"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies..."
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Shawshank Redemption.
In the fall of 1994, Frank Darabont adapted this Stephen King novel into one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces existing today. I am overjoyed to speak upon a film that embodies hope, especially in this time of uncertainty; uncertainty of what tomorrow may come... uncertainty of how to look at ourselves... uncertainty in the way others regard us. Cliche as it is, it is as equally prominent when speaking of how to combat such uncertainty. It is an answer that, perhaps even until recently, I have also ignored, for I believed that whatever the world offered/took from us was our own doing. Today, I understand that there are forces beyond our control, shifts in destiny that oftentimes go without notice; and other times... well, lets just say that it's clear as day when something special in your life is presented. This, in my belief, is a product of hope.
For Andy Dufresne, hope was lost... until it was found again.
I have written several "Remake Column's", concepts of how/who to recast in classic Hollywood cinema. The Shawshank Redemption, a film which perhaps will never be remade, was a challenge that I found quite intriguing when the idea of "recasting" the movie was presented to me. I mean, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were SO iconic in their roles, it seems weird to even consider anybody else portraying the characters of both Andy and Red (fun fact: Kevin Costner was originally cast as the title role of Andy".
However, hypothetical questions like this MUST go un-avoided, because, well... there just to much fun!
So, without any further ado, I present to you MY recast for Martin Scorsese's The Shawshank Redemption. (Yes... Martin Scorsese; who else would you have direct it?)
Andy Dufresne - Leonardo DiCaprio
(It's a weird picture, I'm aware.)
When we are talking about a Martin Scorsese film, we mustn't ignore his usual casting patterns. And, when were talking about one of the great roles of the last century, we cannot avoid casting of the greatest actors of our time, Leonardo DiCaprio! Emotionally, this man had every dynamic down that an actor can have. I mean, the guy can flat out make you cry, while also leaving you with just enough glimmer to convince you that hope still exists, even in the darkest of times. Leo (my friend, don't you know) has no issue carrying a film; however, I feel like he shines even brighter when speaking of "ensemble" casts, and this cast (more to come), is outright special.
Ellis Boyd 'Red' – Chiwetel Ejiofor
This guy is one of the ten greatest actors working today! Personal opinion, I understand. But, you must admit that this dude is magnetic, as he seems to take the audience's attention almost every single time he steps on screen. Ejiofor, perhaps best known for 12 Years A Slave, is extremely charismatic. His laugh is contagious, his smile is infectious, and when his heart breaks, so does yours. Plus, his voice, while not Morgan Freeman, can provide the same warmth and comfort as it did for Andy. This is my Red, as well as the casting I would be most excited to see.
Tommy – Andrew Garfield
What a year for Andrew Garfield! This young actor was not only superb in Martin Scorsese's Silence (hey, another Marty employee!), but was also nominated for an Oscar in Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge. Garfield's stock seems to be only on the rise and to see him portray the young, exciting, stubborn, and in the end (spoiler) heartbreaking character of Tommy would be quite the cinematic treat. Garfield, who is only getting better (scary), would add a credibility to this film as something that is not a mere rehash, but rather a re-introduction of a timeless story to a new audience.
Warden Norton – Robert De Niro
Hey! Another Scorsese go to (see a pattern here?). De Niro, who has been guilty of phoning in every other movie he has been in the last 20 years, seems to still carry a strong presence when he acts to his full capability, as he reminds us every now and then why he is one of the best actors of all time. Firm, harsh, and at times trusting, the warden of Shawshank is a man whose bad side you wouldn't want to see. He can be your friend one second, and turn your life into a living hell the next. De Niro can flip that switch in a fashion which almost seems natural. The man is an imposing figure, everything warden Norton needs to be.
Captain Hadley - Michael Shannon
Oh, yes! Oh HELL yes!
(No joke, I almost cast Brendan Fraiser... ALMOST)
This character is the physical force behind Shawshank prison. While the warden may tear you apart psychologically, it is Captain Hadley that will literally break your bones before you even get the chance to say the second word of your smart ass sentence. Imposing at will, Shannon is a force to be reckoned with, as his fierce stare accompanied by his intimidating demeanor will be the last thing you see before he throws you off the roof. Inspired casting, or cliche? Who cares, this is awesome!
Brooks Hatlen
I will be honest, when casting this, I thought of Michael Caine's portrayal of Alfred in The Dark Knight Rises; in particular, the scene where he broke down crying at Bruce's grave sight. That scene made me think of what Caine could bring when Brooks' parole is up, and the fear he demonstrates when realizing that he will soon be set free from the prison he ended up loving. "Institutionalized", Brooks winds up being the character we all love in Shawshank prison, as well as the character who eventually breaks are hearts. Caine, much like De Niro, is one the greats, and it is never a mistake to add greatness to a project; especially one of this magnitude.
We are going to need ALL of our big guns if were remaking The Shawshank Redemption.
Bogs – Kevin Bacon
Have you even seen Sleepers, bro?!
Ok, ok, not exactly a "sprint to the finish." But hey! I think this cast is pretty darn solid, considering the task at hand. What about you guys? Who would you recast in this all time classic? Comment below and add your two-cents! I can't wait to hear!
