The Shawshank Redemption Revealed: How One Story Keeps Hope Alive

by Mark Dawidziak

A 25th anniversary history and celebration of The Shawshank Redemption, one of the most cherished American films of the late twentieth century and one of the finest movies made from a Stephen King story. The movie not only boasts a great story, it has a great backstory, starting with the dollar deal that eventually led King and co-stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman to put their trust in a largely untested director making his first feature film. Although the film received mostly positive reviews on its release in September 1994, the box office was disappointing and it failed to win many awards. But as Andy tells Red in the film, "no good thing ever dies." The movie found new life, reaching an ever-growing audience on cable and home video (through word of mouth, it became one of the top-rented movies of 1995). Each year, The Shawshank Redemption rises in polls asking film fans to name their favorite movies. It has become nothing less than this generation's The Grapes of Wrath, an inspiring story about keeping hope alive in bleak times and under the most horrendous conditions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Media Tie In, Film, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

Published August 9, 2019

Reviews

[Chris DiLeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, enjoyable, and very, very thorough deep dive into the movie The Shawshank Redemption. The book includes interviews with all sorts of production and acting contributors. It also includes an interview with King and Darabont and essays about the film's themes (hope and salvation) and its enduring significance.

If you love Shawshank, you'll greatly enjoy this book—and you'll immediately need to watch the movie (for the fiftieth time, no doubt).

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The film saved the Ohio State Reformatory from demolition."

Love this movie so much. Yet another reason Ohio is the BEST state...

[🌈⭐️RoseOfRainbows⭐️🌈💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of revelations and juicy secrets about not only the movie but the book that has become such a cultural icon over the years. Informative, enjoyable and a part of history. 5/5 stars.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shawshank Redemption is one of my favourite movies. Amazingly when it came out 25 years ago, it didn't do so well. Over the years, because it's been on TV so much and word of mouth encouraged rentals, it has grown in popularity. In fact, it is now the highest rated movie of all time on IMDB!

In honour of its 25th anniversary (it came out in 1994), this book details anything and everything you've ever wanted to know about the movie. The book is divided into four sections:

* The differences between Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption and the movie and King talking about Shawshank
* The production and making of the movie
* Post production, release and reviews
* Interpretation, afterlife and legacy

There are interviews with major stars like Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. But there are also interviews with actors who had minor roles (such as the actor who played the golf pro who was having an affair with Andy's wife, the actress who played Andy's cheating wife, the actress who played the teller at the bank at the end who had just fourteen words to say and many more) and with local residents of Mansfield, Ohio, where the movie was filmed, many of whom had parts as extras along with other actors. It was interesting to get the scoop on how it affect their lives and the town during and after.

Any time it comes on TV, I get "Shawshanked" ... yes, that is apparently a verb meaning sucked into watching it yet again regardless of where it is in the movie. Do you? It's been a while since I've seen it so I'm going to have to watch it soon since I now have all this insight.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/08...

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, i have been "shawshanked" many times (drawn into watching it once again). And ironically more and more often as time goes by.

I heard about this book through a newspaper article on the 25th anniversary of the movie.

The book is interesting in many ways but is not always well written. There is too much repetition of the same facts - almost as if the chapters were meant to be published separately. I got it the first time that current and retired prison guards were used to play guards in the film - you don't have to keep telling me.

But there is still a great deal of information for the fan. Who knew that the man who played the brutal Hadley is now a voice on Sponge Bob? Or ever compared the 12 convicts on the roof to the Last Supper? Not sure I agree with that but interesting to contemplate.

"Get busy living or get busy dying."

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 75 of 2020

I’m an avid fan of the movie, Shawshank Redemption. Though I feel a novice to admit that it was first a short story written by Stephen King. I’ve never truly tapped into the history of the movie that is beloved by so many. I loved this behind the scenes look into the making of the film, and all the background pieces that you don’t normally get to see. It makes me proud to be an Ohioan as well, as OSR and Mansfield had a huge role in the making of the film. OSR herself is the third major player in the trio between Red and Andy— this gothic beauty has so much history and plays a major role in creating the film. I love that so much history is still cherished today about a film based on hope and redemption. Any fan needs to read this!

