From Novella to the Screen

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 1999)

I've read the novella from "Different Seasons," and feel that Frank Darabont's screenplay was an excellent refinement of King's story. It pretty much sticks with the original plot while eliminating some portions which didn't add much to the story as a whole. The only part I wish they would have included (that they didn't) was Red's tales of other breaks at Shawshank Prison, if only for the novelty of them. Regarding the movie alone, I thought the grand aerial views of the prison combined with Thomas Newman's score (especially the 'Stoic Theme') were quite wonderful, almost breathtaking in their scope and power. I would have to say this is by far Tim Robbins' best role to date while it at least is among Morgan Freeman's top three cinematic performances. I have seen this movie several times, and although I'd say the first viewing is the best, I never tire of experiencing the story of Andy and Red, their story of hope.