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The Shawshank Redemption – Norton’s Introduction at the Line-Up

The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont, is an intriguing film in the ways that Darabont has incorporated visual and verbal techniques to show underlying themes within the film. Numerous techniques are applied in the scene ‘Norton’s Introduction at the Line-Up’ (11.58-14.45), such as lighting, dialogue, cinematography and voice-over. The first techniques the couple together are lighting and dialogue, whilst voice-over and cinematography also combine together effortlessly. Darabont said in an interview that the film “works gorgeously as a metaphor-everybody who sees it can project their own trials and tribulations, and hope for triumph into it.”

Darabont employs the technique of lighting and couples dialogue together in this sequence ‘Norton’s Introduction at the Line-Up’. When the prisoners march inside of Shawshank, they line up and face the Warden Norton. Windows behind the prisoners create shadows that stretch across the painted line on the concrete floor, as well as darkening the prisoners’ faces, making it difficult to see their expressions. Also, Darabont manipulates the lighting behind Norton, as it is very dark, however his face is well lit and the audience can clearly see his facial expressions. The additional technique is dialogue, expressed when Norton says, “I believe in two things, discipline and the Bible. Here you’ll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord, your ass belongs to me.” This reveals Norton’s intentions, and how he is a hypocritical character. Darabont’s use of lighting reflects on the audience and it contributes to their understanding of the severities of prison life and institutionalism, the underlying theme in the film. Moreover, dialogue enhances the audiences’ perception of Norton and his deceitful character. Through this use of