The Shawshank Redemption is considered one of the greatest films in cinematic history, but even its creators have critics — one of them being Stephen King himself, author of Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the novella that inspired the film. While King has often praised the adaptation, one detail still bothers him.
What Stephen King Didn’t Like About The Shawshank Redemption
King’s main gripe is with the iconic hole in the wall through which Andy Dufresne escapes. According to King, the hole looked "too round" and "cartoonish," making the scene feel less believable.
"I didn’t like that the hole in the wall was too neat. It could never be that perfect in real life," King once remarked.
Why Stephen King Might Be Wrong
Despite King’s opinion, this visual detail enhanced the scene’s impact and highlighted Andy’s character.
Symbol of Freedom: Andy spent years planning his escape, and the perfect hole reflects his meticulousness. It symbolizes freedom, contrasting with Shawshank’s grim atmosphere.
Cinematic Impact: The hole’s shape immediately tells viewers what happened. Amidst the chaos, the perfectly round exit delivers a visual punch.
Striking Contrast: Shawshank is a place of despair, but Andy’s precise escape route stands as a stark contrast between the prison’s harshness and the brilliance of a man who outsmarted the system.
Stephen King writes the stories, but directors shape how they’re told. Frank Darabont knew exactly what he was doing, resulting in a cult classic with seven Academy Award nominations that has topped audience ratings for 31 years.
