Is Shawshank a ripoff of Alcatraz?

Comparing these two movies pokes the hornet's nest.

The Shawshank Redemption, considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time by many, was released 1994.

Escape from Alcatraz, while not nearly as well known but still darned good, was released 1979.

Like a lot of people, I saw Shawshank first and Alcatraz later. There are many who say Shawshank rips off Alcatraz big time.

Does it?

I'll describe some differences first.

Shawshank is about the characters and has loads of dialogue, including tons of narration. Alcatraz is more about the story, dialogue is kept to a minimum, and it has no narration whatsoever.

Shawshank is a fictional story. Alcatraz is based on events that actually happened.

The story of Shawshank spans over a long period of time. Alcatraz's story has a much shorter timeline.

And where the similarities are concerned, oh yeah, there are plenty.

Both movies are about a prison break.

Frank Morris (lead character of Alcatraz) hides the tool he uses to tunnel through the wall of his prison cell in a Bible.

Andy Dufresne (lead character of Shawshank) also hides his tool in a Bible.

Morris is requested to go assist in the prison library.

Dufresne also is requested to do the same.

After spending time in "the hole", one of the inmates sends Morris a welcome back message on a piece of paper.

Dufresne also receives a welcome back message on a piece of paper after being assaulted and then a stay in the infirmary.

Litmus, the old, friendly character in Alcatraz has a pet mouse that he feeds in the cafeteria.

Brooks, the old, friendly character in Shawshank has a pet bird he feeds in the cafeteria.

In addition, Litmus asks Morris for food specifically to give to the mouse, and Brooks asks Dufresne for food specifically to give to the bird.

Morris, using a fingernail clipper, discovers the concrete in the wall has weakened over time and tunnels through it to make his escape.

Dufresne, using a small pick axe to carve his name into the wall, discovers the concrete in the wall has weakened over time and tunnels through it to make his escape.

Morris disposed of the concrete wall he took apart by carrying it into the prison yard.

Dufresne disposed of the concrete wall he took apart by carrying it into the prison yard.

And there's more, but...

Are they the same movie?

That is The Big Question.

No.

Shawshank outright lifted A LOT of stuff from Alcatraz. It's really obvious.

However, the two stories are different, and it's the actual titles of the films that really set them apart.

Alcatraz is all about the escape. That word is directly in the title. True, it doesn't start out that way, but ends up being that at the end.

Shawshank is about redemption, and that word is directly in its title. It's redemption on two levels. Getting something out of your time there, and salvation from sin.

Alcatraz is story driven, Shawshank is character driven; that's why Shawshank isn't just a retelling of Alcatraz.

Agree? Disagree? Are you sure? Watch Escape from Alcatraz first, then watch The Shawshank Redemption second back-to-back and decide for yourself.

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Published 2024 Apr 21