sang at that time was none other than Elvis Presley’s classic masterpiece. It is worth mentioning that Forrest Gump’s “taught” hip twist dance is also Elvis Presley’s iconic signature dance step. Interestingly, in the 2022 biographical film “Elvis Presley”, Tom Hanks played the role of Elvis Presley’s agent. Rebel Rouser “- As an adult, Forrest Gump encounters a group of bullies from his childhood who relentlessly pursue him while driving. Forrest Gump desperately ran away, and just as his life was hanging by a thread, he was spotted by a football coach. At this moment, the background music of the film is the early rock style song ‘Rebel Rouser’. 《 Blowin ‘In The Wind 》 – Joan Baez sings this song on the club stage, naked and holding a guitar in a powerful posture. This song, created by Bob Dylan in 1962, although he was only 21 years old at the time, conveyed a profound spiritual connotation that far exceeded his age limit. At the beginning of its release, this song had poor sales, but it was rediscovered after the war and revered as a classic anti war song. This song is also included in the first season of our music course. The original cover by Joan Baez is used in the film. Fortunate Son “- Creedence Clearwater Revival When this song starts, the audience’s thoughts are instantly drawn back to the Vietnam War scene in the movie: Forrest Gump slowly lands in the tropical rainforest of Vietnam aboard a UH-1 helicopter. And it has also become the iconic music of the Vietnam War background in movies. The comment below NetEase Cloud Music reads: helicopter, beer, Coca Cola, M16， American soldiers, Viet Cong guerrillas, timid Vietnamese farmers, running naked girls, crying soldiers, tanks struggling in the mud, defoliant, American flag, anti war crowds, hippies, California, Steve Jobs, Apple, Forrest Gump, Kennedy, Soviet Union, helmets full of slogans, rock, space flight, Rolling Stones, Beatles, 1960s and 1970s. Rainy Day Women # 12&35 “- When Bob Dylan first arrived at the Vietnam War camp, the soldiers were immersed in the cozy atmosphere of grilled skewers and fine wine. At this moment, this song by Uncle Dylan played leisurely. It is worth pondering that Dylan’s works have been included in two of the movie’s soundtracks, which shows his dominant position and profound influence in the music industry. 《California Dreamin’》—Mamas & Forrest Gump, deeply immersed in the rainforest battlefield, wrote a letter to Jenny with deep affection in the rain. At that time, Jenny had already become a hippie. The strong contrast and contrast between the song and the visuals are impressive. This song also appeared in the 1994 film “Chongqing Forest”, which makes people marvel at the astonishing similarity in music taste between the directors of the two great films. Break On Through (To The Other Side) – Doors is a classic masterpiece of the Big Door band. In the film scene, during his rehabilitation at the military hospital, Forrest Gump was introduced by someone and unexpectedly discovered his hidden talent for playing table tennis, which also laid the groundwork for his future involvement in table tennis diplomacy. In Forrest Gump, there are a total of five songs by major bands, which shows the important position and unique charm of their music in the film. Mrs. Robinson – Simon& The soundtrack in Garfunkel’s “Forrest Gump” is derived from the classic movie “The Graduate”, and its classic level is self-evident. In the movie, it appears in a humorous scene where Forrest Gump pouts his butt and shows President Johnson his scars, adding a unique color and nostalgic atmosphere to the film. Graduate premiered in 1967, think of Dustin Hoffman back then. San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair) “- Scott McKenzie As the melodious melody of this song flows slowly, Forrest Gump can only helplessly watch Jenny ride the bus slowly away from New York. This song was considered a hymn in counterculture movements such as the hippie movement at that time. When you come to San Francisco, remember to wear the flower symbolizing anti war on your head. “This lyric is full of the unique spiritual atmosphere and profound cultural charm of the free era. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd Linard As Skinner Band’s classic Southern rock piece began playing, Forrest Gump and Jenny were dancing gracefully in his room. And Forrest Gump’s hometown
Exactly in Alabama, this creates a subtle yet profound emotional connection between the song and the scene, immersing one in that simple yet beautiful emotional atmosphere. Take advantage of the holidays or weekends to watch movies, wear your eyes and ears, and approach from a different angle. You will reap unexpected joy.