From Box Office Bomb to Cult Movie
In 1987, Frank Darabont sought out Stephen King.
The director was wondering about getting the rights to one of Mr Kings novellas called “Rita Hayworth and the Shawn’s Redemption.” Stephen King wasn’t sure that it could be adapted, but a $5000 price tag sealed the deal.
In late November 1994, when the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” closed, it was considered a bomb at the box office. After all, the total gross of $16m did not reflect well against the $25m budget that the movie had.
Roll forward to 2023, and the movie is now considered a cult classic, a revered piece of cinema. It’s narrative and its performances resonate with audiences on a level that had not been recognised before.
At the core of the movie, several themes are demonstrated and explored. There are relatable and timeless themes such as redemption, resilience, friendship and hope. The pacing of the movie and the overarching narration deviate from the typical formula of Hollywood movies.
The status of ‘Shawshank’ was not only cemented by the story and the way it was presented on screen. The performances were a significant contribution. This is reflected in the 7 Academy Award nominations that the movie received.
The performances of Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Red add to the quality of the story and the presentation of the story as a whole. Tim’s interpretation of Andy’s quiet strength and resolve alongside Morgan Freeman’s mellow storytelling add more nuance to the movie. Those performances, alongside the undeniable chemistry that these two-gentleman share, enhances an emotional impact, something audiences can resonate with.
Those who love movies are able to appreciate the storytelling beyond the initial surface level. The development of the characters and the depth of the story are the priority. By treating the movie this way, those who are viewing are invited in to reflect on their lives, their own values. The Shawshank Redemption does not rely on explosive action or visuals. It relies on life, its problems, and how we get through situations.
The movie had a gradual rise to cult status. It received critical acclaim despite an underwhelming monetary lapse at the box office. The challenge of the movie was finding that mainstream audience that embraced something that was not quite the Hollywood norm. But, as video and television broadcasts introduced the movie to more and more viewers, the reputation began to grow. Word of mouth played a strong role in the ascent of Shawshank, as viewers shared their views and connections with others, eager to let them know what they had seen.
The film has many iconic moments, many memorable scenes and a plethora of quotable dialogue. All of which have come together to raise the cult status. Everyone has their favourite moment from the movie. Whether it is the Rita Hayworth poster covering Andy’s escape route. Whether it is Andy Dufresne standing free in the rain after crawling through the sewer pipe. Whether it is Andy in the warden’s office piping music to the prisoners or whether it is Red and his journey to meet Andy. These moments are individual pieces of art, pinnacles of film making that are celebrated to this day.
“The Shawshank Redemption” has rightly earned its place on many lists of “greatest films of all time.” It is a cinematic masterpiece and while it may have taken some years to be recognised as such, the ongoing appreciation from filmmakers, viewers and critics ensures that it remains as such.
Stephen King never cashed the cheque that he was paid for the rights to the novella. There is a rumour that in 1994, he framed the cheque and sent it back to the director with a note that said; “In case you ever need bail money. Love Steve.”
