The Shawshank Redemption is a good film that features strong performances, excellent direction, and a script that exposes the subtleties of life inside prison walls (normally ignored by the public). “Red” is a frank, honest narrator who gains the sympathy of the audience. There are some spectacular shots that simulate the perspective of a third party observer, perhaps, who knows what goes on inside Shawshank Prison but doesn’t wish to intervene. Patient pacing shows how Andy Dufresne overcomes his personal demons and beats and unjust system over the course of nineteen years. The film is no fairy tale — every …
Leadership and Star Wars
After a second viewing of Revenge of the Sith, I wanted to comment about the leadership styles of the Jedi and the Sith. The Jedi alienate Anakin Skywalker when they cease to model the way and ask him to spy on the Supreme Chancellor. The Jedi Council distrusts Palpatine and his motives but their clandestine actions render Skywalker more susceptible to the overtures by Darth Sidious. Meanwhile, Palpatine senses Skywalker’s needs for self-actualisation, loving and belonging, and power and speaks to them. In Skywalker’s mind, the Chancellor has enabled him to reach his potential, in contrast to the rules and …