People may read what they like into movies.How a cult is born....

Rating: 8/10 (13 February 2010)

First off... I really liked "The Shawshank Redemption".It's a movie that is comfortable with itself,it knows exactly what it is - a good prison story with excellent performance from the leads and a happy ending.It was never intended to be a cult masterpiece,that status has become an "aftermarket accessory",so to speak. With only a "so - so" initial reaction nobody concerned could have imagined it would be elevated to the pantheon of movie greats. I suspect that in a world desperate for good to be recognised and evil punished,a world where the small man was becoming increasing powerless against "Them",heroes like Andy and Red,abundantly decent and "ordinary" raged against the machine on the audience's behalf. Movies about good vs evil whether "Star Wars", "Lord of the Rings" or the later "Harry Potter" series have built huge followings largely on that basis. Mr King's original novella could not have produced such an affect,it needed a movie with all its immediacy and impact to open out his story and punch his message to the audience. Whilst a book may be put aside and continued later,thus weakening its affect,a movie is seen in its entirety in a relatively short space of time - no distractions. There has always one small thing that has bothered me for years.... How did Andy hang his poster of Rita Hayworth back up covering the hole in his cell wall after he had escaped? That apart,"The Shawshank Redemption"is a completely satisfying prison story,bringing up to date the old George Raft,James Cagney movies from the 30s and 40s. Many people,for whom it has a special message,think it amongst the finest films ever made.