The Green Mile

Specially requested last night by The AP, I hope I don't disappoint her. Shouldn't be too hard as this is a brilliant film adapted from the brilliant mind of Stephen King. Also I would like to add it is directed by the brilliant Frank Darabont, who produces the new AMC TV show The Walking Dead which he also directs some of the time. This film is about two people really. John Coffey, like the drank only spelled not the same, and Paul Edgecomb, leader of the guard unit labeled "The Green Mile." The Green Mile is name for the long walk prisoners use before being put to death by the state for crimes committed. Paul (Hanks) has been on the mile a long time now and doesn't mind his work. Most of his inmates are civil and most are some what interesting. Paul's biggest concern is his bladder infection that will not go away. The man can't pee or as he says, "pretty good for a man pisses razor blades." If that's not the most painful literary visual ever, I don't know what is. Is best friend and right hand man on the mile is Brutus (the under rated, but always great David Morse). He adds a very meek, but powerful presence to the film. Always giving his opinion to Paul, but never pushing, you really feel these two care about each other on whole 'nother level. One day they are delivered an inmate who is described as "Enormous" (southern accent). John Coffey (Clark-Duncan) who has been convicted of murder. He murdered to little girls and was found cradling their limp lifeless bodies. When he arrives there is only one other inmate, a Frenchie by the name DelaCroix or Del as he is called. He adds a childlike ignorance of happiness to the script. Back to Coffey. He is the biggest man these guards have ever seen. They are intimidated by him to say the least. Though large in stature, he seems to have a child's mind. He gives no trouble and becomes friends with most of the guards. One day the crew witnesses a miracle of sorts. Coffey brings a dead mouse back to life. This is something to take notice of. Next he takes away Paul urethretical(?) issues and he has not felt better. At this point they realize he is special. Around this time a new prisoner enters the mile, Wild Bill (Rockwell- An NBM favorite). He is rude, crude, and a bit of a jackass. He gives the guards more fight than they have had in years. Not only him, but Percy (fellow guard) may be more of a prick than Wild Bill. Being the Governors nephew helps him keep his job, and that pisses off the crew. James Cromwell has a small but impactful role as the Warden. his wife is dying, and he cannot do anything about it. Paul gets it in his head to sneak out big John and have him heal her to prove to the Warden he is innocent. No one with this Godly gift could take life, only give life. The Warden's hands are still tied, but Coffey takes care of two birds with one stone and now it's his time to pay for what he has been convicted of. Paul is having real issues putting one of God's angels to death, but knows what he has to do. Another guard who you may not have known at the time Dean (Barry Pepper) is the most emotionally affected by what has to be done. It's an emotional roller coaster, and as the plot unfolds, it just gets better and better. Gary Sinise shows up for a single, yet powerful scene. I love the direction of this film and at 3 hours it is justified by not leaving anything out, as it was derived from short stories. Things are revealed, and the audience is hoping for the happy ending. Unfortunately for them Stephen King is a realist and I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely love this film and I am gonna rate it two ways.

NBM rates the story of The Green Mile - A Cinematic Work of Art

Thank You Stephen King

NBM rates the adaptation of The Green Mile -A Cinematic Work of Art

Thank you Frank Darabont

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