Forrest Gump, the 10 curiosities

Thirty years does, Forrest Gump ran unstoppable in the theaters in the masterpiece of Robert Zemeckis with Tom Hanks. Loosely based on the namesake novel by Winston Groom from 1986, the film tells the story of a shy boy who, although not particularly acumen, will witness the most important events in American history of the 20th century. During his incredible journey, Forrest will meet pop culture icons such as Elvis, Kennedy, Lennon. With courage and determination, the “special boy” will first become a football star, then table tennis and finally a Vietnam hero. Between memorable jokes and unconditional love for his best friend Jenny Curran, Forrest Gump rushed to the cinema the June 23, 1994 grossing at the end of its extraordinary run a total of 678 million dollars, against a budget of 55 million. It was the biggest hit of the year at home and the second overall worldwide afterward The Lion King.

Front runner of the 67th edition of the Oscarthe film came close to reaching a record 14 nominations Eve against Evewinning 6 prizes: including the one for best filmbest direction, unoriginal screenplay And best leading actor to Hollywood’s golden boy. The definitive consecration for the star of Philadelphia who obtained the coveted statuette for the second time in a row. With his 12 million copies soldalso there soundtrack of the film – composed by Alan Silvestri and featuring timeless classics of American music – will turn into an unprecedented triumph. We are celebrating 30 years of Forrest Gump in 10 curiosities to unwrap like chocolates.

I am Forrest, Forrest Gump

John Travolta was the original choice for the role of Forrest Gump but the star of Saturday night fever and of Grease he turned down the role so he could star in pulp Fiction by Tarantino. Later, the actor admitted that he bitterly regretted it. At the 1995 Oscars, he found himself competing for the award with Hanks; the latter, naturally, prevailed on him.

Run, Forrest, run

When you think about Forrest Gump, think of his unstoppable runs with Nike Cortez on his feet. However, the scenes in which the protagonist speeds around at full speed were played by Tom Hanks’ brother, Jim. Actor and stuntman who acts as his stunt double.

Mom always said

The actress Sally Field who plays Mrs. Gump was “aged” with makeup. On the other hand, there is only a 10 year difference between her and Tom Hanks.

Jenny

The impossible love of Forrest Gump has the face of Robin Wright, but he wasn’t the first choice. The actress of The Fantastic Story she was contacted after the rejection of Jodie Foster, Nicole Kidman and Demi Moore.

Forrest’s shirt

At each stage of Gump’s age, one thing always remains the same: the blue plaid shirt.

Tom Hanks’ fee

The production of Forrest Gump was troubled due to budget cuts imposed by Paramount. Tom Hanks thus gave up a large part of his compensation in exchange for a percentage of the takings. The film, at the end of its run, earned him a whopping 40 million dollars.

I’m a little tired

The cross-state marathon scene is inspired by a real event. In 1982, 16-year-old Louis Michael Figueroa ran from New Jersey to San Francisco for the American Cancer Society, inspiring one of the maxims of Forrest Gump: «I simply put one foot in front of the other. When I’m tired, I sleep. When I’m hungry, I eat. When I have to go to the bathroom, I go.”

Vietnam as a golf course

To save costs, the Vietnamese forests were recreated at the Fripp Island golf course in South Carolina.

Bubba Gump Shrimp really exists

The film inspired a chain of restaurants specializing in fish and seafood. There are 43 seafood restaurants Bubba Gump all over the world.

Lieutenant Dan’s wheelchair

In the film, the character played by Gary Sinise loses his legs in the trenches. Illusionist Ricky Jay designed a special wheelchair for the actor, equipped with a trick to hide his lower limbs, which were on a platform below.