Turn! Turn! Turn! The Music of Forrest Gump

Starting in the Elvis era of the 50s, the music of the 1994 film 'Forrest Gump' is a perfect backdrop to the seismic shift happening in the world, socially, politically and culturally. Music is the mirror of chaos and creativity that is beautifully reflected in this film.

Anti-war anthems 'Fortunate Son' and 'Volunteers' ' make their way into the soundtrack and hauntingly cover Vietnam War scenes and student protests in the film. Stephen Stills' 'For What It's Worth' rounds out this trio, although he admits that he wrote the hit about the Sunset Strip curfew riots. Whatever the inspiration, all three songs work flawlessly.

The use of popular music in this film enhances and propels the narrative. The device of having Forrest be the inspiration behind artists such as Elvis Presley and John Lennon becomes a comical yet poignant tribute. Even the use of songs like 'It Keeps You Runnin' and 'Running on Empty' during Forrest's running montages, brilliantly blends the art of storytelling with the music of the time period.

Starting in the Elvis era of the 50s, the music of the film 'Forrest Gump' is a perfect backdrop to the seismic shift happening in the world, socially, politically and culturally. Music is the mirror of chaos and creativity that is beautifully reflected in this film.

Favorite song from the film: Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season), The Byrds