The movie Forrest Gump and the novel Forrest Gump were quite different. Some stories which were not in the book was made up and elaborated in the film and some stories were even excluded as the book was made into the film. Some may question why the movie does not base itself solely on the actual content of the book. However, I believe that it is normal not to exactly imitate the book. The basic difference between the book and the film lies in their use of story and purpose. The film focuses on more dramatic effect of scenes while novels focus on somewhat more gentle emotion. Therefore, the movie may use some arousing scenes to provoke sensations of the audience. Such was well shown through the film and the novel, Forrest Gump.
In the movie, Gump was a hero. He was crippled, but one day he overcomes it like a miracle! His love towards Jenny lasts forever... How romantic! He goes to Vietnam, becomes awarded for his bravery, becomes a ping-pong champion and later becomes rich through his shrimp business. His life was full of transcending over many situations and finally succeeding. It exactly follows the plot of hero's journey. Call to adventure-enemies-ordeals-reward-the road back-resurrection-return with magical elixir. Through such plot, Eric Roth turned Gump into a hero, a figure who audiences would love. It was definitely a wise decision. Many people loved the film, and the Gump character itself. I also liked the movie because Gump's stories and his success moved me. If the movie stuck to the novel's plot, it may not have succeeded as much.
In the novel, Gump is not "so" mystified. He is just an ordinary man. Actually, a bit retarded man. He enrolled in the special school and he dropped out from the university in one year. He cheated on Jenny, which made her leave, and he was not such a successful football player. He lost the final! He never could run, overcoming his disabled legs. How Gump appears in the book totally breaks the fantasy one could possess through watching the movie. For me who watched the movie before the book, I was astonished by how different the book and the film could be.
Moreover, I didn't like how Roth changed the surrounding characters to make Gump stand out more. I can absolutely understand why he did it. OF course to focus on Gump, the main character of the movie. As a result, Jenny who was just an ordinary girl was portrayed as one with unfortunate youth, filled with abuses. Through such contrasting image of Jenny and Forrest, Roth could possibly made Gump shine like an angel. Even Mrs.Gump, Leutenant Dan, and other characters were introduced "for" Gump. Although it was a necessary device for successful movie, it seemed to be quite distracting. Watching the movie once more after completely reading the book, I frowned a bit.
Anyhow, regardless of how the movie has done to the original novel, comparing both media, I believe that the film was more attractive. It made me concentrate more to the plot, making me excited throughout the whole two hours.
