Shawshank Redemption: Mistakes, Plot Holes, and Bloopers
The Shawshank Redemption is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, earning a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Directed by Frank Darabont and based on Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the 1994 film tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover, and his journey toward freedom through his friendship with Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman). Despite its critical acclaim and near-perfect execution, even The Shawshank Redemption is not without its flaws. Over the years, viewers and critics alike have pointed out a few mistakes, plot holes, and even some amusing bloopers that have slipped past the editing process.
Mistake 1: The Poster Change One of the most famous scenes in the film is when Andy escapes from Shawshank by crawling through a sewage pipe behind a poster of Raquel Welch in One Million Years B.C.. However, in the early part of the movie, the poster appears to be a picture of Rita Hayworth. This inconsistency is often noted by eagle-eyed fans, as it’s impossible for Andy to have both posters in the same spot at different times. It’s presumed that the character swapped posters over time, but the sudden change was never addressed in the plot.
Mistake 2: The Distance of Andy’s Escape Another notable issue revolves around the distance Andy supposedly traveled after escaping Shawshank. He crawls through a sewage pipe to freedom, which, according to the film, is a mile-long journey to freedom. In reality, it would take him much longer to crawl through such a distance, especially considering the conditions of the pipe and the time it would take to get from the prison to the riverbank. The timeline seems a little too quick for such a dangerous and grueling escape.
Plot Hole 1: Andy’s Financial Transactions Throughout the film, Andy is shown helping the prison guards with financial advice and even laundering money for the corrupt warden. However, one plot hole fans have discussed is how Andy, with no access to the outside world or real financial systems, could manage to funnel so much money. While it’s clear that Andy was clever, the film doesn’t really explain how he could have accomplished this with the limitations of the prison.
Bloopers: The Overhead Shot One of the most memorable and iconic moments in The Shawshank Redemption is when Andy stands in the rain after escaping, raising his arms to embrace his newfound freedom. In this shot, there’s a brief blooper in the background where you can see a crew member’s reflection in the puddle of water on the ground, which slightly breaks the immersion of the scene.
Conclusion: Despite these mistakes, plot holes, and bloopers, The Shawshank Redemption remains a timeless masterpiece. The film’s themes of hope, friendship, and redemption transcend any minor errors, and it’s a testament to how even the greatest films aren’t immune to imperfections. Fans continue to celebrate the film’s incredible performances, direction, and writing, while these occasional slip-ups only serve to add to its charm, proving that no film is truly flawless—yet, some are close enough to feel perfect.
