I had seen bits and pieces of Shawshank on TV, enough to pique my interest but not enough to hold it when in competition with the expansive wilderness of cable TV. I vowed that some day I would watch this movie in its entirety, and today I did.
The story is about Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins Mystic River, High Fidelity) a young banker who's wife and lover get shot. The murder is pinned on Andy and he, a refined and educated man, gets thrown into Shawshank prison. There, he befriends Red (Morgan FreemanDark Knight, Seven) and a couple other guys, and together they try to make life tolerable and not get raped.
The movie is based on a story by Stephen King, which surprised me, because unless the story is about a haunted hospital or a demonic car one doesn't think it would be written by Stephen King.
The director, Frank Darabont (Green Mile, The Mist, Walking Dead) did a fantastic job. He managed to make the most enclosed and claustrophobic places feel big and open. I don't know how he did it, but the entire movie felt humble.
Everyone in the cast plays their parts wonderfully, none more so than Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Robbins plays the part with reserve and a quiet charm and Freeman has a voice that is like fine chocolate milk for your ear.
It's a strangely simple movie, quiet and peaceful.
4 Stars!
No comments:
Post a Comment