Fear
can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
One writer on
IMDB made the comment that the best movies
"touch the soul." Shawshank Redemption achieves
greatness, indeed perfection, not because of
special effects or action or violence or any
semblance of distraction. It achieves greatness
because it touches the soul with a
straightforward cinematic experience filled with
brilliant dialogue, exemplary performances and a
message of hope in the midst of the darkest of
times. It is a message that resonates deeply and
grows more intense with each subsequent viewing
of the film.
The first time I viewed Shawshank Redemption I
didn't find it to be anything special. Sure,
stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were good
BUT their performances weren't anything
special...or so I thought at the time.
Frank Darabont directs Shawshank Redemption with
a gentle, guiding hand allowing the actors to
discover the essence within their characters.
Some actors, undoubtedly, would not be up to the
task. Robbins and Freeman, however, are not
"some actors." They are consummate actors and
masterful in their portrayals here.
Based upon Stephen King's novella, Darabont
creates a film that never buys into the drama of
its story, instead choosing to present the lives
of the characters involved without histrionics.
I have long felt, in fact, that the film may
even improve upon the novella by bringing it
into focus and providing it with a pacing that
allows a more explicit character development.
I have noticed that many of my favorite films
are ensemble pieces, and while Robbins and
Freeman shine here it is actually the entire
cast that brings this story to life with such
grace and beauty. Supporting performances by the
likes of James Whitmore, William Sadler, Gil
Bellows and others who take what could be
caricatures and give them in-depth personalities
and thoughts and feelings.
Thomas Newman's score is supremely divine and
changes along with the characters. It further
enhances Darabont's pacing, as well. There are
so many memorable scenes in Shawshank
Redemption, however, the closing scene is
certainly among one of the best closing scenes
ever witnessed.
It is hard to fathom that a "prison" movie could
be a source of tremendous hope, light and
inspiration. Yet, to call Shawshank Redemption a
prison movie is to minimize its greatness. It is
a brilliant film, a study of humanity in all its
wonder AND it happens to take place within the
confines of a prison.
Moving, brilliant, inspirational, hopeful and
empowering are all words that describe "The
Shawshank Redemption." With outstanding
performances from its ensemble cast and a work
of tremendous cinematic poetry by director Frank
Darabont. "Shawshank Redemption" creates a
stellar vision that teaches, challenges,
inspires and evokes a wide array of emotions and
thoughts that serves to remind us that in the
darkest moments of our lives there is always a
light that shines within.
© Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
I've had "The
Shawshank Redemption" atop my list of the
greatest films of all time for quite some years
now. Some day, I am sure another film will
replace it at #1... but I would bet against it
ever leaving my Top 10 of all time. It
boasts the best script I have ever heard
delivered. It quietly infuses one of the
most sublime scores imaginable. Tim
Robbins and Morgan Freeman create a genuine bond
that teaches so much about true friendship.
And director, Frank Darabont, floats his camera
lens in and amongst these subjects with delicacy
and grace. "Shawshank" is perfect in every
way. And, most important of all in
determining my list of the greatest films of all
time, it carries the emotional weight and
profundity required to be included in that
shortlist.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
