When Forrest Gump was released in 1994, no one knew just how big of an impact it would have on cinema. Decades later, details about the film continue to make headlines, including recent conversations about Jenny Curran’s role as “kind of an anti-feminist role.” The actor who played the role, Robin Wright, sat down with co-star Tom Hanks for an interview with The New York Times, in which she addressed what was being said and stood up for the actions of her character.
Each character was different in Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump follows the life of the film’s titular character, a man with a simple outlook on life, yet a heart full of kindness. As the feature runs its course, Gump unwittingly becomes a witness to and participant in several defining moments in American history, from the 1950s, through to the ’80s.
Despite facing limitations, due to his low IQ, Gump finds himself in remarkable situations, from serving heroically in the Vietnam War to becoming a celebrated ping-pong player and a successful shrimp boat captain. Gump’s straightforward approach to life endears him to those around him and, by the end, his journey comes full circle when he becomes a father. The film concludes with the character taking his son to his first day of school.
Jenny Curran, Gump’s lifelong love and friend, has a more difficult story. Growing up in an abusive home, she dreams of escaping her small-town life and often takes the path that leads her into risky and self-destructive situations, from anti-war protests to heavy drug use. She lives a wandering lifestyle and has periods of estrangement from Gump, but she always returns to him during critical moments.
Near the end of the film, Curran finally finds stability and happiness with Gump, only to reveal she is terminally ill, which director Robert Zemeckis later said was related to AIDS complications. Her death leaves Gump to raise their child alone.
Robin Wright defends her character from ‘anti-feminist’ claims
Despite being 30 years old, Forrest Gump remains a beloved film, and conversations surrounding it persist. Recently, people have been discussing Jenny Curran, suggesting she was, perhaps, an antagonist to Forrest Gump, rather than a supportive character in his life. In fact, some even claim she takes on an “anti-feminist” archetype.
Robin Wright was asked for her take on this interpretation and she defended her character.
“No! It’s not about that,” she told The New York Times. “People have said she’s a Voldemort to Forrest. I wouldn’t choose that as a reference, but she was kind of selfish. I don’t think it’s a punishment that she gets AIDS. She was so promiscuous – that was the selfishness that she did to Forrest.
“He was in love with her from Day 1. And she was just flighty and running and doing coke and hooking up with a Black Panther,” Wright continued. “And then she gets sick and says, ‘This is your child. But I’m dying.’ And he still takes her: ‘I’ll take care of you at Mama’s house.’ I mean, it’s the sweetest love story.”
Robin Wright is sentimental about Forrest Gump
The complexities of the characters and heartwarming storyline made Forrest Gump a box office hit. It swept the 67th Academy Awards, taking home six Oscars, including Best Actor for Tom Hanks‘ portrayal of Forrest Gump and Best Picture.
The film has cemented itself in history as one of the greatest ever released, and it continues to resonate with not only audiences, but also with those who starred in it. Later in the interview, Robin Wright explained how it makes her feel sentimental.
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“It’s a movie that I will always feel sentimental about, not only because it’s a great movie,” she said. “Sentimental working with these guys because it was such a great experience.”