Introduction
One of the most intriguing movies related to sociology is The Shawshank Redemption. The movie is based on Stephen King’s novel and was released in 1994, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and several other stars in supporting roles. The film’s storyline focuses on Tim Robbins’ character, Banker Andy, who is incarcerated at Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. The characters’ interpersonal interactions in Shawshank Redemption change throughout the movie.
Interpersonal Relationships
Andy’s and Ellis Redding’s relationship in the movie is an excellent study of interpersonal relationships. The emotional response of Ellis Redding, when he thought that Andy was going to hang himself the night he escaped, is a contrasting expression of emotions. Cortez and Johnson, in their research, state that positive interactions over time can lead to the development of relational norms that govern relationships (2020, 125-135). These positive influences are evident in Red and Andy’s relationship as it develops over time.
Interdependency
The characters’ interdependence is also shown over time in the movie. Andy’s background in banking helps him earn protection from the guards and the warden. His knowledge and experience in the banking sector enable him to file taxes for the guards, who, in turn, protect him from his fellow prisoners. Colombus et al. (2021, 626) state that “mutual dependence and lower conflict of interests were associated with more cooperation.” Additionally, Red’s ability to procure items from the outside ensures that he earns from his fellow prisoners by obtaining the items they desire within the prison.
Conclusion
Thus, the movie Shawshank Redemption is an excellent study in sociology due to the various aspects of the characters’ interactions. Andy has a positive influence on the prisoners’ psyche by helping the guards save money by filing their taxes, and he improves relationships within the prison. Additionally, through his persistence, he improves living conditions in prison by helping establish a fully stocked library and assisting inmates in earning their diplomas while incarcerated.
References
Columbus, Simon, Catherine Molho, Francesca Righetti, and Daniel Balliet. “Interdependence and cooperation in daily life.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 120, no. 3 (2021): 626.
Cortez, Roberto Mora, and Wesley J. Johnston. “The Coronavirus crisis in B2B settings: Crisis uniqueness and managerial implications based on social exchange theory.” Industrial Marketing Management 88 (2020): 125-135.