Frank Darabont wrote The Shawshank Redemption. He also directed the film.
The Shawshank Redemption, a drama film released in 1994, is an adaptation of Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, published in 1982. The film's development did not commence until five years later. During an eight-week period, writer and director Darabont penned the screenplay, which was submitted to Castle Rock Entertainment. The latter provided a production budget of $25 million within two weeks of receiving the script.
The film has continued to be regularly broadcasted decades after its initial release and has garnered widespread popularity in various countries. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by the multitude of audience members and celebrities who consider it a source of inspiration or have identified it as a favorite in numerous surveys. Consequently, it has attained the distinction of being acknowledged as one of the most cherished films ever produced.
In 2015, the U.S. Library of Congress formally recognized the film's cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance by selecting it for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Who is Frank Darabont?
Frank Darabont, born on January 28, 1959, is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer originally from France. He has received recognition for his work through nominations for three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Darabont began his career as a screenwriter, primarily in the horror genre, contributing to notable films like The Blob (1988), The Fly II (1989), and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987). He later gained renown as a director, particularly for his film adaptations of Stephen King's novellas and novels, such as The Mist (2007), The Green Mile (1999), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
What is the storyline of The Shawshank Redemption?
In the year 1947, Andy Dufresne, a banker hailing from Portland, Maine, was sentenced to serve two consecutive life terms at Shawshank State Prison. The charges were pressed against him for the murder of his wife and her paramour. During his time in prison, he developed a close friendship with fellow inmate Ellis "Red" Redding, who was serving a life sentence for smuggling contraband.
Red provided Andy with a rock hammer and a large Rita Hayworth poster. Andy was sexually assaulted by a group of inmates known as "the Sisters" but survived a near-fatal assault and offered to legally shelter the funds of prison guard captain Byron Hadley.
Andy's financial skills were recognized by Warden Samuel Norton, who relocated him to the prison library to assist elderly inmate Brooks Hatlen. However, Andy's true role was to handle financial matters for prison staff, guards, and the warden, while also requesting funds from the state legislature to improve the library's condition.
What is The Shawshank Redemption based on?
The film, The Shawshank Redemption, is based on Stephen King's novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption," which was first published in 1982. This novella is included in King's collection of stories titled Different Seasons, with the subtitle Hope Springs Eternal. It is worth noting that the novella has also been published as a standalone short book.
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