In the film Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont there were many techniques such as cinematography, camera shots, music and costuming that made the film entertaining and thought provoking.

Lighting was also used effectively when inmates were leaving the outside world; we see a sweeping low angle shot on the dark eerie buildings (emphasizing the enormity of the buildings) and stops when it reaches the light of the sky; this was done to show the last look up at the freedom.  When they are in the prison everything is shown dark where warden himself stood in a shadowed area, portraying him as a dark character.

Outside the prison however, the colours are picturesque showing beauty and passion. During the roof tarring scene, Andy manages to win beers for his inmates and they felt free at this stage. This scene is enhanced by the brightness of colours and is softly lit with warm orangish light, the light representing the glimmers of hope and happiness the men felt at this stage. Darabont used warm, bright lighting in roof tarring scene symbolizing hope and happiness whilst emphasizing how dark and gloomy the prison was in contrast to the outside world.

The use of camera shots throughout the film showed us how power and control dictates the prison life. Often high camera angle were used to show how the guards had power over the powerless prisoner’s. During the roof tarring scene when Captain Hadley holds Andy over the edge the director shows the drop of high camera angle to show the power that Captain had over Andy. However Once Captain Hadley agrees with Andy’s deal, the camera no longer shows the height of the building but instead shows both prisoner and guard as equal. 

The use of cinematography, lighting and camera shots made the film very entertaining and thought provoking. He utilized these aspects of film technique to create mood and atmosphere, strengthen themes and in the development of plot. The techniques used by Darabont gave the viewer more understanding of the text making the movie very entertaining and thought provoking. These aspects of the film all combine to create a graphic representation of prison life which gives the viewer better understanding keeping him in suspense throughout the movie making it very exciting and entertaining.