THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION MOVIE REVIEW
“…Hope is a good thing maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies”.
Before the release of The Shawshank Redemption audiences were use to watching and expecting blockbusters with special effects but Shawshank had none of this. Yet it was voted by Empire magazine as the best movie of all time. Actors who starred in the movie have been gratified by total strangers who had been profoundly affected by the film and had remarked, “That movie was important to me” or “Gosh, your movie got me through a really tough time in my life”. The movie imparts courage to people and gives them hope that they like Andy can overcome the prisons that they have created for themselves. Other viewers describe the film as life affirming and feel inclined to watch the film over and over as a type of soothing therapy.
Originally titled Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption that was based on a short story by Stephen King novel, the film tells the story of Andy Defresne who is accused of a crime of passion and revenge being the murder of his wife and her lover. He is sentenced to two lifetime sentences, one for each lover.
Writer and Director of the movie Frank Darabont (The Green Mile), was inspired by storytellers such as Frank Capra who had directed films such as It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and describes these classics and Shawshank as “tall tales”. After Darabont’s script was made available, big stars such as Tom Cruise and Nicholas Cage were interested in doing the film. Tim Robbins (Jacob’s Ladder) would later be offered the role of Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman (The Bucket List) the role of Red. Red is the narrator of the tale and describes himself as a “Seers & Roebuck”. It is difficult to determine who plays the leading role as the film boasts a fine supporting cast who compliment one another. James Whitmore (Brooks), Gil Bellows (Tommy), Bob Gunton (Warden Norton), Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley) together constitute a unique ensemble of characters whom audiences are drawn to and feel for, but then there those who the audience loves to hate. Characters either personify the worst of the worst, such as Captain Hadley or the best of the best, such as Andy Dufresne. There is no in between with the characters.
The film also breaks new ground in terms of how it employs its characters. The introduction of a new character and story arc involving Tommy Williams is unorthodox because it occurs at the 1 hour and 20 minute mark. His impact is a combination of so many dramatic elements that take the storyline in compelling, revealing and truly shocking directions.
The building in which Shawshank was shot was a former prison, the Mansfield Reformatory. Some fine directing from Darabont such as the panning and extreme high angle shots of Shawshank Prison, portray the prison as a place of extremes. On first arriving at the prison, the camera passes beneath the prisons walls, which it swallow and devour the audience turning the screen to black. It’s literally swallowing Andy for two lifetimes. This shot has an organic feel to as it represents the prison as a character in itself. It’s towers and spires have a gothic, Transylvanian feel to them. For the filmmakers and the actors the prison was palpable in terms of adding a dimension of authenticity.
The triumphant and uplifting closing shot of Red being reunited with Andy on the beach in New Mexico is a universal winner that leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Red’s grin, unbuttoned shirt, rolled up pants set against a blue sky that is juxtaposed with the films dominant use of grey and drab colors. This juxtaposition makes the conclusion unforgettable.
Given its cult following it is surprising that the film was originally a ‘sleeper’. Most people saw the film at home as a video rental and not in the cinemas. In fact, it was the top renting VHS tape of 1995.
Memorable scenes include Andy crawling through the sewerage pipe, which is widely viewed as a moment of rebirth and baptism. There is also a scene where Andy plays orchestral music over the public address system in order to savior a sense of freedom.
With its themes of hope, institutionalization, corruption and friendship, The Shawshank Redemption has been and continues to be universally celebrated by past, current and future generations. It’s a movie that will resonate with you long after the final credits have rolled. In fact, it will make you a better person.