Category Archives: Movies

Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption Vs The Shawshank Redemption

The movie ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ stays true to the short story by Stephen King. In fact it is a matter of great surprise how much the story has to offer as is that makes it into Frank Darabont’s screenplay. Yet, Frank Darabont manages to leave his mark with some nice changes to the overall scheme of things. (Spoilers ahead)

  1. Character of Tommy: In the book, Tommy takes a deal from the warden and moves to a better prison, however in the movie, he is killed by warden. The change in the movie is much better as it provides a drama (the manner in which he his killed) and adds another feather to the cap of ruthlessness of the warden (no prisoners approach). 
  2. Getaway plan: In the book, the plan is a bit complicated with Andy having an associate outside and the details to his getaway plan (once he escapes the prison) is hidden under the black volcanic rock in the field of Buxton. While the aspect of both Andy and Red, coming to the same field to look for their final escape is interesting, the movie simplifies the plan, with Andy taking charge of everything (which is actually true to his character, not depending on anyone),but still leaves instructions to Red, incase he gets out. Most importantly letter to Red is taken as is from the book, as is.
  3. Boggs: Andy’s victory over Boggs and sisters is much clear and presented it better than book.
  4. Warden and main guard: In the book, this combination changes over time, but in the movie they remain same. This is actually good, to keep the villains same throughout.
  5. Time-period: The story drags on for some more years, while the movie understandably reduces it, with the period ending with Lovely Rachael. May be, point 4 is the reason.
  6. Overall narration: The story goes back and forth, with Red narrating it non-linearly, rather jumpy. It is justified, as Red with little education and no special skills in writing, can manage it that way. Frank Darabont, should be credited for making this easy on the viewers, with his screenplay nicely picking the threads and tying up into a whole fabric. He does this with élan, without leaving the important and best parts of the book.
  7. Warden’s investigation into Andy’s escape: The book scores a few brownie points here with details about a skinny guard going through the Andy’s tunnel and finding out the sewer. In the movie, Red’s narration and Andy’s visuals takes care of it, but the skinny guard (may be from the ‘I gave up drinking’ episode) could have made it effective. Frank might have chosen to opt out, because of film’s duration?
  8. Redemption and Revenge: The movie ties this theme neatly, better than the book. Andy’s revenge plot on the Warden is a new addition and provides the last dimension to his Redemption. 
  9. Mozart episode: It is not there in the book. Shows the genius of Frank, and builds on ‘Hope is a good thing’ theme.
  10. I gave up drinking, Andy getting a mouthorgan for Red, Brooke’s episode: All new, added by Frank.

Mash – A classic American war comedy

“MASH” is a classic American war comedy film released in 1970, directed by Robert Altman. The film is set in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit during the Korean War and follows the antics of the surgeons and support staff stationed there. The film is known for its black humor, social commentary, and its representation of the counterculture of the 1960s.

“MASH” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $81 million and receiving five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film’s success was a turning point in the career of Robert Altman, who went on to direct several other notable films. “MASH” also helped establish the career of actor Elliot Gould, who played the character of Trapper John.

The impact of “MASH” went beyond its box office success and critical acclaim. The film’s style, which combined humor with a skeptical perspective on authority, helped establish a new trend in American cinema. “MASH” inspired a number of other films that tackled serious themes with humor, such as “Catch-22” and “Goodbye, Mr. Chips.” The film’s success also helped popularize the anti-war sentiment of the 1960s and 1970s, and its legacy continues to be felt today as a classic of American cinema.

Memorable scenes: One of the most memorable scenes in “MASH” is the football game between the surgeons and the infantry. This scene showcases the camaraderie and humor of the main characters, as well as their inventive approach to overcoming the monotony of army life. Another iconic scene is when Hawkeye Pierce and Duke Forrest perform surgery while drunk, using unconventional methods to save the patient’s life. This scene highlights the film’s use of black humor to comment on the absurdities of war and the military. One final memorable scene is when Hawkeye and Trapper conduct a mock funeral for a fallen comrade, complete with a funeral procession down the main street of the hospital camp, which serves as a poignant commentary on the loss and senselessness of war. These scenes are just a few examples of the film’s memorable and impactful moments that have helped establish “MASH” as a classic of American cinema.

Making of “MASH” : The making of “MASH” was filled with interesting stories and events. One of the most notable was the casting process. Originally, the studio wanted to cast big names in the lead roles, but director Robert Altman insisted on using lesser-known actors, which helped to contribute to the film’s realism. Another interesting story is the fact that the film was shot on location at Fox Ranch in Malibu, California, which helped to create a convincing Korean War setting. Additionally, the film’s famous soundtrack, which features classic songs from the era, was created through a combination of live recordings and library music.

Desk Set: Love is around the desk

Release Date : March 2, 1957
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Duration: 1h 43m
Rating: 2.9/5
Director Walter Lang
WriterPhoebe Ephron , Henry Ephron
William Marchant(based on the play written by)
Produced byHenry Ephron
StarsSpencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Gig Young
Cinematography              Leon Shamroy
Edited by             Robert L. Simpson
Music by              Cyril J. Mockridge
Production Design byMaurice Ransford, Lyle R. Wheeler
Production companies20th Century Fox

Richard Sumner: Caroline was a model. Five feet ten in her stockinged feet.

Bunny Watson: You had occasion to measure her?

Richard Sumner: Among other things, yes, yes.

What is it about

The movie is about an efficiency expert, Richard Sumner (Spencer Tracy) with a mandate to install his computer machine EMARAC, in a division headed by an experienced and able manager, Bunny Watson (Katharine Hepburn). His initial thoughts about women, are shattered in the first lunch meeting at the top of the building. And he falls in love with her. But there is a problem. She is already in a relationship with another guy, her boss and an upwardly mobile guy.

Will EMARAC create problems as the staff thinks it would? Will Mr.Sumner succeed in both this personal and professional missions?

Desk Set answers these in a humorous and a mature fashion.

Thumbs up

Lead Cast
Sharp Writing
Premise
Production Design

Thumbs down

Slapstick towards the end.
A hurried climax

Final verdict
Overall, a good film for old movie lovers, exploring themes that are relevant even today.

Management Concepts/ Lessons/ References

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
― English idiom

“Machines Do More, So That Man Can Do Less.”
― ENIAC (1945) machine slogan

Analysis
The movie presents a few interesting perspectives that are relevant even today.

  • The perception of women, especially well dressed and fashionable (as portrayed by Katharine Hepburn, interestingly the blu-ray had a news item about a fashion launch around the movie).
  • The trepidation towards modern technologies, during its various cycles like computerization, internet and now AI etc 

The theme of the heroine in a hopeless relationship is portrayed in several films like The Apartment, The Terminal etc, but in Desk Set, both are equally independent and intelligent.

It would be interesting to see a reverse story of this…with the efficiency expert being a woman.

Tidbit.

Apparently the sounds created for the machine in this movie were later used for movies like ‘Fantastic Voyage’