10 Incredible Shots That Totally Defined Movies

2. Andy's Tunnel - The Shawshank Redemption

The Matrix Bullet Time
Paramount Pictures

The Shawshank Redemption is no question one of the greatest films ever made, an exquisitely crafted, impeccably acted Hollywood crowd-pleaser, and one shot with typical aplomb by veteran cinematographer Roger Deakins.

As much as everyone loves the shot of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) triumphantly soaking in the rain after making his escape from Shawshank, the shot which truly defines Andy's escape actually occurs a few minutes earlier.

This is, of course, the glorious reveal of Andy's tunnel out of Shawshank after Warden Norton (Bob Gunton) angrily throws a rock at the Raquel Welch poster covering it.

The shot, dollying into the tunnel as Norton, Red (Morgan Freeman), and Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown) stare into it in disbelief, ensures the reveal has the maximum jaw-dropping impact, before the full extent of Andy's 19-year escape plan is then unfurled.

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.