Andy Dufresne - Christ figure? Just a thought

Rating: Null/10 (29 January 1999)

I'll save everyone from having to read the same list of superlatives that are in 99% of these comments, and just agree that it is literally the best movie ever made.
My comments will be about my theory that Andy Dufresne was intentionally developed as a Christ figure in the movie. I never actually read the short story, so I don't know if that was Stephen King's intention, but I do believe that that is what the film-makers had in mind. Andy Dufrense (initials A.D.) gave many speeches that sounded like sermons. He spoke of never losing faith, no matter how bad it was in prison. He wanted his friends to believe there was a better place waiting for them (Mexico). He performed miracles providing them with beverages on the rooftop. By the end the warden saw Andy as a threat to his power if nothing else through sheer charisma. Andy escaped the prison and contacted his friends still in prison through a letter, giving them all hope. When he escaped, he raised his arms into a definite crucifix-like position (in the rain storm).
Maybe I'm just stating the obvious (I mean "Redemption" is in the title!), or maybe I'm completely off base, but I am suprised I haven't seen this movie discussed in a more religious way (other than having such a religious following). I'm not really a church-goer for my own reasons, but I found watching this movie to be a wholly spiritual experience. I don't know what my favorite movie is, but whatever it is, it's no Shawshank...