The story of friendship between two men serving life sentences in prison may sound rather dull as a movie plot. However, director Frank Darabont’s movie, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, is far from dull.
Starring Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis ‘Red’ Redding. ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is a movie about time, persistence and friendship. Not qualities you would usually associate with a ‘prison’ movie but powerful all the same. When Andy Dufresne receives two life sentences for a crime he did not commit, namely killing his wife and her lover, he is sent to Shawshank, a maximum security prison, filled with hardened criminals. For mild-mannered banker, Andy, this world could not be more removed from his own life.
From the moment he enters the prison it seems sure that he hasn’t got a hope of surviving. However, not only does Andy survive, he proves that he is resourceful, strong and formidable character. His friendship with Red, who also acts as narrator, is the one light in his dark existence. Andy holds out hope that he will be released on appeal or get an early parole but Red, a hardened and practical inmate, repeatedly warns Andy that ‘hope is a dangerous thing’. Andy fights off his despair at the injustice he has suffered and saves his own life and sanity by helping other inmates and prison guards with their taxes. He works for reform in the prison itself, lobbying for more books for the library and helping other inmates get an education.
When the Bible bashing, dishonest warden, Samuel Norton, played brilliantly by actor Bob Gunton, starts defrauding the prison system Andy see his opportunity to get back at the system that has kept him there unjustly for so long and which has treated him so badly. In doing so he also finds a kind of redemption for being wrongly accused and locked up by a justice system that has failed him.
While the acting is exceptional and the characters convincing, the cinematography is also important in providing a view of the hardships Andy faces in prison. The opening shot of the film showing the prison’s imposing fences, isolation and thick walls clearly embody the oppression within. The heavy prison doors slamming open and shut and the guards’ stern and menacing behavior serve to reinforce it. There is extensive use of fadeouts, and the gloom of the prison is emphasized by grey tones and the use of half-light. Much of the violence takes place in darkened corners or in the shadows, further adding to the abusive nature of the action. At the end of the movie, the reunion shot between Andy and Red is brilliantly created. As the two men see each other, the music starts to play and the shot gradually pulls back further and further. There is no dialogue. It is as if we are witnessing a private moment between these two friends and the purpose is not to intrude.
Quite a long movie at 142 minutes, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, however, has the power to engage viewers of all ages. Teenagers will be just as engrossed as adults as every scene of the film is essential to the ending. There are enough twists and turns in this movie to keep even the most jaded teenager entertained. Although some parents and teenagers may be concerned about watching a ‘prison’ movie, because the language and violence is usually extreme, this is not the case with this film. Although there are powerful moments of hatred and violence both of a physical and sexual nature, none of it is gratuitous. The message of the movie is ultimately uplifting; fear and man can imprison you but hope and friendship will set you free. Although some teenagers might find this message a bit soppy, they will nevertheless be entertained until the final credits roll.