Three Act Structure of "The Shawshank Redemption"

The Shawshank Redemption serves as a good example of a film that uses the Three Act Structure. The film follows the guidelines for a Three Act Structure as defined by Professor Ramirez-Berg very closely.

Act I typically sets up the film and provides the viewer with information about what the world is like. This opening includes background information and sets up the story. In The Shawshank Redemption, Act I opens with the lead character Andy in court and going to prison for a crime he did not commit. As the first act continues, Andy arrives in prison. Plot point 1 arrives when Andy asks a fellow inmate, Red, for a rock hammer. This scene pulls Act I, which was around 32 minutes, to a close.

During Act II, the protagonist is typically faced with a struggle of some sort and is forced to make various moral choices. During Act II of the film, which runs a bit long at around 75-80 minutes, Andy grows closer to Red and begins adapting to his life in prison. Andy soon gains the trust of the warden and the midpoint of Act II comes as Andy begins playing opera over a loud speaker to the entire prison. This was a result of the prison library Andy had been in control of. As Act II begins to close, Andy starts informing his knowledge of the corrupt prison regulations to his fellow inmates. Plot Point two shows Andy escaping from prison through piping.

Act III opens with the guards finding Andy's open cell and discovering he had used a rock hammer to pick through the cement walls. Red later goes up for parole and is granted his freedom. Once in the real world, it is unclear as to whether Red will make it after being away in prison for so long. The climax of the film occurs as Red goes to a spot he was told about by Andy and finds a letter and cash. The closing resolution scene shows Andy and Red being reunited in Mexico. Act III lasts about 30 minutes.

The Shawshank Redemption is an example of a Three Act Structure and although it doesn't follow the basic time rules, it does run very close. By examining the film closely, it can be easily broken down into three basic components.

Seinfeld as a Serial Program

In television formatting, there are typically three types of shows: series, serial, and episodic programs. A series is a show which advances over time, and creates long term story lines and characters. Oppositely, shows which are episodic provide little character arc and typically end, allowing viewers to watch one episode and be done. The combination of these two formats can be found in a serial program. Serials function mostly as episodic programs, but use some crossover to create recurring jokes or story lines.

Seinfeld is an example of a serial program. While one can certainly sit down and view one episode without knowing any background information, a long-term viewer will begin to see jokes that carry through the shows longevity. Some examples of this carry over can be found in the relationship between Jerry and Elaine and can also be seen in the fantasy career of George Costanza as an architect. A further example can be seen with the creation of Jerry's sitcom pilot, which is often referenced throughout all of the show's seasons. Although viewers certainly do not need to know of some of these inside jokes within the show, the plot lines help to create more complex and humorous stories. Seinfeld works as a serial program because it involves aspects from both an episodic program and a series.

Describing A Scene

In one of my favorite films, Garden  State, the camera angles throughout the ending scene not only help to tell the story, but also affect the way the story is viewed.  As the film comes to a close, the two main characters are faced with a last decision:  Andrew (Zach Braff) must decide whether he will go back to his home and figure out his life or stay in New Jersey to be with Sam (Natalie Portman).

The scene opens with a long shot in an airport.  Andrew and Sam walk past the camera at a distance and are seen only as silhouettes.  This shot sets up the location and also helps the viewer to be aware of the impending difficulties that the two characters will soon face.  The camera cuts to Portman and Braff sitting on a set of stairs, still seen from a distance.  As the two begin to talk about the future of their relationship, the viewer is shown a medium shot, which helps to involve us in the conversation.  As the conversation gets more emotional, the camera gradually moves in to present back and forth close ups of the two characters.  As the scene prepares to end, the camera moves out to a medium shot of the two saying last goodbyes and then further moves out to a long shot.  This cycle helped to create the same feeling of leaving that the characters were experiencing. 

A few shots later, Braff is seen at a medium close up on the plane.  This shot gives idea that something is changing and that the character is contemplating his decision.  A quick cut to a long shot of Portman crying then reveals Braff returning.  As the scene closes the camera pulls further and further out putting a close to the film.

Overall, the film shots used in Garden State helped to make the scene more relatable and emotional to the viewer.  Had the same scene been shot using different angles, the effectiveness of the closing scene would have been much less and the ending of the film may not have seemed as satisfying to the viewer.

The Studio System

Classical Hollywood film studios had a very specific organization.  In these successful studios, all steps of the film process (production, distribution, exhibition, and stars) could be found in one place.  During this time, the most influential part of the studio system was found in the stars.  Studios would contractually bind actors and then loan the talent out to other producers.  In the eyes of the audience, the stars were the biggest representation of the studio and were also the main reason that people would pay to see certain films.  

Stars during this time typically did not cross genres.  Instead, the actor became associated with a certain genre and talent.  This was especially true in the case of Humphrey Bogart.  The famed actor developed a certain role, character and look which began to carry over into each of his movies.  With this, Warner Brothers began producing a high volume of gangster and detective films, in which Bogart was often the main feature.  With the start of WWII, most studios moved to war themed films, but even in the changing genre, Bogart's widely known traits remained.  

The star system used in classical Hollywood studios greatly affected the future of films.  Without the talent, most people would not find interest in seeing a particular movie.  Actors became the main selling point for films and was essentially the reason that studios were able to profit.

Modern vs. Contemporary Sitcoms

When watching television today, many viewers assume that shows create completely unique and creative situations for characters to experience.  Once given the opportunity to view TV shows from the past, however, the impact of former entertainment becomes apparent.  The similarities in format between a contemporary show such as "All In The Family," and a modern show such as "Everybody Loves Raymond" are numerous.  

"All In The Family"  portrayed a daughter, her husband and the daughter's parents.  Tension between the husband, Michael, and the father, Archie is high, creating a humorous situation for viewers.  This in-law humor is very similar to many shows now found on TV.  In "Everybody Loves Raymond," the situation is somewhat flipped, with the wife having issues with her husband's parents, but overall the affect is is very similar.  Beyond in-law humor, the show also pokes fun at the older generation.  This is very much like what we now see on television, in which the older people are usually a bit wacky.  

Despite the similarities, "All In The Family"  also was a bit different from what we often find on television today.  Although it is not uncommon for topics such as homosexuality to be discussed in shows, it is often done in a much less blatant manner.  In the episode watched, the comments made by Archie Bunker seemed extremely dated and insensitive.  A TV show today would approach the topic in a less harsh way in order to suit a more general audience.  

Television has continued to evolve over the past 60 years, and while we still use many of the same formats for shows, such as the family sitcom or the slapstick comedy, shows have begun to portray controversies and issues in a much different light;  instead of possibly offending people to make a point, directors and writers now use a more subdued method to get the idea across to audiences.