The Shawshank Redemption
“Get busy living, or get busy dying” So is the central message of the movie ‘The Shawshank Redemption”
You know the story? Who doesn’t? Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Based on the short story, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King. This gem of a movie sits proudly in the Top 10 Favourite Films of most people. I have copped a few remarks about it not being in My Top 10, but it certainly is one of my favourite movies. But I don’t try to own any exclusive rights on Shawshank, as I do with most of the films in my top 10. The Shawshank Redemption belongs to everyone; it is a film almost everyone has seen, and if you haven’t, you need to.
At the time of its release, the film was split with its lovers and haters. But over time, it has garnered a cult following as one of the most loved and praised films, not just of the 90’s, but of all time. That’s a huge achievement. And it’s easy to see why.
The Shawshank Redemption works on so many levels. Yes it is a movie, but not only that. It is an experience. It is a lesson in life. It is a testament to the triumphs of the human spirit and the potential that can be reached when the creative forces responsible, give way to love, art and inspiration – and the result, is a movie that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.
I would jump for joy whenever this classic would pop up on television. Even if I only saw the ad that day saying Shawshank was on that night, I would make an effort to be home to watch it. But recently, I purchased my own copy of it. I tend to have a rule for myself, which is not to own the classic movies. When DVD’s first came out, I like everyone else, jumped on the bandwagon of this new media form and bought as many as I could. A couple of years ago, I stopped and only buy DVD’s every few months now. Why? I discovered I was going out and purchasing all these movies I loved and was really excited to be in possession of them. But then, I would get sick of the movie because I had the privilege of owning it and could watch it anytime I wanted to. As a bona-fide movie buff, I love nothing more than to stumble across a movie by surprise. By that I mean, I like to discover a movie is on TV spontaneously, and watch it. Or, I will go to the local video store, stroll down each aisle and pick out five weekly’s to take home. I never know which ones I will rent, and let my fingers do the walking, running them against the spines of the DVD’s stacked side-by-side on the shelves, and pick whatever speaks out to me. So when it comes to viewing movies in that fashion, The Shawshank Redemption was one of those films.
But now I own it, and the bonus is I don’t see myself getting bored of it. I have seen this film more times than I can remember. I first remember hearing about it a few years after it came out. “Go and hire The Shawshank Redemption” people would tell me. Then in Year 11 Media Studies, I was fortunate enough to study the film, inside and out. My media teacher at the time had a passion for the film and got my co-students and I really excited about it. I wrote an assessment on it, and came to understand in depth, all the themes and messages contained within. Hope was the main theme of the movie; Andy Dufresne never let go of it. Red was devoid of it, until Andy inspired him to grab a hold of hope one last time, and the result was a massive change in Red’s life.
Since studying this film, I have caught it numerous times on TV and would always watch it when it was on. There is just something special about this film that I can’t quite explain. Maybe it’s the casting; Tim Robbins was exceptional in the role of Andy, but it was Morgan Freeman who stole the show. The character of Red he plays to perfection has got to be the best performance of his career. The narration Morgan Freeman provides throughout the film connects the viewer to Shawshank in a way no other actor could hope to emulate. Freeman’s voice is his greatest tool. It is almost Godly in its tone, and when you compare the stature of the voice to the face of the man, it’s almost like an unusual contrast. Freeman has a “caught-off-guard” expression as well as a “dead-fast stare” which he can switch between with no problems. He can reel you in without saying a word, but when he does speak, he’s got you in the palm of his hand. That’s the power of his acting and vocal talents, and why his narration on Shawshank works so well in taking you inside this prison for the duration of the film.
Having just watched Shawshank this evening after purchasing it, I once again relished in the power and impact of this movie. Towards its end, when Andy makes his escape and his plan is revealed over a collection of scenes, I can’t help but sit and watch in amazement at how his plan unfolded. Over a twenty year sentence, Andy bided his time; carefully and creatively, he made his escape and found his freedom. When Red finally gets paroled and decides life over death, the film races home to its emotional climax. Red, a man who spent forty years in a cold, grey prison, arrives at the warm, blue of the Pacific Ocean. He and Andy are reunited. Two free men together, living out the rest of their lives in peace as friends. It’s such an inspirational ending, and the feelings Shawshank leaves me with, as I’m sure it leaves you with, are a renewed sense of appreciation for life.
Shawshank teaches us one of the most important things to carry with us as we journey through life; hang onto your hope. Life can be hard, mean, unfair and cruel, and no matter how strong you feel you are, the events and circumstances that can uncontrollably unfold in life can kick anyone in the ass and keep them down. But its hope which keeps us focused. Hope which keeps us moving forward. Hope which reminds us that life is meant for living. And on that note, The Shawshank Redemption is a movie that is meant for viewing. Whenever you feel you’re life could be better, spend some time in Shawshank Prison, to watch Andy Dufresne make the most of what he has and change the lives of everyone he meets. Especially Red, who breaks the mould of a man who had given up on hope for himself, only to find it again by journeying to a far away beach where his friend greets with him and the two men live out their rest of their lives – free.
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