Morgan Freeman's Intervention Saved The Shawshank Redemption's Ending
A Near-Disastrous Mistake
The Shawshank Redemption is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time. But it almost had a very different ending, one that would have ruined the film's emotional impact.
Freeman's Objection
According to Freeman , he objected to the original ending, in which Red (Freeman's character) dies peacefully in his sleep.
Freeman felt that this ending was too neat and tidy, and that it didn't do justice to the character's journey. He believed that Red should have a more ambiguous ending, one that left his fate up to the viewer's imagination.
Freeman's Suggestion
Freeman suggested that Red should instead walk off into the sunset, his future uncertain. This ending would be more in keeping with the film's themes of hope and redemption.
Director Frank Darabont agreed with Freeman's suggestion, and the ending of The Shawshank Redemption was changed.
The Power of Collaboration
The Shawshank Redemption is a perfect example of how collaboration can improve a film. Freeman's intervention saved the film's ending from being ruined, and the film is now considered a classic.
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