Rating — four stars
Format— audio book

[Linda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I can't believe that it's been 25 years since this movie first graced the big screen. Wow! The fact that this movie is still getting written about, ran on movie channels fairly often and referred to frequently demonstrates its staying power.
I loved this book for all of the little nuggets that weren't known before. The inside info that makes me enjoy a film even more...
There is rarely a time that I don't get 'shawshanked' when this movie is spotted on the channel guide. It's a guilty pleasure that always has me teary eyed at that last scene and cheering for Andy at the scene that shows the power of the human spirit. (I don't want to spoil anything for those poor souls who haven't sat through this phenomenal film. I do want to ask though - what are you waiting for???)
This is a must-read for film buffs. I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. #bookstagram

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love learning behind the scenes details about movies, so this book was right up my alley. Having just seen and read Shawshank for the first time this year, the projects were fresh in my mind and I wanted to learn more. On that, the book definitely delivered. There is a very thorough, exhaustive overview of the film and its production. I learned a lot. However, I think this book proves that just because a movie is good doesn’t mean the story of its making will be. The explanation of the filming process was so standard that it hardly deserves such extensive descriptions. I am sure huge fans of this film got a lot of fun out of reading this guide, but it generally didn’t feel like it was worth the time of a smaller fan, like me.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply excellent. I'm sure there are flaws, but they're probably minor if you're interested in a deep dive into this film. The author covers background, writers, extras, lead actors, sets, props, sound, buildings, towns, locations, scripts, directors, roads, fans, uber fans, beer, reviews, legacy, photos, Steven King, and more. Excellent research went into this book and it shows.

I like the film but not a die hard fan, so I found the book interesting. Maybe the only flaws are there is probably too much detail (for me) and maybe more script insights would be good. But those are minor.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my family, channel surfing is always halted when you land on The Shawshank Redemption. That made it very easy for me to choose this book, marking the 25th anniversary of our favorite movie. Mark Dawidziak did his due diligence and really compiled a great reference work, a wonderful companion piece. There were many anecdotes and reminiscences that made the filming experience come alive. His descriptions are detailed and compelling. I would gift this book to Shawshank lovers. 3.5
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

[Sean Gerace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the best books about the creation and lasting legacy of a film that I’ve ever read. The Shawshank Redemption is one of my all-time favorite films (based on a novella by my all-time favorite author, Stephen King), and Mark Dawidziak’s book chronicles the behind-the-scenes stories of the people involved in the making of the film, both in front of and behind the camera—as well as the personal recollections of the numerous locals from Mansfield, Ohio, who were fortunate enough to be a part of one of the greatest films ever made.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite movies! So inspirational. I am so glad Mr. Dawidziak took the time to research the movie, it will add so much to the enjoyment of the film the next time I watch it. Loads of info about the film I didn't know about. I am sure the film has a huge fan base who will want to read this book. Kudos to the author!

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Daniel Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally released in 2019. A 25th Anniversary celebration of the making of and the lasting significance of the Shawshank Redemption. Features interviews with the cast, crew and residents of the small Ohio towns that were used to film the movie. Offers interesting anecdotes about the creation and filming of the movie. Also does a nice job of spelling out why this movie is so important and continues to be so important for so many. Quality, quick read.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

After visiting Mansfield, OH for the 25th Anniversary of the Shawshank Redemption, I found this book in the book store on Main Street. It’s a good collection of stories all about my favorite movie. A lot of behind the scene stories I have not heard before. I read it while the weekend was still on my mind and I enjoyed it tremendously.

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for any fan of The Shawshank Redemption film! Such a tremendous tribute to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie's release. With plenty of tidbits and unknown facts about the movie, this was very enjoyable to read.

[Myron John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for all movie lovers and fans of the film. A great collection of interviews from the cast, crew as well as extras and fans. You never really know how much of an impact a movie has on an economy and the hearts and souls of many people, until you read this book.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the author at the 25th anniversary of the Shawshank Redemption celebration in 2019, and purchased a signed copy of the book. It was a great read, and the perfect companion piece for anyone who loves the movie, and wants to know more about its making. Great fun!

[T.J. Tranchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look at a great film. The focus on the location and the locals is just what I wanted.

[Bishoy Romani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for Film lovers, explores a lot of details about the film's making and it's great influence on people.

[Kyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great behind the scenes look at what has been consistently rated as one of the best films of all time.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the movie, get this book. Interesting read. Now I want to visit Mansfield, OH and follow the Shawshank Trail. Thank you Mark Dawidziak.

[A Cesspool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much admiration, retrospective musings; Not enough behind-the-scenes, making-of anecdotal

[Trina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Shawshank Redemption Revealed by Mark Dawidziak reads more as a history book than a movie companion. A lot of the beginning of the book sounds like an argument for the book's existence, an argument that continues throughout though the reader clearly has interest. There are some lovely stories and information about the movie that fans will love and enjoy. However, this book feels like a long slow walk with a teacher educating you and is missing the story telling gifts so exemplified by it's inspiration.

[LambchoP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has seen this movie, but few have actually read the short story it's based on. This is a damn shame because the short story is every bit as good.

Set in the 50's I believe, the story of an innocent man sent to prison for a murder he didn't commit. While incarcerated, Andy does his best to learn to cope with prison life, all the while secretly planning his eventual escape. His friendship with Red is one of the high points of the novel and movie both.

I loved basically everything about this story. I would say the only negative is that this wasn't a full sized novel. Easy 5/5 stars!