If you were to take a survey among men about what their favorite film is, I am betting THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION would be at the top of their list. I have often wondered why this is a fact. With little else but speculation, I would surmise that Shawshank permits men to enjoy watching a strictly platonic, male relationship movie. This is a rare commodity. Most films border on the edge of intimate “will he or won’t he” themes. (Two leading men taking an extra beat or two.) This does not ever happen in THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. It is a story overflowing with male bonding for another emotional reason…friendship… mutual trust and support towards one another. Even though it takes place in a God-forsaken facility, every frame is powerful and unforgettable.
Innocence is all relative in a prison. Everyone inside will tell you proudly that they are, or it’s the fault of their lawyer. It’s all about being believed or perceived as not guilty. I have a former student sitting on death row for the last dozen years. I was even flown to Phoenix to testify on his behalf. I thought I could make a difference and change the jury’s made-up minds. Not a chance. I spoke fervently and passionately about my student’s character. I looked at every jury member. I was compelling and positive, but there wasn’t a chance in hell they would change their minds. He is innocent, and in the end, we all felt powerless. He has much in common with Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins).
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION premiered in 1994. It did not receive much audience acclaim at first. It was nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture and came away with seven losses. It wasn’t until it was re-released as a DVD that things turned around. The public “discovered” this gem and it became the top rental of 1995 and on every major critic’s “must-see” movie list ever since. It was based on a Stephen King Novella.
Morgan Freeman portrayed the character Red. He was also a first-time narrator which opened up huge career opportunities. Andy and Red were at the center of the story. Their growth as friends through the years gave this film its backbone and heart. Red, the man who could get anything you needed on the inside, and Andy, a man of few requests, except for a rock hammer, and a Rita Hayworth poster. Red and Andy were a match forced together in Shawshank and entwined for their next life adventure. Their subtle seconds cemented their fellowship whether through a game of chess, or a beer on a hot day after working outside. All anyone wanted was to feel “normal” and human.
The cinematography was outstanding. I loved the scenes showing the enormity of the prison and the men standing in the yard. It was a striking look at our penal problem. The ensemble was perfection. I am sad when remembering Brooks, (James Whitmore) Tommy, (Gil Bellows), and Fat Ass (Frank Medrano). My hatred for the Wardon and the Guard Heywood is unforgiving. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION stays with a person long after the credits roll, and audiences are taken on an aerial view of the Pacific Ocean.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION made it all simple in the end. Sometimes it is necessary to make that life-changing decision to either “get busy living or get busy dying.” All of us must live with positivity. Without it, there is nothing to continually move us forward to another day where anything is possible. This is why THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is a true classic of epic proportions that is revisited time and again around the world. It boasts a beautiful musical score, an amazing, brilliant cast, a genius story, and heart-breaking moments of prison brutality, violence, and…hope. I often think of Red and my former student, and I find myself quietly whispering out loud into the universe…”I hope.”
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is available on AMC.
