Latest news with #AndyDufresne
Fast Company
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Why ‘The Shawshank Redemption' is the best movie about investing ever made
The 1994 Frank Darabont film The Shawshank Redemption may be everyone's favorite movie to catch on TNT on a rainy Saturday, but it's not an obvious place to go looking for money lessons. This quiet film is a meditation on the power of hope to change lives—which hardly seems like a message one can expect from financial professionals (ahem). Yet, the story of Andy Dufresne's time in (and spectacular escape from) the Shawshank State Prison provides a blueprint for smart financial choices. And the story of how the film itself gained traction despite a lackluster initial reception can also teach us important money lessons. What we see: a rock hammer and weekly correspondence Following his wrongful conviction for murder, Andy Dufresne arrives at Shawshank to serve two consecutive life sentences. He befriends another lifer, Red, who runs an illicit smuggling business. Andy asks him to procure a rock hammer and a large Rita Hayworth poster. (The movie, of course, springs from the 1982 Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.) Andy claims that he wants the rock hammer for carving, and he does indeed create small sculptures with it. But that's not all he uses it for. By the end of the film, we learn that Andy has spent 19 years digging a tunnel through his wall with the hammer, using the poster to cover up his work. Despite the rock hammer being a tiny tool for work of that magnitude, Andy never gives up his slow, diligent, and methodical approach to escaping. Andy is equally methodical in his efforts to improve the decrepit prison library. He sends weekly requests to the Maine state legislature for funds to buy used books. After years of relentless effort, Andy secures a $500 annual appropriation for the prison library, granted by the state 'just to shut him up.' What we learn: be methodical with whatever tools you have Part of what makes Andy Dufresne extraordinary is his ability to take the long view. Most of his fellow inmates lose themselves in dreary thinking about their imprisonment, but Andy sees an investment opportunity. He recognizes time as a tool. He doesn't have freedom in Shawshank, but he can take advantage of time in a way people on the outside can't. By recognizing that time works differently on the inside, Andy is able to use the very punishment he's been given as a way to maintain his hope and persist with projects. Warning: This scene contains coarse language. What we see: confronting Hadley and becoming Randall Stephens A few years into his time at Shawshank, while working with a crew of inmates to tar the prison roofs, Andy overhears Captain Hadley, the brutal and vicious lead guard, complaining about having to pay taxes on a $35,000 inheritance. Andy recklessly approaches Hadley and him if he trusts his wife. Hadley responds to the impudent question by rushing Andy to the edge of the roof to toss him to his death, but Andy saves himself by saying he knows how Hadley can minimize taxes on the inheritance. Andy becomes the unofficial CPA for the prison staff, and as the years pass, Andy also starts helping the warden launder money using his skills with accounting. He also secretly creates a fictitious identity, a businessman named Randall Stephens. When he escapes Shawshank at the film's climax, he steals all of the warden's laundered money by posing as Stephens at the bank and withdrawing all of the ill-gotten gains. What we learn: know when and how to take risks Ignoring the advice of his inmate pals, Andy risks his life to gain leverage with Hadley. The only immediate reward is a case of cold beer for the rooftop work crew. But Andy is thinking longer-term, as he is from the very first moments of Shawshank Redemption. The risky gambit leads to work that better suits his knowledge and intelligence, providing new opportunities. His construction of Randall Stephens is equally risky. He knows that the money he is withdrawing is laundered, that Stephens doesn't exist, and that his absence from his cell has probably already been discovered. Though Andy never broke the law before he went to prison, he does so when inhabiting the Stephens persona he invented. But like the risk of confronting Hadley, pretending to be Stephens is calculated. Andy prepares everything he needs to pull off the ruse ahead of time, using his knowledge and intelligence to mitigate the risk. The lesson? Risk-taking makes sense when we're well-prepared and set up for success. What we see: a box-office bomb becomes universally beloved The Shawshank Redemption famously tanked at the box office, initially earning a measly $16 million against a $25 million budget. Though it was nominated for (and lost) seven academy awards and lauded by critics, the studio had no idea how to market a character study set in a mid-century prison and audiences were apparently confused by the film's (admittedly baffling) title. Then a funny thing happened on the way to certain obscurity: The Shawshank Redemption slowly found its audience. But unlike many other box-office failures that became cult classics, this film didn't just appeal to a niche audience. Over the past 30 years, it has become recognized as one of the best movies ever made and consistently tops IMDB's list of favorite films. Just as Andy diligently works at tunneling through his wall, building the prison library, stealing the warden's laundered money, and making himself indispensable to his best friend Red over a period of nearly two decades, the film showcasing Andy's story also took its time to garner the appreciation it deserves. What we learn: proof of concept can take time We tend to want instant results as a culture, especially when it comes to investing—and Hollywood is one of the worst offenders. If a film doesn't make major bank in its opening weekend, studios may be willing to write it off. Frank Darabont, Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and the rest of the professionals who worked on The Shawshank Redemption believed in it and gave it their all. The lackluster initial reception must have been incredibly disappointing. But the film is much more than its first three months' revenue, as Shawshank 's enduring popularity has proved. Honestly, we need to increase our time horizon for all types of investments, not just Hollywood movies. When it comes to financial investments, quick returns are typically the province of scams (like the warden's money laundering) or luck (which you can't prepare for). Andy's example makes it clear that you should try to invest like the quiet, falsely convicted banker. He does his homework, invests in something he believes in, does as much preparation as possible, recognizes when to take a risk, and uses time to his advantage. For other types of investments, from your own pursuits to building a business, take a page from the success of The Shawshank Redemption. The right combination of diligence and patience remains the most predictable investment strategy. The extended deadline for Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards is this Friday, June 27, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Feeling full moon fever? Unravelling the lunar influence on your emotions and well-being
