The Shawshank Redemption
(A or 4/4 stars)
'The Shawshank Redemption', directed by Frank Darabont, & adapted from a Stephen King novel, is one of the best films I've seen in a long time - and I've LOVED a lot of films recently. Spanning the years from 1947-1966, 'Shawshank ...' tells an 'innocent man in prison' story, but puts a twist on it. Wrongly convicted, 'hot shot' banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to 2 consecutive life terms in Maine's Shawshank prison for the cold-blooded murders of his wife & her lover. Once inside Shawshank, Andy finds himself both lonely, & hunted (by some male prisoners who are looking a good 'ole time). Life in prison is as miserable as one would assume. But Andy knows that something deep inside can keep you going ... hope.
Soon after incarceration, Andy strikes up a friendship with longtime convict Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman). Red is known for 'getting people what they need from the outside' - for a small fee. i.e., he gets Andy his requested Rita Hayworth poster. Andy & Red earn each other's respect along the way, & grow to become best pals. In fact, Andy earns everyone's trust, including some of the sadistic guards (one played by Clancy Brown). Both Red & (particularly) Andy extend their acts of common decency over the years & even gain 'some' respect from corrupt Warden Norton (a devilish Bob Gunton). Much occurs during this 138 min. long film. There is humor to be found in some dire situations, but there is also despair, tragedy, hope, and ... well, redemption. In fact, regarding that last word, the last 25 min. of the film are SO good that it made me feel like watching the film all over again.
This film works in many ways. One of its themes, of course, is 'freedom' - what it is, what it means, how to achieve it, and what to do with it if you ever receive it (especially in the case of an elderly prisoner who is finally freed, but can't cope with the real world, played wonderfully by James Whitmore). The setting is dreary (obviously), the color-palettes are uniform (grays, pale blues & greens, etc.), but the filming of said prison, it's colors, shadows, angles, & the general misery of it is incredible (by film photographer, Roger Deakins). I'll never forget one iconic shot of a bad character looking through an encircled space -- brilliant! And Thomas Newman's gentle music score accompanies us as we watch Andy & Red on their emotional journey.
I mentioned Bob Gunton & Clancy Brown above. Prisoners played by William Adler & Gil Bellows impress. I loved Tim Robbins' quiet self-assurance as Andy as he goes through each awful incident, each disappointment (month-long solitary confinements), each year with never-ending hope & dignity. There's something in the light of his eyes and/or his smallest smirk which leads us to believe that his unearthing of the corruption in this prison system will lead to his salvation. And as Red, Morgan Freeman is the narrative voice (and what a great voice it is) which guides us through the ups & down of the story. I absolutely loved Freeman's portrayal of a man who committed a foul deed in his youth, but grew up 'inside' Shawshank to become a wise, good-natured soul. The whole movie rests upon the believability of he & Andy's friendship; and these actors create an undeniably powerful duo.
Frank Darabont has directed a stirring, sure-footed film that should resonate with audiences. It's old-fashioned in structure; taking it's time to tell the story. Some plot points occur (particularly near the end) that feel just a touch contrived. But it simply doesn't matter. And even the most cold-hearted cynic will probably fall for it. 'The Shawshank Redemption' is an elegant, well-crafted, thought-provoking, beautifully acted human drama about good overcoming evil. It even brings a smile to my face as I type about it. In a film about prison where hopelessness is a prominent feeling in every man's beating heart, this film epitomizes why it's necessary to hold onto dreams, maintain courage, HOPE ... and "salvation lies within" - how prophetic & allegorical that phrase winds up being.
Soon after incarceration, Andy strikes up a friendship with longtime convict Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman). Red is known for 'getting people what they need from the outside' - for a small fee. i.e., he gets Andy his requested Rita Hayworth poster. Andy & Red earn each other's respect along the way, & grow to become best pals. In fact, Andy earns everyone's trust, including some of the sadistic guards (one played by Clancy Brown). Both Red & (particularly) Andy extend their acts of common decency over the years & even gain 'some' respect from corrupt Warden Norton (a devilish Bob Gunton). Much occurs during this 138 min. long film. There is humor to be found in some dire situations, but there is also despair, tragedy, hope, and ... well, redemption. In fact, regarding that last word, the last 25 min. of the film are SO good that it made me feel like watching the film all over again.
This film works in many ways. One of its themes, of course, is 'freedom' - what it is, what it means, how to achieve it, and what to do with it if you ever receive it (especially in the case of an elderly prisoner who is finally freed, but can't cope with the real world, played wonderfully by James Whitmore). The setting is dreary (obviously), the color-palettes are uniform (grays, pale blues & greens, etc.), but the filming of said prison, it's colors, shadows, angles, & the general misery of it is incredible (by film photographer, Roger Deakins). I'll never forget one iconic shot of a bad character looking through an encircled space -- brilliant! And Thomas Newman's gentle music score accompanies us as we watch Andy & Red on their emotional journey.
I mentioned Bob Gunton & Clancy Brown above. Prisoners played by William Adler & Gil Bellows impress. I loved Tim Robbins' quiet self-assurance as Andy as he goes through each awful incident, each disappointment (month-long solitary confinements), each year with never-ending hope & dignity. There's something in the light of his eyes and/or his smallest smirk which leads us to believe that his unearthing of the corruption in this prison system will lead to his salvation. And as Red, Morgan Freeman is the narrative voice (and what a great voice it is) which guides us through the ups & down of the story. I absolutely loved Freeman's portrayal of a man who committed a foul deed in his youth, but grew up 'inside' Shawshank to become a wise, good-natured soul. The whole movie rests upon the believability of he & Andy's friendship; and these actors create an undeniably powerful duo.
Frank Darabont has directed a stirring, sure-footed film that should resonate with audiences. It's old-fashioned in structure; taking it's time to tell the story. Some plot points occur (particularly near the end) that feel just a touch contrived. But it simply doesn't matter. And even the most cold-hearted cynic will probably fall for it. 'The Shawshank Redemption' is an elegant, well-crafted, thought-provoking, beautifully acted human drama about good overcoming evil. It even brings a smile to my face as I type about it. In a film about prison where hopelessness is a prominent feeling in every man's beating heart, this film epitomizes why it's necessary to hold onto dreams, maintain courage, HOPE ... and "salvation lies within" - how prophetic & allegorical that phrase winds up being.