Ep. 15: How 'Forrest Gump' Fumbles Storytelling and Substance

Adaptation: Book to Movie

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2M ago 47:56

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This week, Nate and Chris take a critical look at 'Forrest Gump'—both the chaotic novel by Winston Groom and the sentimental, Oscar-sweeping film adaptation. While the movie has long been a fan favorite and cultural touchstone, its politics are murky and its themes baffling. And the book? Let’s just say it didn’t age well. From problematic portrayals to incoherent narrative choices, we ask the question: why did this story become the classic it did? Spoiler alert: nostalgia might be doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Also: a very cursed trip to the moon, an orangutan named Sue, and the unfortunate case of Hollywood math.

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Hosts: Nate Day, Chris Anderson

Producer: Nate Day

"Adaptation Theme"

Written by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow
Performed by: Chris Anderson, Jem Zornow, Nate Day

19 episodes