Movie Reflection Paper

Movie Title: Forrest Gump

Genre: comedy-drama film
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

“Life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to
get.”(Forrest) This is the most famous quote from the movie Forrest Gump. In Forrest Gump,
there are many different types of communication skills and techniques. First, self-disclosure.
The movie started when Forrest Gump disclosed his personal experiences to the strangers
he met in waiting bus area. Although he does not know any of the strangers, he comfortably
talked and share his experiences in life. He is not afraid to be judged by others. This self-
disclosure led the plot of the story from one story to another. Second, one is open-
mindedness. Numerous scenes shows how open minded he is. One of those scenes was
when Lieutenant Dan tells Forrest and Bubba to change their socks whenever they stop and
to try their best to keep their feet dry. He firmly believes that his superior is just concerned
about them. He never thought ill to anyone or felt oppressed about his situation. By way of
responding to those ideas and suggestions from his colleagues or superior, I can say that he
is open minded and humble.

Another interaction I have observed is the sympathetic response of Forrest Gump.

Forrest Gump is a man of action; he did not talk much; however, his response to Bubba’s
loss was quite amazing. When Bubba died, his best friend and business partner responded
to the situation towards Bubba’s family by donating his shares of the company to Bubba’s
Family. He firmly believes that Bubba’s family is precious to him.

Finally, I have observed as well in the Forrest Gump movie that there are lots of
comforting messages. One of those when his mother said "You have to do the best with
what God gave you." Forrest was born with low IQ, so technically, he cannot understand the
way things that should be right-a-way; nevertheless, he was comforted by what his mom
said to him, since, he responded by way of doing the best he can in everything that comes
his way. He never wasted a chance and take for granted any situation. This exciting line of
Forrest Gump’s mom “Life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going
to get.”(Forrest) means that life is unpredictable but you have to make out of it and enjoy it
whatever happens along the way. Also never think of yourself as disadvantaged but strive to
become better version of yourself.

In conclusion of Forrest Gump’s communication with different characters in the

story is not limited to the traditional communication of oral and written meas. From the
story I observed that we can also communicate through self-disclosure, open-mindedness,
sympathetic response and comforting messages. These means lead to the plot, the
successful life story of a simple, low IQ and a man of few words individual.