Year 11 English - the Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption
‘TSR is now ranked as “one of the greatest films of all time”. Is this assessment of the film fair? Why or why not?’
The Shawshank Redemption defines a genre, defies the odds and compels the emotions. It is truly “one of the greatest films of all time”, as it successfully incorporates immersive characters, relevant underlying themes such as greed, rebirth, freedom and hope, a stunning scored and great cinematography by Frank Darabont into one film. TSR upon watching can be interpreted in many ways and this is an element that makes a film much more diverse and intriguing.
An example of an immersive character is that of Andy Du Fresne, played by Tim Robbins. Darabont and Robbins have created a character that not only gives you the sense of bewilderment and curiosity, but the sense of amazement as you discover his daring escapades, incredible resilience, unquenchable sense of hope and his sense of irony. Initially, you get a sense that Andy is a somewhat evil man “You strike me as a particularly icy and remorseless man, Mr Du Fresne”. But soon you discover that this is not an accurate representation of Andy.
An example of Andy’s resilience, resolve and intelligence is shown when he returns from weeks in solitary confinement seemingly untouched, when questioned by his fellow inmates how he survived he merely says “I had Mr. Mozart to keep me company”. This short answer just leaves you wanting to know more about Andy and how he ticks.
Andy is a character in the film that inspires others and gives them a sense of hope that there is life beyond prison walls. This is many ways, either his tireless construction of the prison library, inspiring others who had given up hope or just mentoring young inmates who desperately wanted to get out of the criminal system. An example of this inspiring of others, is during a conversation with Red who claims “Let me tell you something my friend, hope is a dangerous thing… Hope can drive a man
‘TSR is now ranked as “one of the greatest films of all time”. Is this assessment of the film fair? Why or why not?’
The Shawshank Redemption defines a genre, defies the odds and compels the emotions. It is truly “one of the greatest films of all time”, as it successfully incorporates immersive characters, relevant underlying themes such as greed, rebirth, freedom and hope, a stunning scored and great cinematography by Frank Darabont into one film. TSR upon watching can be interpreted in many ways and this is an element that makes a film much more diverse and intriguing.
An example of an immersive character is that of Andy Du Fresne, played by Tim Robbins. Darabont and Robbins have created a character that not only gives you the sense of bewilderment and curiosity, but the sense of amazement as you discover his daring escapades, incredible resilience, unquenchable sense of hope and his sense of irony. Initially, you get a sense that Andy is a somewhat evil man “You strike me as a particularly icy and remorseless man, Mr Du Fresne”. But soon you discover that this is not an accurate representation of Andy.
An example of Andy’s resilience, resolve and intelligence is shown when he returns from weeks in solitary confinement seemingly untouched, when questioned by his fellow inmates how he survived he merely says “I had Mr. Mozart to keep me company”. This short answer just leaves you wanting to know more about Andy and how he ticks.
Andy is a character in the film that inspires others and gives them a sense of hope that there is life beyond prison walls. This is many ways, either his tireless construction of the prison library, inspiring others who had given up hope or just mentoring young inmates who desperately wanted to get out of the criminal system. An example of this inspiring of others, is during a conversation with Red who claims “Let me tell you something my friend, hope is a dangerous thing… Hope can drive a man