The Green Mile (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'The Green Mile' (directed by Frank Darabont, The Shawshank Redemption) is the moniker for the Cold Mountain Louisiana State Penitentiary's Death Row. This movie's story, which unfolds (mostly) within this green tile-paved prison, is told in flashback (the year 1935); with a smattering of modern-day segments that open & close the proceedings. Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), the skeptical head guard of the 'Green Mile' is our narrator. He's a good man & a wonderful husband. But his faith has been tested by watching men live & die under his supervision. He is joined by 4 fellow guards: his best pal, Brutus (David Morse); the hotheaded Dean (Barry Pepper); stalwart Harry (Jeffrey DeMunn); & new to the Green Mile ... the cruel, spoiled & cowardly Percy (Doug Hutchinson).
Percy is soon to be working at a mental institution; but for the time being, he wants to work where he's at to witness an execution. Paul is desperate to be rid of him, but Percy has connections & isn't budging til he's satisfied. Meanwhile, a new inmate, an African-American man named John Coffey (Michael Clark Duncan) has entered the Green Mile. And he is joining 2 other unfortunate souls; awaiting their own signed death warrants. They are a Native American named Arlen (Graham Greene), & a Cajun man named Eduard (Michael Jeter). John Coffey is enormous; at nearly 8 ft. tall (resembling a line-backer). But though he's huge, he's also a quiet simpleton - a gentle giant, so to speak. And he's even afraid to sleep without a night light. Aww.
What's surprising about John is the horrendous crime he was arrested for (brutally raping & killing 2 girls). While the sadistic Percy just loves tormenting the prisoners (some of whom may very well be innocent of the crimes they're committed for), Paul & his other guards actually form bonds with them. And due to that, Paul winds up making an extraordinary faith healing discovery about John. Strange occurrences involving cancer, intelligent mice, executions, & true identities prove to Paul that something supernatural is afoot. Can he & his guards keep their cool & accomplish their job whilst knowing that the convicted John has such an amazing gift; a gift that could both save lives & aid in proving his innocence?
Gosh, this is one Hell of a motion picture: powerful, emotional, memorable, magical ... everything that Hollywood movies should be. This film has 2 distinct assets. One is the great acting by a huge, ensemble cast. And the other is its wonderful storytelling. The story is so interesting & so immersive; told with a distinct beginning, an engrossing middle & a heart-pounding conclusion. The characters are wonderfully realized. There is humor, drama, conflict, terror & uplifting catharsis. But enough of this broad praise -- let's dissect everything that works, & some of the things that don't ...
One of the better aspects of the film is its moody setting. Like his Shawshank Redemption, Darabont chooses to direct a movie in a prison. Only this time, there's the supernatural subplot for distinction. And though 'The Green Mile' is based on a Stephen King novel, neither is it a horror film; thankfully. Instead, it's more about magic, mystery & the strange improbability of miracles. There are nice themes presented throughout the film: spiritual, mystical, Christian, etc. The cinematography is warm. The attention to period detail is great (interiors, exteriors, clothes). And the subtle use of special effects really aids the story. Given the nearly 3 hour running time, we get to know the characters ... thoroughly. Character development is extremely important to me; so for this, I was grateful. The 3 hours allowed me to be invested in several of the main characters & their conflicts at hand. And some of those conflicts are truly upsetting/disturbing.
Tom Hanks is - once again - effortless & wonderful as our slightly cynical protagonist, Paul. Juggling an excruciating physical ailment & tending to his loving wife (Bonnie Hunt), Paul must weigh his morals on what to do about John Coffey. And speaking of John, Michael Clark Duncan is superb as the large, loveable convict. His portrayal is alternately heartwarming, alarming & incredibly touching. And though he's an African-American man in the 1930's south, the camaraderie he forms with the guards (sans Percy) feels authentic. Doug Hutchinson is great as Percy; simply because we hate him with every fiber of our being. Also stellar is Sam Rockwell as a thoroughly detestable, snake-like fellow prisoner, James Cromwell as Hal, Paul's boss, & Patricia Clarkson as his ailing wife -- really nice performances there.
