Opening Sequence Essay - Paragraph 2 - Red At The Bottom Of The Stairs After His Rejected Parole Flashcards
Following Red’s rejected parole verdict where does Darabont position Red?
In the darkness at the bottom of a staircase.
The walls appear as if they are closing in on Red, what does this convey?
The idea that Red is trapped within the prison with no hope of freedom.
Darabont expertly utilises grey and brown colours for Red’s surroundings, what does this resemble?
The grey and brown walls engulf him and his hope helping the audience to understand Red’s hopelessness.
This is followed by a close up shot, what does this show?
Red’s dejected facial expression as he faces his future within Shawshank his hope quashed.
Red is seen looking up to the sky what does this symbolise?
Red looking up to heaven for help and perhaps to restore his hope.
Darabont uses light on Red’s face, what does this convey?
There is reason to be hopeful as positive things are coming to Red.
Red is positioned at the bottom of a dark staircase that leads to light. What does this solidify?
That there are positive things in Red’s future.
An over the shoulder shot is used, what does this achieve?
Allows the audience to retain some of Red’s positivity for his future and share his hope.
The staircase from darkness to light could also signify the theme of religion, why is this prevalent?
Religion is a strong theme throughout the film, however it is rarely painted in a positive, hopeful, optimistic light as it is here.
