Storyboard Imitation

Frank Darabont did a fantastic job directing the escape scene for Andy. He abides by the 180 degree rule and the rule of thirds as well as the 30 rule. The scene starts with the camera switching between 0 and 180 degrees then focuses on Andy packing at a 30 degree angle. Whenever Andy is being depicted before transitioning settings, him or an important object is highlighted and focused on, being placed on the left third line. This abides by the rule of thirds and remains consistent throughout the entire scene. Even in the scenes where Andy is cramped and confined to a narrow passageway, the 180 degree rule is never broken. At the very end of the scene the director breaks the 180 degree rule and superimposes the angle by panning an extra 30 degrees. This was done strategically because the character was “breaking free” of his boundaries that were imposed on him and keeping him in jail. Likewise the director was breaking the boundaries of the 180 degree rule and reflecting the character’s experiences.