The Shawshank Redemption Review

The Shawshank Redemption is an Academy Award nominated 1994 film that was written and directed by Frank Darabont. Based on a short story by Stephen King, the film tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who, despite his protestations of his innocence, has been sentenced to two life sentences in Shawshank State Penitentiary for murdering his wife and her lover. Once in prison, he encounters the sadistic Warden Norton (Bob Gunton) and Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), a fellow inmate who is known for his ability to procure contraband. Red sees to it that Andy gets his small rock hammer and poster of Rita Hayworth and the two become friends. Andy begins to carve out a niche for himself in prison, first as a tax preparer and less than thrilled accomplice in the Warden's financial crimes and later, as a librarian. Over the next twenty years, he and Red endure the ins and outs of prison life, each day more mundane than the last, as they struggle to retain their humanity and ultimately find their redemption.

The performances in The Shawshank Redemption are superb. As Andy, Tim Robbins' mask of calm acceptance belies his quiet determination, persistence, and bravery. Morgan Freeman both stars and lends his trademark drawl to the film's narration. His performance, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role, is one of the film's many bright spots. Already a cynical lifer in the prison by Andy's arrival, his Red regards the newcomer first with curiosity and, later, respect, all while being humble during the many instances of his failed parole hearings. Though Andy's story is at the center, it is Red who must find the titular redemption. When he does, the grin on Freeman's face in the final moments of the film surely mirrors that of the audience.

Two motifs that appear throughout the film help to represent the passage of time and the hopelessness of the prisoners' situations. Andy's prized Rita Hayworth poster eventually gives way to Marilyn Monroe and then, finally, Raquel Welch, changes which showcase the new standards for sex symbols over the twenty years in which the film takes place. Though at first the posters seem innocuous, the ending reveals them to have played a much larger part in the film than previously thought. The repeated denial of Red's parole serves not just as a reminder of time, but also of a further understanding of his character's feelings of hopelessness. The earnestness in which Freeman attempts to convince the parole board that he is rehabilitated is particularly heartbreaking. Were it not for these two small inclusions, the passage of time would be unnoticed in the film, so mundane and repetitive are these characters' daily lives.

The mood of the film is further helped by the excellent production design. If the prison setting and characters' moods and actions do not accurately portray the feelings of despair and hopelessness, the stark gray sets, costumes, and props do. It is though there is a perpetual rain cloud over the film, just daring the characters to find a moment of happiness that it can rain on and stop.

The film's score is incredibly moving and memorable -so much so that the music that plays over the credits is often used in advertisements for similar sentimental films. One of The Shawshank Redemption's most memorable moments involves the use of part of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. When Andy plays the record over the prison's loudspeaker, it allows the inmates to stop and, for a few brief moments, feel free.

The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful film with messages of redemption for past wrongs and self determination and preservation during the most trying of circumstances. Every element, from the performances, to the music, to the set design, works seamlessly together in creating a singular mood and tone. In doing so, they make the resolution all the more heartwarming, triumphant, and rewarding.