Shawshank Redemption

In the movie The Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont an important character is Norton the Warden. The director uses a range of techniques such as camera angles, dialogue and lighting to show how he relates to the theme of abuse of power.

One of the shots used in the film to express the Wardens character is an over the shoulder shot of him looking at Hadley and all the new prisoners as he steps out of the shadows. It is used to show us that he is the boss, the leader, and there is no-one higher than him in Shawshank Prison. He also comes across to us as a sinister character. This kind of shot is used all throughout the film because it shows us that he has the highest status. It relates to the theme as he uses his power to make everyone else feel worthless and unwanted.

Near the start of the film the warden 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. Welcome to Shawshank”. This quote is important as it shows us the character Norton is a hypocrite. When the prisoners are first brought to Shawshank this is the line he uses to let them know that he is in charge and whilst they are in prison they belong to him, he owns them, and he will accept no crap from them. This is important as it relates to the theme by showing us that he uses his power to scare the prisoners into submission. Another way the director uses dialogue to establish the wardens character is shown in this line: “Don't you ever mention money to me again, you sorry son of a bitch! Not in this office, not anywhere!” At this point in the film the Warden’s lies and deceptions are slowly being uncovered and he is afraid of losing his power. He says this to Andy while he is towering over him in solitary confinement. This is important to the theme because it helps us understand that abusing your power is like telling a lie. If you lie once you have to keep lying, if you abuse your power you have to keep...