Once again, Frank Darabont converts a great Stephen King work into an excellent movie. While it covers the same basic themes of The Shawshank Redemption, the two really have nothing in common. Except for the intelligent writing, powerful performances and almost perfect direction.
The Green Mile is simply a wonderful movie. It has in it all of the components that any of the classics do. The story is simply hypnotic and moves seamlessly. Although it clocks in at just over three hours, there's not one empty scene. You may realize how long the movie is, but it's unlikely that you'll mind. The script is easily that strong.
The ensemble cast is flawless, down to the smallest character. Tom Hanks is as dependable as always as Paul Edgecombe, head guard on Death Row, known here as the Green Mile. His earnest and open nature is on full display here, and the humanity of his character is unquestionable. David Morse plays his benevolent right-hand man, Brutus Howell, in a quietly fantastic performance. Other standouts include Michael Jeter as the doomed Frenchman Eduard Delacroix, Sam Rockwell as the evil and violent "Wild Bill" Wharton and James Cromwell as Hal Moores, the kind prison warden. But then there's also Bonnie Hunt, Barry Pepper and Patricia Clarkson in small but crucial roles. There's more: As the humongous and mysterious John Coffey, Michael Duncan is surprisingly strong. His mere size would be enough to play this role, but he acquits himself well alongside some excellent actors. The icing is Doug Hutchison as Percy Wetmore. He plays an evil and sadistic prison guard you hate so much, I was reminded of Tim Roth in Rob Roy. That's a large compliment.
The story is based on a Stephen King novel that was originally published in six installments. (Ironic that it became such a seamless film.) His themes of regret, redemption and kindness are displayed wonderfully in Darabont's screenplay. John Coffey appears on death row, convicted of a horrendous crime. Slowly, his guards begin to realize the strange and wondrous things he is capable of. The relationships between the characters are perhaps the best thing about the script. Paul slowly begins to trust John; Brutus' confrontations with Percy; Delacroix's friendship with a mysterious mouse. The threads of the plot weave together smoothly, and it makes for a supremely satisfying experience.
It's also a great movie to look at. Every detail of the prison is flawless, and some of the outdoor scenes are truly beautiful. Evidence that Darabont has true talent is evident throughout the film. Small scenes of dialogue seem important, and the more integral scenes (Delacroix's fate, for example) display true dramatic power. The Green Mile is simply an old-fashioned "story" movie, and if some of the mysticism is a little strained, that's a leap of faith I'm willing to take for such an entertaining film. There are none-too-subtle references to Coffey being Christ-like, but by the time these elements show up, you're willing to buy it. That's good moviemaking.
It's a safe bet that fans of The Shawshank Redemption will adore it. That film may be better, but not by all that much. When you're watching a movie analytically and you're LOOKING for flaws and you come up empty, enjoy. It doesn't happen too often.
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