Shawshank_Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption The Shawshank Redemption is a is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film is narrated by an inmate named Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding (played by Morgan Freeman). The story explores both physical and mental changes that a wrongly convicted banker (Andy Dufrense played by Tim Robbins) has to go through after being sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison, as well as the changes that the other inmates face on the effect of Andy’s arrival. Change is presented in many different forms throughout the movie. When Andy first arrives at Shawshank prison, an inmate, Red’s first impression describes Andy as though he “looked like a stiff breeze could knock him down”. His impression changes as he is quickly befriended by Andy. For the first two years in Prison, Andy faces many dramatic changes, trying to adapt to the inmates’ way of life, as well as confronting situations that he has to deal with. After helping a prison guard with financial advice, and scoring his fellow inmates a few beers, he becomes accepted, and adapts to the lifestyle of being imprisoned. He soon becomes renowned for his financial advice and begins doing tax returns for all the prison guards. Andy is given a space to work on their financial matters under the pretence of maintaining the prison library alongside elderly inmate, Brooks Hatlen. Andy is able to use his good will with the guards to help expand the library, Brooks is released after 50 years, and becomes overwhelmed by the change on the outside world, and finds it hard to cope. Brooks, unable to accept this change ends up committing suicide. Red also has to deal with change when he is given the chance of freedom. He says to Andy “I don’t think I can make it on the outside, I’ve been here for most of my life, I’m an institutional man now”. Once Red is released, he finds it hard to assimilate into society outside the prison. The film techniques used in the film portray power very well by using low angled shots as if the in-mates are nothing and over powered. The guards like to exercise their authority by beating the in-mates and treating them like objects rather than treating them like human beings, seeking to change their felonies. The dark lighting on the people in authority's faces make them have a more effective dominating presence. With the warden and guards looking down making the inmates small and insignificant. The title The Shawshank Redemption is an oxymoron, meaning, how is it that a prison can provide redemption' This meaning changes by the end of the movie. Andy is redeemed through his experiences in the prison. He learns about life there, while teaching others. He is redeemed through his second chance at life after his escape from the prison.