It almost feels odd to try to sell or persuade somebody to watch such a dramatic and traumatic film that is set almost entirely inside a prison. It’s not a story that anybody would particularly rush to see – in fact, on it’s initial release, not many people did go to see it, despite being nominated for many Oscars, including Best Picture. It was only when it was released on home video that sales started to increase. The Shawshank Redemption is a film that needed the powerful word-of-mouth technique, so if by now you still have not seen this incredible movie, drop whatever plans you have tonight and get your hands on it! You will not regret it.
Based on a novella written by Stephen King ‘Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption’ (a poster appears of Hayworth in Andy’s cell), this is not a classic King horror but rather a conquest of good ode to friendship, faith and wisdom. Claimed to be representing the ‘softer’ side of King, Frank Darabont stays loyal to the primary source. Apart from shooting in Ohio rather than Maine and using Morgan Freeman as whom King describes as a redheaded Irishman, the movie is quite devoted to the novel. As we all know, King is a master at envisioning a whole universe from very small details and Darabont does a fantastic job at matching him visually. Nominated for Best Cinematography with Shawshank at the 1995 Academy Awards, Roger Deakins brings the everyday anguishes of inmates so convincingly that we can almost feel the rage oozing from their cells as we watch. His cinematography is discreet rather than spectacular, with establishing shots from a helicopter presenting the prison walls looming.
Tim Robbins is fantastic as Andy, crafting the spectator to feel anguish towards him although he is so voiceless. However, we seem to connect on an emotional level with Red, which is no surprise when the actor behind the character is the incredible Morgan Freeman. He only has to do as little as use his eyes to peer openly into our hearts. He is the perfect man to make Red feel genuine and a real friend to Andy. Freeman carries the film along its spiritual journey, presenting Andy with hope and wisdom to help him conquer his time behind bars.
As previously mentioned, The Shawshank Redemption had to find its success through home videos and TV screenings after not doing so well in theatres. However it is with no surprise that after a few tough years, Shawshank was a phenomenon and a best seller. By 1999, it occupied first place on the IMDB global vote of the 250 best films. Present, still, in the number one spot with an astonishing 9.3 from the database, it is apparent that Shawshank will forever be a film full of deep philosophical meanings in our hearts. And if you haven’t yet seen it, I hope this review persuades you to do so.