National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Forrest Gump was released by Paramount Pictures in July 1994, directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Wendy Finerman. The film became one of the defining cultural touchstones of its decade, sweeping the Academy Awards with six wins including Best Picture and Best Director. Shot on 35mm by cinematographer Don Burgess, its warm, naturalistic photography gave the film a timeless quality that has kept it in continuous conversation with audiences for thirty years.

This cell, titled Lt. Dan, captures Lieutenant Dan Taylor shirtless and wearing a headband, filmed in a continuous sequence near the water aboard what appears to be the shrimping vessel. Gary Sinise's portrayal of the complicated, wounded veteran earned him an Academy Award nomination, and frames from this chapter of his arc carry particular weight for collectors of the film.