Simply told can sometimes tell it all...

Rating: Null/10 (14 November 1999)

"Friendship or Prison" Film
I work in one of the last "Mom & Pop" Video stores in southern Florida. Without the restrictions of a Blockbuster-like corporation job expectentcies, I'm able to discuss anything I want with anyone - for however long it takes. A few months ago I had a customer inquire about the film; I knew right off the bat he had "doubts" about the quality of the film. I got it for him, and gave him a rundown of the plot when he asked me my "No BS" opinion on the film. I just wish this guy knew I don't lie to anybody about this film. We must have sat down for two hours: I just listened, subjectively, while he came up with some question or comment that a friend or relative had brought to his attention - giving him the impression the film was "sketchy." In the end, it simply turned out to be a question of whether or not it's a prison film or a friendship film. How do you weigh it? The setting is constant, but the characters are defined so well it's blinding. I only mention the incident with the customer since it made me realize which road the film really fits down best. "The Shawshank Redemption," in the tradition of classic friendship characters such as R.P MacMurphy & Chief, Ratzo Rizzo & Joe Buck, Butch Cassidy & Sundance has its two main characters (Andy Dufrense & 'Red') as two guys tied into a friendship from *circumstance* (meaning prison). As the years pass and they can only see the world from a single point of view (behind the walls of Shawshank), they begin understand each other more and more on a spiritual level. Yes, it does start as a prison film, but eventually turns to a buddy/friendship film. With Andy and Red's friendship growing, the walls of Shawshank disappear - you can even notice there are almost no wide angle exterior shots after the first 45 minutes. The claustraphobia of the cells and the solitary cells are pretty harsh, yeah, but I take that as a metaphor for the restrictions the characters are unable to release; they're own ideas, beliefs and thoughts are also prisoners. I only discuss the conflict question of "prison film or buddy film" just to set something straight. The last time I saw the movie, I realized: "Does anyone watching it remember they were prisoners? Does anyone *see* the walls of Shawshank?" I think it was too difficult, with the Royal blue of the Gulf and the white powder of the beach, it's almost as if there's no trace of a dark, cold, and unfriendly prison anywhere in the film prior to that moment. Andy sees his friend, knowing exactly the reason for his arrival. After that, they know whatever lies ahead in life that could be challenging or difficult won't be anymore. It's a simple safety in numbers, "you watch my back, I'll watch yours." - very close to Joe Buck & Ratso from "Midnight Cowboy."
chrisjohn email to: oneofthree78@aol.com