About the movie

Inspirational film celebrating the human spirit through a realistic portrayal of prison life. A bank vice president is wrongfully accused of murdering his wife and her lover. In Shawshank prison he meets Red, a fellow prisoner possessing unusual tenacity and strength of character. Well structured, gripping film about justice and the human spirit. Very well acted and directed with flair, this must be one of the best film-adaptations of a Stephen King-novel ever.

Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows and James Whitmore.
Produced by Niki Marvin.
Directed by Frank Darabont.

About the music

A breath-taking tour de force and one of Newman's best scores so far. The grim main theme for Shawshank prison is introduced in the second track, Stoic Theme - monochrome strings against a ground of bass - and further developed throughout the score. This cold, downbeat and almost depressing melody is contrasted with warmer, gentler themes which convey the hope and the strength of the human spirit (such as Workfield and Suds On The Roof). Synthesized chords and electronic samples are used to great effect to reflect the hopelessness of the inmates and the dark power that surrounds the prison; accoustic instruments are used to accentuate the human side of the characters and their will to survive. Beautiful subdued compositions for cello and piano are The Shawshank Redemption's trademark, but some really uplifting music in the form of folksy Americana is not to be missed as well. This music enhances the movie in every aspect, but it's really on CD that it becomes a true treasure-island of emotions. This is music that has to grow on you. If you don't like it the first time you hear it, give it some time and listen to it a couple of times. Chances are you'll discover more and more new and exciting melodies each time you listen to it.

The soundtrack

Street date: September 1994.
Availability: in print.

A promotional CD of this soundtrack (no extra music) was sent out to the Academy's Music Branch voting members.

This score received both Oscar and Grammy Award nominations.

The theme from The Shawshank Redemption was also included on Hollywood '94 (VSD-5531), Joel McNeely's first CD of Hollywood themes, recorded with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The End Title was rerecorded by Emilio Kauderer and The Michael Garson Orchestra for Screen Themes '94 (Discovery Records).

Track listing

1. May (0:33)
2. Shawshank Prison - Stoic Theme (1:53)
3. New Fish (1:50)
4. Rock Hammer (1:51)
5. An Inch Of His Life (2:48)
6. The Inkspots: If I Didn't Care (3:03)
7. Brooks Was Here (5:06)
8. His Judgement Cometh (2:00)
9. Suds On The Roof (1:36)
10. Workfield (1:10)
11. Shawshank Redemption (4:26)
12. Hank Williams: Lovesick Blues (2:42)
13. Elmo Blatch (1:08)
14. Sisters (1:18)
15. Zihuatanejo (4:43)
16. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro/"Duettino - Sull'Aria"* (3:32)
17. Lovely Raquel (1:55)
18. And That Right Soon (1:08)
19. Compass And Guns (3:53)
20. So Was Red (2:44)
21. End Title (4:05)