Stunning photos were taken of the strawberry moon recently as it rose in the night sky. Image: FreePik. South Africans, like people across the globe, have always felt a pull towards the moon, especially when it hangs full and bright in our velvet night sky. There's a magic to it, a whisper that speaks to something deep within us. But is it just folklore, or is there something more to the full moon's influence on our well-being? Stunning photos were taken of the strawberry moon earlier this month as it rose in the night sky. According to LAist, a strawberry full moon occurs during the time of year when strawberries fully ripen. The name originated with the Algonquin tribes in the northeastern US, according to the Old Farmer's Almanack. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ June 10-11 was the lowest full Moon in nearly two decades, a phenomenon that won't repeat until 2043. Each full moon throughout the year is given a traditional name that reflects natural events or seasonal changes occurring at that time. For instance, February's full moon is the Snow Moon, while July is the Buck Moon since it coincides with the period when male deer, or bucks, begin to grow their antlers. From the ancient San people's reverence for the moon as a celestial guide to the Zulu tradition of linking the moon's cycles with agriculture, the moon on Thursday, July 10, holds a special place in our diverse cultural heritage. Many of us grew up hearing stories about the moon's power, its connection to the tides, and even its supposed influence on human behaviour. 10-11 June 2025 was the lowest full Moon in nearly two decades, a phenomenon that won't repeat until 2043. Image: Andy Dufresne/pexels
Geek Tyrant
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Fascinating Behind-The-Scenes and Making of Footage — GeekTyrant
The Shawshank Redemption is easily one of my favorite movies of all-time, and until recently I've never seen any behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the film, and it so interesting and fascinating to watch! On top of footage from the film's production, I also included a fun video with the cast and crew talking about how no one knew how to market the film and how no one went and watched it when it was first released in theaters. The Shawshank Redemption was directed by Frank Darabont and it was based on a novella by Stephen King. It tells the powerful story of Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced to life at Shawshank Prison, Andy forms a bond with fellow inmate Ellis 'Red' Redding. Over the course of two decades, Andy quietly transforms the prison from the inside, using his intelligence to help the warden launder money while secretly planning his escape. His ultimate breakout and the revelation of the warden's corruption lead to a cathartic finale, with Red eventually finding hope and freedom on the outside. Despite its now-legendary status, the film struggled upon its initial release in 1994. It earned critical praise but was a box office disappointment, grossing only $16 million during its initial run. The title was also considered a factor in its failure, as it didn't clearly convey the story or tone, and audiences were unfamiliar with the novella it was based on. However, The Shawshank Redemption found new life after being nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its real resurgence came through home video rentals and frequent airings on cable TV, particularly on TNT, where it became a staple. Over time, the film gained a passionate following and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It sits at the top of IMDb's user-rated top 250 list and continues to resonate with audiences.
Forbes
22-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Glenrothes Unveils A 51 Year Old Scotch. You'll Need A Hammer To Open It
The Glenrothes 51 Year Founded in 1879, The Glenrothes is a Speyside single malt producer that often highlights a few key aspects of its whisky production: very soft (low mineral content) water, vibrant and fruity new-make spirit, and the hallmark floral notes that develop in its highly aged stocks. But the distillery's newest—and to date, oldest age-stated—release introduces an element never before seen among the world's luxury single malt releases. A hammer, which you'll need in order to access the spirit. The Glenrothes just announced a 51 year single malt Scotch, crafted from two casks and limited to just 100 bottles globally. (With a price tag of $46,500, we should add.) Beyond the rarity of the liquid itself, one striking aspect of the release is that only purchasers will have a chance to see what the bottles actually look like. That's because each bottle is encased in a cylindrical container—or 'column'—made from sustainably sourced Jesmonite. Each unique container comes packaged with a branded hammer, which can be used to break through the column to access the bottle of whiskey inside. Having seen the hammer up close, its size and shape reminded me a bit of Andy Dufresne's escape instrument in The Shawshank Redemption. Except this is one tool you won't need to hide in a book. The Glenrothes 51 Those daring enough to bust through the column are encouraged to retain the shards. According to a brand press release, 'Upon retrieving the whisky, the owner is invited to return the fragments of column to The Glenrothes, where a Kintsugi artist will restore them with gold, transforming the remains into a one-of-a-kind vase in which a real orchid can grow. A lasting piece of art that is theirs alone.' Orchids are a through line in the marketing of The Glenrothes 51. The brand says a 'strength in fragility' ethos was inspired by wild orchids that grow on the distillery's estate in Speyside. The Glenrothes 51 in a tasting glass While Forbes was given a sneak peak at the packaging, we weren't able to view the bottle inside or sample the whisky in this particular release. However, brand notes highlight watermelon, peach kernels, and fresh almonds on the nose. (The peach especially is a familiar aroma for those who have tasted 25+ year Glenrothes releases.) The palate is big on ripe melon, rose water, and tea, with an undercurrent of oak before a fragrant and sweet finish. The Glenrothes 51 officially released on March 20th. Happy hunting—and hammering—to those searching for a bottle.
