In Stephen King's novel, Morgan Freeman's character, Red, is a Caucasian Irishmen. What did you think of the decision to change that character to an African American. Does it add to the story?
With Red being a Caucasian Irishmen in the novel, it does change Red's character and qualities for being African American in the film. Andy was sent to prison in 1947 and racism and stereotyping was still continuing throughout that decade. In the previous 2 years of 1947 was World War 2, where approximately half a million African Americans were sent to fight. Though, for most of the time they were segregated from the whites, and were hardly ever allowed to fight in combat situation. Most of them were allocated the positions of cooks, latrine diggers and to move supplies. This adds to the story as African Americans were not allowed much freedom throughout these years and this is why it took Red a long time to be let free from the prison, even though he was a changed man. He was eventually let out following the year of 1965, where 2 years ago in 1963 was Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream speech.' A speech which had reshaped the world and the minds of the people at Shawshank.
With Red being a Caucasian Irishmen in the novel, it does change Red's character and qualities for being African American in the film. Andy was sent to prison in 1947 and racism and stereotyping was still continuing throughout that decade. In the previous 2 years of 1947 was World War 2, where approximately half a million African Americans were sent to fight. Though, for most of the time they were segregated from the whites, and were hardly ever allowed to fight in combat situation. Most of them were allocated the positions of cooks, latrine diggers and to move supplies. This adds to the story as African Americans were not allowed much freedom throughout these years and this is why it took Red a long time to be let free from the prison, even though he was a changed man. He was eventually let out following the year of 1965, where 2 years ago in 1963 was Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream speech.' A speech which had reshaped the world and the minds of the people at Shawshank.