Opening Sequence Essay - Paragraph 3 - Audience’s First Full Visual Of Shawshank

Question 1

What kind of shot is used to first introduce the audience to Shawshank?

Answer 1

A sweeping shot of the prison from a Birds Eye view.

Question 2

What is the audience shown about the prisoners within this sweeping shot?

Answer 2

Shawshank’s many prisoners as they are held within the bounds of the prison.

Question 3

In this moment the prisoners are shown as very small and indistinguishable from one another. What does this create?

Answer 3

A sense of the prisoners loss of individuality and hoped and their believed inferiority within Shawshank.

Question 4

Audience is also shown the stark comparison between the atmosphere within and outside of Shawshank through Darabont’s excellent use of colour. How is this used and how what does it convey?

Answer 4

Outside - trees flourish and are teeming with life and vibrancy, mirroring the hope and positivity outside of prison.

Inside - surroundings are grey, drag and lifeless signifying loss of life and hope within them.

Question 5

The sweeping shot also displays the sheer size of Shawshank. When this is paired with the use of colour what does it convey to the viewer?

Answer 5

The insignificance of one prisoner against the expanse of both the prison and the law. This expresses their hopelessness at the idea of freedom.

Question 6

Colour is further used by the comparison of the black roof against the bright blue sky, what does this symbolise?

Answer 6

The contrast of the hope outside of Shawshank and hopelessness within Shawshank.