Now, 'The Green Mile' is not a masterpiece of intellectual filmmaking. Its material is stellar & the emotional impact it imparts is strong, but that alone doesn't necessarily warrant the ambitious 3 hour running time. The film shamelessly tugs at all of our heartstrings. And there's a predictability of the film's conclusion that bugged me as the 3 hours approached its end. But it's still an overwhelmingly watchable & engaging movie -- a real Movie-Movie - if that makes sense. The film feels both important & meaningful; even if there isn't too much below its expansive surface sheen. For better or worse, 'The Green Mile' is the ultimate "Oscar" movie. But there's so much warmth & skill on the screen that I couldn't help but be swept away by it.
Percy is soon to be working at a mental institution; but for the time being, he wants to work where he's at to witness an execution. Paul is desperate to be rid of him, but Percy has connections & isn't budging til he's satisfied. Meanwhile, a new inmate, an African-American man named John Coffey (Michael Clark Duncan) has entered the Green Mile. And he is joining 2 other unfortunate souls; awaiting their own signed death warrants. They are a Native American named Arlen (Graham Greene), & a Cajun man named Eduard (Michael Jeter). John Coffey is enormous; at nearly 8 ft. tall (resembling a line-backer). But though he's huge, he's also a quiet simpleton - a gentle giant, so to speak. And he's even afraid to sleep without a night light. Aww.
What's surprising about John is the horrendous crime he was arrested for (brutally raping & killing 2 girls). While the sadistic Percy just loves tormenting the prisoners (some of whom may very well be innocent of the crimes they're committed for), Paul & his other guards actually form bonds with them. And due to that, Paul winds up making an extraordinary faith healing discovery about John. Strange occurrences involving cancer, intelligent mice, executions, & true identities prove to Paul that something supernatural is afoot. Can he & his guards keep their cool & accomplish their job whilst knowing that the convicted John has such an amazing gift; a gift that could both save lives & aid in proving his innocence?
Gosh, this is one Hell of a motion picture: powerful, emotional, memorable, magical ... everything that Hollywood movies should be. This film has 2 distinct assets. One is the great acting by a huge, ensemble cast. And the other is its wonderful storytelling. The story is so interesting & so immersive; told with a distinct beginning, an engrossing middle & a heart-pounding conclusion. The characters are wonderfully realized. There is humor, drama, conflict, terror & uplifting catharsis. But enough of this broad praise -- let's dissect everything that works, & some of the things that don't ...
One of the better aspects of the film is its moody setting. Like his Shawshank Redemption, Darabont chooses to direct a movie in a prison. Only this time, there's the supernatural subplot for distinction. And though 'The Green Mile' is based on a Stephen King novel, neither is it a horror film; thankfully. Instead, it's more about magic, mystery & the strange improbability of miracles. There are nice themes presented throughout the film: spiritual, mystical, Christian, etc. The cinematography is warm. The attention to period detail is great (interiors, exteriors, clothes). And the subtle use of special effects really aids the story. Given the nearly 3 hour running time, we get to know the characters ... thoroughly. Character development is extremely important to me; so for this, I was grateful. The 3 hours allowed me to be invested in several of the main characters & their conflicts at hand. And some of those conflicts are truly upsetting/disturbing.
Tom Hanks is - once again - effortless & wonderful as our slightly cynical protagonist, Paul. Juggling an excruciating physical ailment & tending to his loving wife (Bonnie Hunt), Paul must weigh his morals on what to do about John Coffey. And speaking of John, Michael Clark Duncan is superb as the large, loveable convict. His portrayal is alternately heartwarming, alarming & incredibly touching. And though he's an African-American man in the 1930's south, the camaraderie he forms with the guards (sans Percy) feels authentic. Doug Hutchinson is great as Percy; simply because we hate him with every fiber of our being. Also stellar is Sam Rockwell as a thoroughly detestable, snake-like fellow prisoner, James Cromwell as Hal, Paul's boss, & Patricia Clarkson as his ailing wife -- really nice performances there.
Now, 'The Green Mile' is not a masterpiece of intellectual filmmaking. Its material is stellar & the emotional impact it imparts is strong, but that alone doesn't necessarily warrant the ambitious 3 hour running time. The film shamelessly tugs at all of our heartstrings. And there's a predictability of the film's conclusion that bugged me as the 3 hours approached its end. But it's still an overwhelmingly watchable & engaging movie -- a real Movie-Movie - if that makes sense. The film feels both important & meaningful; even if there isn't too much below its expansive surface sheen. For better or worse, 'The Green Mile' is the ultimate "Oscar" movie. But there's so much warmth & skill on the screen that I couldn't help but be swept away by it.