On the film's 30th anniversary, let's break down how Frank Darabont's screenplay transformed Stephen King's novella into such a powerful cinematic experience
Well how about that. I just learned at 45 years that this movie was based on a King story. Sure maybe I’m the last person to know, but I’m happy that I do. Thank you!
The way you explored Darabont’s choices and how they enhanced the novella for the screen was well explained. It’s always a pleasure to see someone break down an iconic film with such care and understanding
This film is in my top ten films of all time. I was one of the few who saw it while it was still in the theater. I got lucky, because a somewhat nerdy architect who my sister and I were employed at an architectural firm with told us he had seen it and that we should see it too, because it was a wonderful story about the human condition and the human will to keep going. So we trusted his recommendation and purchased two tickets for a viewing in the theater near our office building after work that night. We were two of only three film-goers in that large theater. We sat dead center in the middle of the room and watched the film in a way most were never able to see it… on a giant screen with giant sound. It was one of the coolest film/theater experiences I have ever had, if not the coolest.
The scene where he locks the office door and plays Mozart over the loudspeakers, knowing full well he would suffer putatively for it… well, words cannot describe how moving that scene was on the big screen coming through our own loud speakers in stereo. The entire film was incredibly moving. I never read the book. So I never knew if the film adaptation did it justice… until now.
I can safely say that I feel privileged to be one of the few who got to see it on the big screen, and I am so glad we took that nerdy architect’s must-see advice that day. It was one of the first films I ever bought on DVD and has remained one of my most-loved films since I saw it.
The Shawshank Redemption is one of my top five movies. Your article reminded me of just how beautifully crafted the film is. I’m reminded of the way I felt the first time I watched it, and I'm going to have to watch it again with my son and share the love! Thank you.
My mom’s favorite film. She found it on TBS. Couldn’t get enough of it. I brought her the DVD. She ate it up. I did as well. It is one of the best stories of my time. And how Darabont went about the adaptation is brilliant. Kept the main story but made it cinematic, since we consume a movie way different than a book. Smart choices.
Great analysis! Hard to believe "Shawshank" was a flop. That it was rescued from the dumpster by its VHS release is one more reason why the old model worked better than the current one.
Just rewatched this on 4K UHD, it remains a remarkable film. Hits so hard on all the emotional levels.
I’ve thought about reading the novella several times, but haven’t there’s something enriching about the process to look back at an adaptation’s source material.
King’s work, when adapted, usually takes on a life of its own. Most barely get it right, but this is a savvy analysis of the smart choices.
I read this, finally, last year as part of my drive to 100% King (16 books to go now!) and was surprised at how actually bored I was with it. Good story but as King would say its lacking the chrome. The movie doesn't have that problem.
side note, I can't think of another writer who has a ten-year period of amazingly great adaptations as King, running from Stand By Me in 1986 to Dolores Claiborne in 1995.
I couldn't imagine describing this novella as boring. Everything about it is terrifying, simultaneously beautiful, and always lyrical. Easily the most inspiring piece of fiction I've ever read from King.
It could be because I saw the movie first and was expecting them to basically echo each other. Like you pointed out, Darabonts' going for much more emotionally satisfying conclusions with the characters and I missed that in the book.
I don't know how to interact with anything as silly as Tim scraping a boat as if he was in a Netflix rom com. The end of the novella was perfect. Maybe Red would find salvation, maybe not. The dream was within reach. But the movie slammed it into the audience's face. YES! BOAT ON SHORE!!!! HERO SCRAPING BOAT!!!!!
Great article. I saw this in the cinema back when it was first released and never understood why it tanked originally, because the surge of emotion in the room when Andy and Red finally met on that beach was palpable. I remember there were audible gasps at the big poster reveal too.
Absolutely fascinating read. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption was one of the very first Stephen King stories I read and I absolutely loved it. I was incredibly excited to discover it was being adapted into a film and I love that version every bit as much as the novella.
Having read this, I think I need to go back and read the novella again as I felt (apart from the more conclusive ending) that it was an extremely faithful adaptation. I hadn’t spotted the other changes at all.
I read the novella not long ago and was fascinated to discover there’s no “the” in the title, which to me changes the meaning of the “redemption” quite a bit. I’m still thinking about what that means for King’s intent for the story and how that might differ from the movie. Anyway, it’s one of my all-time favourite films and I really enjoyed your discussion of the differences!
Well how about that. I just learned at 45 years that this movie was based on a King story. Sure maybe I’m the last person to know, but I’m happy that I do. Thank you!
You're welcome. Thanks for reading!
The way you explored Darabont’s choices and how they enhanced the novella for the screen was well explained. It’s always a pleasure to see someone break down an iconic film with such care and understanding
Thanks, Jon.
