shawshank

Cards (42)

  • what is adaptation?
    development of an original composition - the hypotext - into the hypertext, the piece reimagined within a different medium or genre.
  • link adaptation definition to essay question and process of adaptation!
  • what is adaption driven by?
    artistic expression within a pre-existing narrative or growing audience appreciation for the original work
  • introduce texts?
    common adaptation is from book to film, exemplified in adaptation of RHASR to TSR
  • rita hayworth and shawshank redemption (RHASR) was written by Stephen King in 1982
  • the shawshank redemption (TSR) was a 1994 feature film directed by Frank Darabont
  • Both narratives are set in 1940s to 1960s
  • Andy Dufresne seeks redemption for his wrongful conviction for the murder of wife and lover
  • Shawshank Penitentiary - institution of corruption and exploitation
  • Both texts explore themes of institutionalisation, corruption, and redemption through vivid characters and compelling storytelling.
  • thesis statement?
    Darabont enriches book with cinematic techniques and theatrical performances, but the film also diverges from King's representation of the overarching themes.
  • What is institutionalisation?
    The normalisation of a set of rules, norms, or practices within an organization or culture.
  • institutionalisation in RHASR?
    King uses Red and Brooks Hatlen illustrate the dehumanising effects of long-term imprisonment and condemn institutionalisation.
  • book quote for institutionalisation?
    "[Brooks] had died in a home for indigent old folks" (King)
    indicates that Brooks was so accustomed to prison he'd struggled to intergrate back into society.
  • institutionalisation quote 2?
    red mentions in both texts, "They trained him to like it inside the shithouse, and then they threw him out," (King/Darabont)
  • institutionalisation in film?
    However, Brooks' narrative arc receives more emphasis as Darabont is not restricted to depicting what Red witnesses. Brooks is transformed into a central character and is a part of the friend group. Gives more reason for his attachment to Shawshank.
    Darabont does this to make the audience sympathise with Brooks when he is isolated and vulnerable later on.
  • institutionalisation: Why does Brooks get more screentime?
    Darabont is not restricted to showing what Red sees and hears
  • BP1: Darabont transforms Brooks into a central character and incorporates him into R & A's friend group, why?
    To play on the sympathies of the audience when Brooks is later portrayed as isolated and vulnerable
  • BP1: film technique talked about?
    Camera angles.
  • institutionalisation film technique?
    Brooks is never seen smiling in the outside world, only when carving his name into the rafters. The camera angle makes him appear as if he is behind bars again. A shoot soon after the one of his name carved into the rafters is of his name being engraved on a plaque for the prison's refurbished library. Juxtaposition signifies he was more valued in prison than out of it.
  • BP1: What is the other shot seen?
    Brooks' name is engraved onto a wooden plaque when his friends commemorate the refurbished library in his honour.
  • BP1: Juxtaposition of camera shots signifies Brooks was more valued in prison
  • BP1 link?
    Darabont underscores through Brooks the cost of long-term imprisonment and isolation from society. The visual medium of film allowed for a more explicit commentary on institutionalisation than prose text.
  • What is corruption?
    Abuse of power. Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in authority, was approached differently by both composers.
  • corruption in novella?
    King attempts to expose the shortcomings in the American corrections system, characterising it as an institute of systemic corruption that goes beyond the failings of one individual. Warden and guards introduced each time share the immorality of the ones prior, perpetuating the cycle of bribery and corruption.
  • BP2: What does King think the American corrections system is?
    institute of systemic corruption that goes beyond the failings of one individual.
  • corruption novella quote?
    Red states, "The names at the top change, but the rackets never do," (King)
    King suggests corruption will continue even after Norton's resignation, as he will be resumed by a warden of similar nature.
  • corruption segue from book to fillm?
    Contrarily, Norton's conclusion in the film suggests the corruption within Shawshank ends with his demise. Darabont showcases corruption in a conventional manner associated with the film world, as he attributes the corruption to one villain and his lackeys.
  • Why did Darabont only have one villain?
    Multiple wardens would have confused the audience and sabotaged the film's pacing in the struggle to introduce each antagonist. As Darabont has condensed all the corruption into one character for film purposes, he can further develop Norton's despicable characterisation.
  • How is Warden Sam Norton depicted in the film?
    Norton is depicted as a devout Christian yet with a self-righteous God complex, often quoting scripture and using religious metaphors to justify his actions and maintain control over the inmates.
  • Norton's characterisation?
    Darabont cements Norton's God complex when Norton meets up with Charlie. Norton walks out of the shadows, amiably lighting a cigarette he offered to Tommy, building a rapport with him before he swiftly orders his death. He believes he has the authority to take lives as he pleases.
    Daraont adds the death of Tommy's character, another character he positioned the audience to sympathise with, to consilidate Norton's villainous characterisation.
  • corruption link?
    Darabont condensing the corruption into one character streamlines the narrative, yet it also oversimplifies the issues present in the hypotext and disregards King's belief in systemic corruption.
  • What is redemption?
    act of atoning for a shortcoming or a mistake is a central theme to narratives such as RHASR and its film adaptation.
  • redemption in novella?
    King suggests redemption is attainable through resilience. Andy knows the system he is being punished under is not dedicated to his rehab, so he takes upon himself to seek redemption.
    King's interpretation of the theme is seen with Andy who spends decades digging for his redemption through his grand escape.
  • What is the BP3 quote used in both the film and book?
    "Andy Dufresne, who waded in shit and come out clean on the other side," (King)
    While a literal statement about his escape, it also serves as an analogy of his redemption from his long-term wrongful incarceration.
  • redemption in the film?
    Darabont's version of redemption is more tangible compared to King's. In hypotext, ambiguity surrounds the fates of Red and Andy, allowing for open interpretations of their endings. In hypertext, Darabont ensures a conclusive resolution to satisfy audience expectations.
  • what does Darabont change in the plot for redemption?
    • Instead of Norton resigning, he commits suicide. Ending fit for the ultimate supervillain Darabont portrays him as
    • Red and Andy are pictured reuniting on pristine beach, high-angle of scene allows audience a view of the Pacific ocean
    • Ocean was discussed in both texts, it symbolises hope and freedom for Red and Andy. When it appears at the film's conclusion, reader gets a cathartic sense of closure.
  • redemption link?
    Darabont's vision of redemption ultimately elevates King's hypotext, while also in consideration of audience enjoyment.
  • Conclusion start?
    In the film adaptation of Stephen King's RHASR, Frank Darabont adjusts plot points and simplifies the narrative to cater to audience expectations. Changes made affect responder's interpretation and restrict King's underlying messages in RHASR.
  • evaluation in conclusion?
    however film captures emotional impact of novella through visual medium, and remains a compelling commentary on institutionalisation, corruption and redemption.