What idea does Frank Darabont, the director and screenwriter for The Shawshank Redemption, explore in his film? What cinematic techniques does he use/manipulate in order to portray these ideas?
Interview Host: Today I am joined by the director and screenwriter of the internationally acclaimed motion picture The Shawshank Redemption, Mr. Frank Darabont. The film is accompanied by numerous accolades, seven Academy Awards nominations and two Golden Globe nominations, cementing its status as a must see movie of our generation.
The movie focuses on the unfortunate life sentence of Andy Dufresne, a young and ambiguous banker, victimised by circumstantial evidence that results in two life sentences for the wrongful conviction of the double murder of his wife and her secret lover. Andy is sent to Shawshank State Penitentiary in rural Maine, at which point we’re introduced to prison contraband smuggler and fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding, whom is also serving a life sentence.
Immediately, there is a connection between both Andy and Red that proves paramount in the movies underlying themes of both hope and the longing for freedom. Andy’s demeanour and undeniable sense of hope, proves to be his greatest asset during his …show more content…
Each scene entailed different camera shots, music and lighting perspectives In order to contrast the themes throughout the course of The Shawshank Redemption, such as suffering, friendship, injustice, hope and transformation. A prime example is the use of a low-angle point of view that is shot when Andy arrives at Shawshank prison for the first time. The camera looks directly up at the towering prison from above and then begins to tilt back further and further, as if it’s the last look at daylight and freedom from that point for Andy and in doing so it establishes the feeling of fear and
Immediately, there is a connection between both Andy and Red that proves paramount in the movies underlying themes of both hope and the longing for freedom. Andy’s demeanour and undeniable sense of hope, proves to be his greatest asset during his …show more content…
Each scene entailed different camera shots, music and lighting perspectives In order to contrast the themes throughout the course of The Shawshank Redemption, such as suffering, friendship, injustice, hope and transformation. A prime example is the use of a low-angle point of view that is shot when Andy arrives at Shawshank prison for the first time. The camera looks directly up at the towering prison from above and then begins to tilt back further and further, as if it’s the last look at daylight and freedom from that point for Andy and in doing so it establishes the feeling of fear and