Film & TV
The Shawshank Redemption
SUMMARY: "After the murder of his wife, hotshot banker Andrew Dufresne is sent to Shawshank Prison, where the usual unpleasantness occurs. Over the years, he retains hope and eventually gains the respect of his fellow inmates, especially longtime convict "Red" Redding, a black marketeer, and becomes influential within the prison. Eventually, Andrew achieves his ends on his own terms."
retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl
I chose to include The Shawshank Redemption in this anthology because it is a powerful representation of the significance of connection. In the film, Andy Dufresne is connected to a murder through false evidence, followed by a conviction and lengthy prison sentence. In prison, he meets an inmate who he forms a strong friendship with. It is through his connection to Red that Andy is able to secure the tool he needs to plan his escape.
Another significant connection Andy makes in prison is to the warden. By using his skills as an accountant, Andy is able to gain the Warden's trust, securing himself in a favorable position with the guards and other prison adminstration. This allows him priveliges which ease his time at prison, and again, eventually provide him the opportunity to plan his escape.
Orange is the New Black
SUMMARY: "The story of Piper Chapman, a woman in her thirties who is sentenced to fifteen months in prison after being convicted of a decade-old crime of transporting money for her drug-dealing girlfriend."
retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2372162/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl
I chose to include Orange is the New Black in this anthology because although a popular dramatized television show, it plays an important role in portraying the race relations that are all too common in our prisons. In the series, we learn almost immediately upon Piper entering prison that she's supposed to affiliate herself with the other white prisoners, and that each of the races identify as "tribes." Despite the warnings/advice of her fellow inmates, Piper occasionally trespasses these tribe lines, forging connections that do not always result in positive outcomes.
This depiction of race relations in a popular television show is a significant development in how prison life is portrayed in the media. According to what we've studied in this class, Orange is the New Black is a fairly accurate presentation of what prison conditions are like in many places in the United States.