Based on a 'short novel' (91 pages) by Stephen King, published in 'Different Seasons' (where also 'The Body' aka Stand By Me appeared) in 1982, written just after finishing writing 'The Dead Zone'... I wonder whatever happened to Stephen King...
Anyhoo, the whole plot is in that short novel or whatever you call it, but Darabont has most successfully opened it out to be more about the relationship between the two main protagonists and the other cons and the struggle again institutionalisation. It's peopled by a great cast - Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton (warden), William Sadler, Clancy Brown (the brute), Gil Bellows (young man), James Whitmore (old man), David Proval (The Sopranos' Richie). It's shot by Roger Deakins in a high contrast style - like an old black and white. The music - which you don't really notice - is by that old pro Thomas Newman.
It's still No. 1 in IMDB's top 250. Considering it was a flop on release it's interesting to see the Academy recognised it as a great piece of work, with Film, Screenplay, Freeman, Deakins (the first of his thirteen), Newman (the first of his fourteen) and Richard Francis-Bruce (editing) and Litt / Tyson / Herbick / Burton (sound) all being Oscar nominated (the best sound effect is the sound of the chess piece disappearing down a long well).
Also love that final shot where the two are reunited - but it's so far away... And the Mozart.. And the scene on the roof..
Castle Rock Entertainment was named by Rob Reiner after the success of his Stand By Me adaptation.
No comments:
Post a Comment