This film is in my top ten films of all time. I was one of the few who saw it while it was still in the theater. I got lucky, because a somewhat nerdy architect who my sister and I were employed at an architectural firm with told us he had seen it and that we should see it too, because it was a wonderful story about the human condition and the human will to keep going. So we trusted his recommendation and purchased two tickets for a viewing in the theater near our office building after work that night. We were two of only three film-goers in that large theater. We sat dead center in the middle of the room and watched the film in a way most were never able to see it… on a giant screen with giant sound. It was one of the coolest film/theater experiences I have ever had, if not the coolest.
The scene where he locks the office door and plays Mozart over the loudspeakers, knowing full well he would suffer putatively for it… well, words cannot describe how moving that scene was on the big screen coming through our own loud speakers in stereo. The entire film was incredibly moving. I never read the book. So I never knew if the film adaptation did it justice… until now.
I can safely say that I feel privileged to be one of the few who got to see it on the big screen, and I am so glad we took that nerdy architect’s must-see advice that day. It was one of the first films I ever bought on DVD and has remained one of my most-loved films since I saw it.
Great post! Thank you for writing/sharing it.
Thanks for sharing your lovely anecdote about discovering the film, Georgia - and for reading!
The Shawshank Redemption is one of my top five movies. Your article reminded me of just how beautifully crafted the film is. I’m reminded of the way I felt the first time I watched it, and I'm going to have to watch it again with my son and share the love! Thank you.
You're welcome, Jackie. I'm glad to hear the essay resonated so much with you.
My mom’s favorite film. She found it on TBS. Couldn’t get enough of it. I brought her the DVD. She ate it up. I did as well. It is one of the best stories of my time. And how Darabont went about the adaptation is brilliant. Kept the main story but made it cinematic, since we consume a movie way different than a book. Smart choices.
Thanks for reading, James.
I have this script and it’s a beautiful read.
It's one of the first scripts I ever bought.
I think choosing to have Red narrate the film was single-handedly the best decision they could've made. It just works so well.
Indeed. Red narrates the novella, as well. Their friendship is the heart of both works, I think.
Fantastic breakdown, Cole. So many valuable lessons here.
Thanks, Duane!
Great analysis! Hard to believe "Shawshank" was a flop. That it was rescued from the dumpster by its VHS release is one more reason why the old model worked better than the current one.
Thanks, Ken. Yes, it's hard to fall in love with films after the fact these days. I miss word of mouth.
Just rewatched this on 4K UHD, it remains a remarkable film. Hits so hard on all the emotional levels.
I’ve thought about reading the novella several times, but haven’t there’s something enriching about the process to look back at an adaptation’s source material.
King’s work, when adapted, usually takes on a life of its own. Most barely get it right, but this is a savvy analysis of the smart choices.
I reread the novella this year, and it's a really wonderful read. If you have some reading time to spare, I'd recommend it.
I read this, finally, last year as part of my drive to 100% King (16 books to go now!) and was surprised at how actually bored I was with it. Good story but as King would say its lacking the chrome. The movie doesn't have that problem.
side note, I can't think of another writer who has a ten-year period of amazingly great adaptations as King, running from Stand By Me in 1986 to Dolores Claiborne in 1995.
I couldn't imagine describing this novella as boring. Everything about it is terrifying, simultaneously beautiful, and always lyrical. Easily the most inspiring piece of fiction I've ever read from King.
It could be because I saw the movie first and was expecting them to basically echo each other. Like you pointed out, Darabonts' going for much more emotionally satisfying conclusions with the characters and I missed that in the book.
Yes, the book is a much more literary experience.
yeah, looking at its publication date its in that period where he was getting fed up with being dismissed as "just a horror author".
I still enjoy the movie a lot more however.
The ending of the novella is beautiful. The ending of the film is stupid.
I don't even know how to interact with a comment this simplistic.
I don't know how to interact with anything as silly as Tim scraping a boat as if he was in a Netflix rom com. The end of the novella was perfect. Maybe Red would find salvation, maybe not. The dream was within reach. But the movie slammed it into the audience's face. YES! BOAT ON SHORE!!!! HERO SCRAPING BOAT!!!!!
Sorry, I hate that ending passionately.
Great article. I saw this in the cinema back when it was first released and never understood why it tanked originally, because the surge of emotion in the room when Andy and Red finally met on that beach was palpable. I remember there were audible gasps at the big poster reveal too.
Absolutely fascinating read. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption was one of the very first Stephen King stories I read and I absolutely loved it. I was incredibly excited to discover it was being adapted into a film and I love that version every bit as much as the novella.
Having read this, I think I need to go back and read the novella again as I felt (apart from the more conclusive ending) that it was an extremely faithful adaptation. I hadn’t spotted the other changes at all.
Great analysis!
I read the novella not long ago and was fascinated to discover there’s no “the” in the title, which to me changes the meaning of the “redemption” quite a bit. I’m still thinking about what that means for King’s intent for the story and how that might differ from the movie. Anyway, it’s one of my all-time favourite films and I really enjoyed your discussion of the differences!