My Favorite Scene From A Movie. Forrest Gump.

When i was asked to think of one memorable movie scene that i distinctly remember due to its many cinematic elements which created a strong emotion for the viewer; i would have to pick the movie Forrest Gump made in 1994 staring Tom Hanks and directed Robert Zemeckis. The scene in particular would have to be where young, crippled Forrest Gump is being chased down a long lane by the immature bullies in his Southern home town, and in this distance his childhood love and best friend Jenny screams "run Forrest, run!". This scene allowed me to feel real emotion for this young character i hardly knew due to the many skilled techniques used by the director and editors to include the viewer into the life of the character and really empathize for his unfortunate situation. This short heart felt scene is filled with joy, shock, exhilaration, hurt and suspense; all emotions conjured up by watching a short scene of a simple minded boy discovering the ability to protect himself from abuse and torment over the years on the very first day he learnt how to RUN!

At the start of the scene the image of young Forrest, in the confinement of his large metal leg braises, clearly restrained and unable to defend himself from the big bullies allows the audience to sympathize for the character and his situation. The director follows Forrest's pathetic attempt to escape the brutal abuse of the neighborhood boys, as he awkwardly hobbles towards safety. This short sequence creates sympathy towards Forrest and excitement as we watch the bullies gain on Forrest.

The backwards racing camera, speeding in the direction of the fleeing Forrest creates suspense during the chase. All the while facing the determined bullies on their bikes quickly closing in on Forrest. This scene was extremely successful in creating a sense of urgency not only with the flawless editing throughout the pursuit, but also with the loud grinding of the tires against the gravel, this allows the viewer to feel as if they are in the chase themselves, as the loud effects creates even more anticipation.

Steadily Forrest is able to handle his restrained legs and his original handicapped form is shattered, as he breaks free from his limitations and runs full speed away from the bullies, leaving them in shocked and covered in his dust. This scene executes perfectly uplifting and exhilarating, the director was able to achieve a feel good scene with very few words but so many tiny elements that make such a strong reaction possible.

Some technical feature i observed during this scene would be the effect of slow motion, this effect was repeated throughout the short scene as to fully appreciate the situation and experience the elation of Forrest's good fortune. Whilst the bullies were riding towards Forrest and when his leg braises were shattered slow motion was used. The background music during the slow motion sequence creates an uplifting feel with the violins playing raising the spirits of the audience and surely capable of producing tears of joy in anyone. 
The camera position, panning along the lane at a high speed also created a sense of speed during the chase, allowing the audience to once again feel in the chase and caught up in the excitement of the story.

Naturally this scene makes any viewer unconsciously smile, and fill up with joy for this unique young boy, this scene is inspiring and uplifting and without a doubt on of the best ever made.