Hope is a Good Thing – resolution

This scene is a resolution as we see Andy enjoying his freedom and Red join him. It is a satisfactory conclusion as we have found these two characters so likeable, in contrast with the corruption of the warden and Shawshank. It is important as we realise that Andy never gave up hope for himself or Red, even though Red did give up on any ideas of freedom. Andy shows Red that he was right to remain determined and we admire his belief and effort in gaining his deserved freedom. His careful planning is again evident, as he clearly had hope that Red would make parole and would someday join him.

Camera Work

· Red – close ups showing his shock/emotion at Andy’s planning

· Medium shot – shows us Red sitting under the tree with the rural background

· Panning – showing Red walking through fields and green scenery

· Long shot showing Red with bare feet and rolled up trousers on the beach

· Bird’s eye – shows Andy and Red walking towards each other and hugging

· Close up show that they are happy to see each other

Sound

· We hear Andy’s voice reading the letter he wrote to Red – we admire his determination, hearing his careful planning for Red to join him. He repeats his belief that “hope is a good thing.”

· By hearing this, we can again appreciate how intelligent Andy is.

Mis-en-scene

· Scenery is bright and green with lots

of vast space (beach, fields, etc.) – in

stark contrast with grey prison

setting of the majority of the film

· Andy and Red are finally out of their

prison clothes – Andy is wearing

shorts and a ripped shirt and Red has

his sleeves and trousers rolled up –

signifies their freedom and escape

from institution

· Andy are Red are both smiling and

delighted to see each other

· They embrace each other in the end – happy to be reunited

Character

· We appreciate the careful planning of Andy’s escape at the end of the film – he is a determined and patient man. He is also very intelligent to be able to go to such great lengths to achieve a successful escape and have Red join him.

· We admire Andy at the end of the film as we realise that he maintained hope throughout his time at prison and never gave up on the idea of regaining his freedom

· We truly appreciate his innocence and the way he handled the corruption at Shawshank – we see justice prevail as Andy has obtained freedom for him and Red and the warden and Hadley meet suitable ends.

*Key quote – “Remember, Red. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

	Created by Caitlin H about 6 years ago

Key scene notes

Shawkshank Scene Notes