The Shawshank Redemtion

The sounds from beatings by batons, the screams, the cell doors shutting, and the lights going out gave the film many emotions such as fear, loneliness and helplessness.
             The dialogue was used in "The Shawshank Redemption" to paint a very detailed and multi-faceted picture of the different characters, The screws and the warden shouted a lot and used a lot of obscenities, which helped, in my opinion, to show utmost power, corruption and hate towards the inmates.
             Andy, on the other hand, spoke softly, and was sell spoken. I felt that this helped to portray the innocence and intelligence of his character.
             Frank Darabont used the music throughout the film effectively, using dark, gloomy music in the prison and much happier sounding instrumentals for Andy's freedom as well as when he broadcasted all over the prison via the loudspeaker. Slower and sadder music was played during such incidents as the lead up to Brook's suicide, whereas more up beat tunes where played when Andy was escaping. There were also many silent points in the movie, which really allowed the sound effects, like the screams and slams, to get through and break the silence in a scary fashion.
             A much more personalised view was given to the characters by the use of a voice over. I believe that this enabled the viewer to almost understand the pain and thoughts of the inmates. This was especially true when letters were read and when people were on the outside after being released, or after escaping.
             The design of the sets also played a huge role in the film with the use of lighting, colour, costumes, and hair and make up. In the cells and even in the yard the lighting was always dull with the use of shadows, whereas when everyone was happy the light was brighter to help show feelings. I also found that the hole was always pitch black, and when the slot or cell was opened the light became overpoweringly blinding to show the intimidation of the punished inmate.