The opening sequence of Forrest Gump establishes the film's focus on love through the symbolism of a falling white feather. Extreme long shots and establishing shots are used to follow the feather's path and set the scene. The feather landing on Forrest's shoe introduces the main character and suggests he is pure. Forrest then places the feather in a book, implying its significance will be revealed later. The relaxing music and peaceful imagery create a sense of love and fate.

1. FORREST GUMP
ANNIE PARTRIDGE – BURFORD SCHOOL MEDIA STUDIES

2. FORREST GUMP
 The title sequence of Forrest Gump (1994) conveys relaxing feelings within the
audience, as the camera is focused on a white feather that could possibly come
from a dove for the first two minutes of the sequence. The dove is well-known for
symbolising love, therefore it is a factor that establishes the genre of the film,
suggesting that it is about love.
 The main shots used in this opening sequences are extreme long shots and
establishing shots. These shots remain consistent throughout this sequence. The
extreme long shots could possibly have been used to show the path of the falling
feather, and the establishing shots were used to show the environment and
setting of the film in which the story begins.

3. FORREST GUMP
 The enigma of the sequence is shown right at the beginning of the opening
sequence. The falling feather is surrounded by dull, grey clouds. This could
suggest to the audience that the film is related to tragedy and/or
heartbreak of the character. The fact that the feather is falling can also
imply that the main character has fallen from something peaceful and
resulted in heartbreak. This additionally makes the audience question the
significance of the feather and what it represents.
 We hear a violin and a piano playing which are both yet other symbols of
love and furthermore peace. The music is light-hearted which therefore
suits the codes and conventions of a romantic film.

4. FORREST GUMP
 Additionally, the narrative is established by the feather landing on the main character’s
shoe. This therefore implies that the movie is about this specific character and his life.
Furthermore, the fact that it landed on his shoe suggests to the audience that the
character is pure, as the colour ‘white’ has connotations of purity and peace. It also
suggests that Forrest is the ‘chosen one’, which links to the theory that the film is about
his life and love story. At the end of this sequence, Forrest puts this particular feather in a
certain book that he carries around with him. This implies that the audience is going to
learn the significance of this book further on in the film and why he puts the feather inside
of it.
 Moreover, the route of the feather gains a meaning of fate and eternity within the film.
When the feather lands on Forrest’s feet, the audience is taken from the feeling of endless
peace. Additionally, the costumes and props of the mise-en-scene consist in the elements
that forecast dramatic features of the film. The costume of Forrest hints that something is
quite misplaced; it is a combination composed by dirty trainers, a blue and white checked
shirt, a beige suit, and a military haircut. This all seems to be misplaced in a man of his
apparent age, and props are strong elements that underline his childish traits. For
example, in his suitcase he is carrying socks, a baseball cap, a toothbrush, a newspaper,
clothes, and an illustrative book in which he puts the feather in.

5. FORREST GUMP
 Furthermore, the main character is presented to the audience after the name of
the production company. This suggests that Tom Hanks plays a significant key
role within the movie and he is the main substance. In addition to this, his name
is presented before the name of the film, which highlights the significance of
the actor.