Review of Frank Darabont’s Production of ‘The Shawshank redemption’

'The Shawshank Redemption' is a real movie.

It is a movie that makes you think. It is a film that will leave you in deep contemplation hours after watching it. It is not only a film that takes a firm grip on any viewer's emotions but also a film that is spiritually uplifting.Set in the American state of Maine between the years 1949 and 1970, this is a film from which you can learn valuable lessons. Therefore, it is clearly not for someone who expects "cyborgs from the future" in all of their films. Prison dramas and films about redemption often put people off but don't judge a book by its cover.

Expect a two-hour roller coaster of emotions when you watch 'The Shawshank Redemption'.The film opens with a courtroom scene, where the hero, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is being charged with two counts of murder - that of his wife and her lover. Andy, a hotshot banker from New England is of course innocent. However, unkind evidence has landed him two life sentences; to be served in Shawshank Prison.A change of scene now and we are introduced to Ellis Redding (Morgan Freeman), a twenty year inmate of Shawshank. "Red" as he is known amongst his fellow inmates is also at a hearing; in his case, with the prison board to see if he will be granted a parole release.

Naturally, he is declined. That was the day Red first saw Andy.After a series of incidents, Red soon befriends Andy. Red, who also happens to be the prison conman (he gets anything from the outside within reason for a price) instantly recognizes that Andy is different.

For one thing, Andy was an educated man and for another, Andy asks Red of he could get him a poster of Rita Hayword. As the years wear on, their friendship grows and stands the test of time.Frank Darabont makes Andy a man of few words, quietly and casually spoken. Tim Robins' masterful performance as this character makes the viewer sympathize with Andy's suffering and pain but yet he subtly manages to portray him as a silent but strong and intelligent type.

We learn from Andy to keep true to yourself and never give up hope. "I guess it comes down to a simple choice really," Andy tells Red, "Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'."Red is also the narrative voice of this film. He is the one we relate to. Being the narrator, we tend to see things through Red's eyes.

In effect, we slowly become Red. Morgan Freeman once again doesn't fail to deliver. His flawless performance and 'one of a kind' narrative voice is almost heart wrenching. We are never really told about why Red is in prison, just that he is a good man who committed a terrible deed. This makes Red slightly mysterious, as if he has never had a life outside prison.

Morgan Freeman's defining moment as narrator in this film is when he says this: "When they put you in that cell. When those bars slam home. That's when you know it's for real. Old life blown away in the blink of an eye. Nothing left but all the time in the world to think about it.

"Other characters that add to the viewing pleasure of this film include the corrupt Warden Norton, for whom Andy uses his knowledge of banking to commit fraud, a sadistic guard and three bullies known as "The Sisters" who sexually assault Andy. But perhaps the most memorable of supporting characters is Brooks (James Whitmore) who provides one of the saddest and most tear jerking moments of this film.Roger Deakins is the cinematographer. He provides some great opening shots of Shawshank Prison from both a helicopter and on the ground, establishing the prison's cold and dark atmosphere.

Camera shots do not focus entirely on one character's emotions and feelings but also capture the setting in which the character is in beautifully. He doesn't use much colour (greys mostly) to show the grim reality of prison life. It may not be state of the art, but Deakin's does just enough to show the perpetual dreariness of Shawshank. Perhaps the greatest flaw in this film is the sound effects. Thomas Newman's music has little impact on any scene or dialogue throughout the film.Words cannot describe the last twenty minutes of this film.

You simply have to see it to believe it. Not only does Frank Darabont direct this film, he also wrote it. By creating this thought provoking drama, he has proved what a great new talent he really is. In conclusion, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a beautifully crafted work of art. It is simply a masterpiece full of messages of hope and determination. This film is so good that every man, woman and child should see it.