VFX in Forrest Gump: 2. evoke emotions of audiences

“Forrest Gump” uses CGI and VFX effectively to evoke strong emotions in the audience, particularly in the scenes involving the Vietnam War and Lieutenant Dan’s legs. The visual effects in these scenes serve to immerse the audience in the character’s experiences and evoke audiences’ affects.

Bombard Scene in Vietnam War

How does the use of CGI evoke emotions in the audiences?

• The intense bombardment and destruction evoke feelings of fear and chaos. The CGI and VFX make the battle scenes feel immediate, enhancing audiences empathy with the soldiers.

• The scene highlights Forrest’s heroism as he rescues his fellow soldiers under fire. The realistic depiction of the battlefield through CGI enhances the sense of danger, making Forrest’s bravery even more admirable.

• The scene is marked by the deaths and injuries of Forrest’s comrades, notably Bubba. The realistic effects amplify the tragedy, making the audience feel the trauma of war.

Lieutenant Dan’s legs

How does the use of CGI evoke emotions in the audiences?

• Seeing Lieutenant Dan’s physical condition evokes shock and sympathy. The realistic depiction of his injuries through CGI helps the audience understand the profound impact of the war on one’s life.

• Lieutenant Dan’s anger at his fate and his resentment towards Forrest for saving him is intensified by the visual reminder of his amputated legs. The CGI enhances the audience’s understanding of his internal struggle.

• The depiction of Lt. Dan’s legs also plays a role in his eventual acceptance to himself. The CGI effects allow the audience to witness his journey from despair to acceptance — Lt. Dan is making his own destiny.

In both scenes, the use of CGI and VFX in “Forrest Gump” is not just technically impressive but also emotionally resonant. In the Vietnam War scenes, the visual effects create a sense of fear, danger, and tragedy, while in the scenes involving Lieutenant Dan, the CGI evokes shock, sympathy, and ultimately triumph. By using these visual effects to deepen the emotional impact of the story, “Forrest Gump” successfully immerses the audience in the characters’ experiences and evokes viewers’ affections.