The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption: the unlikely classic.

When originally released (though critically acclaimed on its second release), not much was thought of what appeared on the surface to be your average prison film - not a particularly high budget, no special effects and a relitively small constrictive set, could it really offer anything new?

The answer to that is, of course, yes. The enthralling, innovative and engaging plot holds your attention for the entire duration of the film, its perfect cast carry the narrative effortlessly with their outstanding performances - I refer primarily to Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, who's onscreen relationship will touch even the most cynical audience. Also, the underlying tone of resignation conflicts with the hope portrayed by the characters as the film progresses - this is visually supported by the cold, unfriendly and claustrophobic nature of the prison, contrasting with the promise and inspiration that the smallest piece of music or a few cold beers can bring.

The story follows the journey of prison inmate, Andy Dufresne, who has been wrongly convicted of murder and must learn to deal with the new and alien environment of an American state prison. An educated man, Dufresne ascends the 'ranks', both socially, in the eyes of his fellow convicts, and 'professionally', in the eyes of the authorities, eventually resulting in a banking job for the prison staff. This position aids Dufresne's ingenious and eventually successful plan to escape Shawshank prison.

The Shawshank Redemption is truly an excellent film for the most fundemental reasons - it saddens, it delights, it portrays reality and yet gives hope, it involves yet distances the audience and most importantly it entertains - a wholely captivating experience.

2012

2012: Pure Hollywood trash. The effects of course, amazing - every corner of the globe - epically destroyed by incredible natural phenomenons. The cinematography, again, incredible - it looks fantastic, as do the main cast - not even the end of the world will shift a hair out of place... but that is it - the script, actors and even music, leave something (perhaps many things) to be desired.

At an 158 minute running time, one soon tires of the effects, leaving an empty shell of a movie - no plot to speak of and lazy, unconvicing, and suspiciously recognisable characters ('The Day After Tomorrow', 'Independence Day', 'War of the Worlds' etc etc). One could even claim that some scenes were lifted directly out of director, Roland Emmerich's previous movies - tired civilians, struggling, through howling winds, to cross a barren snowly landscape.... we've seen it before!

I believe the main issue is with the plot - there isn't one. '2012' is merely a sequence of visually exciting events. The movie provokes no emotional response - we feel nothing for our planet. The end of our world, as portrayed, may well have been the demise of some distant, alien planet - we cannot relate, we do not care. A coherent story would have improved it tenfold - supported by the visuals - it could have been incredible!

The other aspect I felt let the movie down (and I make reference to '2012' as a movie, not as a film, not as cinema - a little snobby critical terminology), was the actors and the lack of believable and convincing characters. John Cusack, a usually decent actor, delivers a safe performance - he plays the cliched, unlikely hero who will do anything (and endure ridiculous amounts of physical harm) to save his family. What struck me most was how unrealistic the character's reactions to the unfolding events were. I'm not suggesting the entire film should be spent watching the actors screaming and crying in terror, unable to say a single word - but a balance has to be struck. From the start, the adult characters are able to deal with emotional turmoil that is beyond anyone's worst nightmares, with occasional concerned glances, and the children, who's worst experiences before these events take place, would have been along the lines of a scraped knee, fail to shed a single tear (and occasionally manage a comic line or two). Just as in Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds', the main character's story is a father struggling to deal with his ex-wife's new husband bonding with his children - original eh? This story continues to near the end of the movie when the new husband is killed in a tradgic accident - one might think there might be an emotional response from his wife, but no, she almost instantly settles for her ex, kissing him passionately amid the disaster. Suffice to say - up until this point, there was no indication that the couple were unhappy...

I realise I have ranted quite enough. I will make a good effort to try and find a film that I like to blog about next time.

It's not quite the end of the world - but it's not great!

What is a typical 48hrs of television?

Michael Ferns DFTV1 RSAMD
What do I watch on television?

02/11/09

7:00am BBC1 ‘Breakfast’ (on television)

I watch ‘Breakfast’ to catch up on the latest headlines before leaving for the Academy in the morning. I always like to know the most recent news before the day begins – I guess its just habit now.
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7:00pm DAVE ‘Dragon’s Den’ (on television)

I have always enjoyed this show. Although I know how contrived it is, it is pure entertainment for the same reason that one watches the likes of the ‘X-Factor’ auditions. Also because the nature of the subject matter, new and innovative business ideas, interests me.

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9:00pm BBC1 ‘Life’ (on television)

The BBC produces another fantastic, beautiful, informative and entertaining nature piece by the legendary broadcaster and naturalist, David Attenborough. This is, by far, my favourite type of television programming. The BBC are truly the masters of this genre!

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03/11/09

7:00am BBC News24‘BBC News’ (on television)

To catch up on the latest headlines.

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7:30am Channel 4 ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (on television)

Although it follows the same formula as all other American sitcoms, I find it to be very clever, well delivered and most of all, hilarious! It is relaxing to ease into the day with a half hour of light comedy.

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6:00am Channel 4 ‘The Simpsons’ (on television)

No matter how many episodes you have seen, it never fails to provide clever, witty humour. A classic.

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10:00pm ITV3 ‘Taggart’ (on television)

This is an integral part of Scottish televsion culture. Although a little embarrassing, I must admit, it was one of my inspirations to begin filmmaking. It’s a safe formula that never fails to intrigue.

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04/11/09

6:00am BBC News24 ‘BBC News’ (BBC News website)

I often check the website for more specific news items. The website separates the types of news so that you can read and watch the news you want, when you want.































Michael Ferns DFTV1 Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama