If at all possible, I always try to read the book before watching the movie. I've found that in almost all cases, the book is far better than the movie... and in a few small exceptions, they could be equals. Well, it kind of kills me to say this, but in the case of Forrest Gump, the movie is far far better than the book. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I have always loved the movie.
I think I saw it in the theater twice when it first came out, and then about a dozen more times in the second-run theater. I used to own a copy, and it holds a favored place on my list of "Movies I Will Always Watch When On Basic Cable". I even had the soundtrack double CD set. I love this movie. I had known it was based on a book, and in given with my "the book is always better" rule, I was always looking forward to reading it. I found this copy in a discount book store and snatched it right up. So, I guess I built myself up to be disappointed. I think the basic plot is pretty well known:
Forrest Gump is a man of low IQ, born and raised in Alabama, but goes on to lead an extraordinary life of adventures anchored around his the love of his life, Jenny. However, in this book, Forrest is a barely likable character, his mother is worse. Jenny has a far lesser role than I would have expected, and is incredibly disappointing. Forrest goes on far wilder adventures than shown in the movie, and it all becomes beyond absurd. The portrayal of female characters is insulting, as is the way Forrest talks about himself and the way others refer to him even to his face. I seriously wonder what the author thought of the movie version of his book. Did he think "They ruined it - there isn't even an ape involved!" or was he more like "Oh, that is a more interesting and engaging way to arc the story."
I think the most interesting thing about the book version is Forrest's vocabulary as he transitions from adventure to adventure. His word choices, though always on the vulgar side, do shift according to his age and the people with whom he is surrounded at that point in time. It is something to consider, especially as the character doesn't change all that much in accordance with his mental capacity. But in the end, if you enjoy this movie - skip the book.
If you aren't familiar with either - watch the movie.
I think I saw it in the theater twice when it first came out, and then about a dozen more times in the second-run theater. I used to own a copy, and it holds a favored place on my list of "Movies I Will Always Watch When On Basic Cable". I even had the soundtrack double CD set. I love this movie. I had known it was based on a book, and in given with my "the book is always better" rule, I was always looking forward to reading it. I found this copy in a discount book store and snatched it right up. So, I guess I built myself up to be disappointed. I think the basic plot is pretty well known:
Forrest Gump is a man of low IQ, born and raised in Alabama, but goes on to lead an extraordinary life of adventures anchored around his the love of his life, Jenny. However, in this book, Forrest is a barely likable character, his mother is worse. Jenny has a far lesser role than I would have expected, and is incredibly disappointing. Forrest goes on far wilder adventures than shown in the movie, and it all becomes beyond absurd. The portrayal of female characters is insulting, as is the way Forrest talks about himself and the way others refer to him even to his face. I seriously wonder what the author thought of the movie version of his book. Did he think "They ruined it - there isn't even an ape involved!" or was he more like "Oh, that is a more interesting and engaging way to arc the story."
I think the most interesting thing about the book version is Forrest's vocabulary as he transitions from adventure to adventure. His word choices, though always on the vulgar side, do shift according to his age and the people with whom he is surrounded at that point in time. It is something to consider, especially as the character doesn't change all that much in accordance with his mental capacity. But in the end, if you enjoy this movie - skip the book.
If you aren't familiar with either - watch the movie.
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