Shawshank Redemption

[michal]

I reread this story this week and discovered that the film really affected the way I saw it in the past. Reading it now it was a darker book to me, dealing with human lives and how significant or insignificant we can make ours to be.

In a way, I felt like the book was really saying we all live in a kind of prison, one that society made, as well as we did. And of course, it was a much more optimistic book than I thought when I read it for the first time.

Not because of the escape, but simply because of the hope that pours through the pages.

[aptpupil]

I have to be honest and admit that I found "Different Seasons" to be a much tougher book to love than anything from SK that had gone before.

Re "Shawshank", it's the one SK adaptation where I can quite unequivocally say that, IMO, the film outshone the original story. But then, it is a fantastic movie.

[EddieDean]

I thought Shashank was a good movie because it folowed the story pretty well. I hate it when the story and the movie dont jive

[karend3]

This is definitely one movie that was better than the story, although the story was great.

[ScarecrowJoe]

i didn't know stephen king wrote this. my mom and dad love this movie. i'll have to check the book out.

[MadamMack]

i didn't know stephen king wrote this. my mom and dad love this movie. i'll have to check the book out.

I think you'll enjoy this one a lot SCJoe! Let us know what you think when you're done.

[cwalrus]

I know SK has listed the adaptation as one of his favorites, but I was wondering why he had a problem with the opera scene in the movie. Even though it wasn't in the book, it seemed in character for Andy and it didn't alter the story that much. The story was simply too short, which meant that they had to expand certain details and add scenes that weren't in the story.

[M-O-O-N SPELLS MY NAME]

Best adaptation of a SK work ever! The movie outdoes the story, but only because Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins acting was incredible. On a side note, I recently bought a paperback called "Stephen King Goes To The Movies". It contains Shawshank, 1408, The Mangler, Children of the Corn, and Low Men in Yellow Coats, AKA Hearts in Atlantis. (Excellent movie starring Anthony Hopkins) A good little collection of stories for a rainy day!

[inspired-writer,tyler]

I feel the same way, I hate when even the smallest details are different b/c it can add so much to the movie, PS I thought your name was cool, thats the guy from the Drawing of Three, isn't it? I myself am reading the Wastelands at the moment and its getting good.

[michal]

I myself am reading the Wastelands at the moment and its getting good.

And the journey is only going to get better... Lucky you. Still so much good reading waiting for you. :laugh:

[Chris Chambers]

Well,I like this story very much and all the things in there,like the arrive of Andy;his "star" moment on the roofz and things like that...

The movie was good enough as the book,and this is no common,'cause they change evrything in the movie,like the city,the state,and I HATE even if a pixel isn't in his place...yes,I'm fussy...
Well,the end is a little bit different...well,it is different,because it isn't in the book,but that didn't bother me so much,'cause it what I was hoping for,and,yes,there's an happy ending,so I think it's better...
At the end,I tought,and I still think,there is a good movie quite equal to the story...

[Seb Shaw]

What phenomenal read! This is probably the BEST short story/novella that i have ever had the privilege to read! It made me laugh,wince,teary you name it I probably felt it whilst reading it.
Thank you for this one Mr. King :D (and for the rest of course :D

[dwalters]

Heh, I was actually coming here just to say (and this may be the only time I will ever say it in regards to a Stephen King story), as good as the written work is, I think the movie was better. Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks so. However, as I was recently going through my second reading of the story there were several things that stuck out to me that I felt obligated to share.

**WARNING - SPOILERS AHEAD**

Let me start by saying I loved the written story. I just think certain things were done better in the movie adaptation. For one thing, the movie did a wonderful job of consolidating certain parts of the story and making them a single entity. Not the least of which being the various wardens throughout Red's stay in Shawshank being rolled up into one supremely acted Warden Norton. I realize that each of the wardens in the story helped shape the overall course of Andy's tale, but it was less confusing and more enjoyable to have a single one to focus on, who also turned out to be an incredible villain. Another example would be the combining of Red's inner thoughts regarding being "institutionalized" and the briefly-mentioned "Birdman" into the character of Brooks Hatlen. Despite being a one-time crook, who among us can't help but love Brooks? He was arguably one of my favorite characters in the movie, and as sad as his own ending turned out to be, I thought it was a great addition to the story.

I also liked the more dramatic endings of various situations. Tommy Williams being bribed and transferred was much less intriguing than Norton having him shot when Norton found out Tommy was willing to stand up and testify that his story about Blatch was legitimate. I also preferred Andy's revenge in stealing Norton's dirty money in the movie as opposed to him simply making sound investments prior to being arrested in the story (related - I like that in the movie they changed the first name of Andy's false identity from Peter to Randall; possibly a nod to the ever-popular RF?). Likewise, Norton realizing at the end of the movie that he had no way out and committing suicide was a lot more satisfying than having him resign.

Next, the enhanced use of symbolism in the movie. Norton's "His Judgment Cometh..." wall hanging in his office is mentioned in the written story, but only briefly. In the movie, the foreshadowing of Norton's safe (along with the evidence of his corruption) being hidden behind it, plus the the zoom-in on it as the sirens are closing in after Andy exposed all his schemes was a very nice touch. Also Norton telling Andy "salvation lies within" as he hands Andy's Bible back to him in the movie, unknowing that Andy's rock hammer was hidden inside, coupled with Andy's private message to Norton at the end when the discovery was made, was absolutely brilliant.

And finally, the ending. The dialogue in the movie and in the story are nearly identical, but actually seeing Andy working on his boat and embracing Red as they are reunited at last really put a great finishing touch on things. I can appreciate Sai King leaving the final ending open to interpretation in the written work, but I really appreciated the happy ending to an otherwise dark and miserable story.