Shawshank Redemption Essay

“Shawshank Redemption” is a film, directed by Frank Darabont adapting it for screen, based on Stephen king novella “Rita Hayworth and the shawshank redemption.”

This film takes the audience on a journey of despair and hope of individuals in Shawshank. Constant Routine, forced Conformity, power abuse and the struggle of hope

The use of Film language (lighting, camera angles, music and different shots etc are accounted for in Shawshank prison presents to us in its opening shots of Dufresne as he arrives to begin his Double life sentences in a gray, lifeless area nothing but concrete blocks and bars. Every prison scen is framed by bars and dark, grays or blues as backdrop as this effect indicates the cruel nature of life and the control of shawshank within the lives of every individuals.

The majority of scenes have no background music as the impact of silence represents the purpose in the lack of life. It is the Warden’s office where Andy locks himself in and plays Italian Opera over the P.A System. This is the only time in Which Music dominates a scene. This proves to us that Andy is different and shows that there is still hope and freedom within him.

The one scene that made Andy and his CO-workers fell like men again was the roof top scene. The wide angle, establishing shot of the surrounding showing the true beauty of nature in bloom. This effect gives the idea to viewers that Shawshank prison exists to restrain individuals from experiencing the OuterWorld, and the beauty of nature again, but live in a place of slavery.

Through out the film there has been a main theme or symbol, which is another use of language. The symbol of Jesus Christ. Andy represents Jesus Christ as freedom and hope was a main factor. His out-stretched hands after tumbling out of human wastage pipe represents, Jesus Christ on the cross. The last judgement when the Warden learns his fate, “Salvation lay withn” Andy Dufresne writes set in the book of exodus.

The use of Film Language has been a main factor in contributing to this film “ The shawshank redemption” Proving a point in scenes of power, abuse and the struggle of hope in which Andy tries to prove his innocence. The important of hope.