The opening sequence of The Shawshank Redemption uses vague images and symbols to hint at the plot and set the historical period of the 1940s. It shows the main character getting arrested for a crime and sentenced to prison. Through the use of flashbacks between the courtroom scenes and the character's memories, the sequence builds intrigue around what actually happened and gradually reveals the man is sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife, leaving the audience wondering about his guilt.

1. Polina Zalevskaya
AS level Media Studies
Existing Film Opening Sequence Analysis

2.  This segment demonstrates the title sequence from the crimedrama
film titled “The Shawshank Redemption”. This film opening sequence
involves a glimpse of overall plot through vague and uncertain pictures
and symbols to attract the audience to continue to watch.

3.  In the beginning the studio logo is introduced to the audience.
It’s golden which symbolizes royalty and importance of the
company. The text’s font differ, one is serif while other one is
non-serif. Serif font symbolizes tradition, formality and
seriousness. Non-serif font is more modern. The logo includes
3D elements which add more powerfulness.
 It’s one of the big six film studios and audience would expect a
well produced movie.
 Then “Castle Rock Entertainment” logo is introduced. We can
see a lighthouse that is searching for something and there is
also sea that symbolizes freedom. Font is serif, which
represents the title in more official way.

4.  Font of credits and the title refer to pin-up models that were popular at that
time. So only from font of credits audience can imagine at what historic
period does the action take place.
 The sequence continues with a flashback of a main character sitting in car,
drinking bourbon and holding a gun. That is followed by music that symbolizes
that historic period-1940s.

5.  Next scene takes place in a court where a lawyer is questioning the same man
that was sitting in a car. The shot revers shot editing is included. The
audience finds out that Mr. Dufresne had a fight with his wife and after that she
left to her lover’s house.
 There is a contrast in lighting between the scenes in a car and in the court.
While in the first one there is dim, warm light in the second one it is cold and
creates an atmosphere of hostility and confrontation.
 Behind an accused there is an American flag which symbolizes pride and
justice.

6.  There is another flashback of, as the audience can conclude, Mr. Dufresne’s
wife and her lover rushing into a house. Red dress which woman is wearing
represents love and passion.
 While the action is happening there is still a voice over of lawyer accusing Mr.
Dufresne, this gives a sense of continuity.
 The shots constantly go from flashbacks to present.

7.  The body language of an accused suggests that
he is nervous and makes an audience doubt his
testimony.
 The other people in the court are presented and
their face expressions show that they judge Mr.
Dufresne and have no sympathy for him.
 Back to the flashback in the car, main character
takes a gun and gets out of the car. His walk and
face expression emphasize that he is drunk. The
lighting is not warm anymore, it turned to dark
and cold, this and the sound of broken bourbon
bottle give a sense of worry and nervousness.

8.  The judge carries out a sentence. In the last shot, while camera is zooming
out of judge’s face it is also zooming into Mr. Dufresne’s face to show his fear
and other emotions.
 With a sound of a hit by a gavel the Mr. Dufresne’s eyes shut and the opening
sequence finishes.