Portryal of Andy as a Symbol of Hope in Shawshank Redemption Essay Example
In 1994, Frank Darabont’s film ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ received a poor reception when released; it only made a $0.3m profit. More recently the film has become known as one of the greatest movies of all time, it has inspired hope in many people, helping them to lose weight, leave abusive marriages and such like. The film is based mainly upon two convicts, and the idea of hope. Andy Dufresne is a ‘Hot Shot Banker’ imprisoned with two life sentences, for the suspected murder of his wife and her lover and ‘Red’ (Morgan Freeman) whom Andy redeems hope in, along with the other convicts, saving them from institutionalisation.
One of the ways in which Andy saves himself is by making projects for himself. The first thing that Andy does is to make little sculptures using a tiny rock hammer, although this seems a very small thing as an attempt to save him, the impact it has on Andy is miraculous. Darabont has very cleverly shown us the way in which Andy suddenly changes from a man with an introverted character; that blends into the background, to a man who takes on an inspirational role towards others in Shawshank. The next project Andy undertakes is very much a more intense one, he recognises the potential of the library in the prison, and he puts it upon himself to write letters every week for six years to the Education Board, requesting funds for the library, the other convicts in the prison think that Andy is being obsessive and unrealistic. Although this is one of the key points in the film where Andy realises that there is possibility for him and that hope is a good thing. The library then reflects this and creates a positive environment that is a beacon of hope for the prison community.
Several friendships are formed in the film, particularly through conversation, focused on the main relationship between Andy and Red. The conversations that the two men share really emphasises the closeness of the bond that they have formed. Frank Darabont directly introduces the
One of the ways in which Andy saves himself is by making projects for himself. The first thing that Andy does is to make little sculptures using a tiny rock hammer, although this seems a very small thing as an attempt to save him, the impact it has on Andy is miraculous. Darabont has very cleverly shown us the way in which Andy suddenly changes from a man with an introverted character; that blends into the background, to a man who takes on an inspirational role towards others in Shawshank. The next project Andy undertakes is very much a more intense one, he recognises the potential of the library in the prison, and he puts it upon himself to write letters every week for six years to the Education Board, requesting funds for the library, the other convicts in the prison think that Andy is being obsessive and unrealistic. Although this is one of the key points in the film where Andy realises that there is possibility for him and that hope is a good thing. The library then reflects this and creates a positive environment that is a beacon of hope for the prison community.
Several friendships are formed in the film, particularly through conversation, focused on the main relationship between Andy and Red. The conversations that the two men share really emphasises the closeness of the bond that they have formed. Frank Darabont directly introduces the