Film Review: The Green Mile:Stream or Skip?

              

Film: The Green Mile

Director: Frank Darabont

Language: English

Genre: Crime/Drama

In 1999, "The Green Mile" brought a remarkable story to the big screen, setting it against the backdrop of a Louisiana penitentiary during the Great Depression. Tom Hanks takes on the role of Paul Edgecomb, who is responsible for Death Row, where prisoners await their execution. 

In the film's opening, Paul likens the place to an intensive care ward of a hospital, setting the tone for a narrative that seamlessly blends the harsh realities of prison life with the supernatural.

Plot (Spoiler Alert)

At the heart of the story is John Coffey, a massive black man who arrives on Death Row, accused of molesting and murdering two young white girls. From the start, it is evident that John is not what he appears to be. 

He's afraid of the dark, and his straightforward handshake with Paul signifies a lack of shame about his past, a stark contrast to the usual demeanor of condemned prisoners.

The film introduces us to a cast of characters, including the vile Percy, whose family connections protect him from consequences despite his loathsome behavior. 

We see Paul and his staff, a competent and humane team, working to maintain a calm and decent atmosphere in the prison as they help men prepare for their impending executions. In stark contrast is Percy, whose presence is like an infection within the prison. 

His sadistic tendencies create tension and conflict, making life on Death Row even more unbearable for both the prisoners and the staff.

"The Green Mile" takes its title from the color of the floor in the Death Row block. The film is based on Stephen King's novel and is written and directed by Frank Darabont, known for his previous work on "The Shawshank Redemption." 

While both films are adaptations of King's prison stories, "The Green Mile" delves into the supernatural, adding a spiritual dimension that sets it apart. In both films, the central theme revolves around the relationships between white and black men. "Shawshank" explored a white man's determination witnessed by a black man, while "The Green Mile" involves a black man who absorbs the pain and suffering of white characters, ultimately granting them redemption and forgiveness.

The film is presented as a flashback, with an older Paul Edgecomb residing in a retirement home, recounting his memories of working on Death Row during the Depression. This narrative approach adds depth and complexity to the story, gradually revealing the supernatural elements while establishing the characters and relationships in the prison. 

The film masterfully takes its time in building these connections, allowing the audience to develop a deep understanding of the characters and the setting. Paul's lieutenant (David Morse) is depicted as a rock-solid and dependable figure, and the warden (James Cromwell) embodies fairness and goodness. Within Death Row, we meet a cast of prisoners, including the lovable Delacroix (Michael Jeter) and the menacing Wharton (Sam Rockwell). 

The film takes its time to craft a detailed, immersive world that feels authentic, even if it pushes the boundaries of historical accuracy.

Central to the story is the enigmatic John Coffey, portrayed with great depth and compassion by Michael Clarke Duncan. He's a man who cannot read or write, appears simpleminded, and poses no threat to anyone. In the 1930s Louisiana, with the evidence against him, a black man like John stands little chance of acquittal. 

The film raises doubts about John's guilt, despite the disturbing circumstances in which he was found. The story carefully prepares the audience to question the guilty verdict, even in a deeply prejudiced and racially charged environment.

"The Green Mile" offers a blend of powerful emotions, including moments of brutality within the death chamber, where the state goes to great lengths to ensure the execution is successful. Some executions are depicted in graphic detail, earning the film its R rating. Despite these intense scenes, the film maintains an overall benevolent and compassionate tone, focusing on themes of redemption, compassion, and forgiveness. 

Other emotionally charged moments revolve around a pet mouse adopted by Delacroix, violent confrontations with the sadistic Wharton, and subplots involving the wives of Paul (Bonnie Hunt) and the warden (Patricia Clarkson).

However, the heart of the film lies in the evolving relationship between Paul and John Coffey. The supernatural element, while not explicitly described, is alluded to through John's own words when he says, "I just took it back, is all." This enigmatic power, and the effect it has on the other characters, lays the foundation for the film's conclusion. 

The story is profoundly moving, especially when John is asked to forgive those who condemned him to the electric chair, and it's presented as a powerful and poignant moment in the narrative, rather than merely a metaphor.

One of the notable aspects of "The Green Mile" is the performance of Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecomb. Hanks, often considered the quintessential movie Everyman, brings his signature calm and decent presence to the character. 

His portrayal of Paul is emotionally resonant, and his character's compassion and dedication resonate with the audience. The film successfully showcases the mastery of casting, creating characters that are both compelling and relatable, and allowing the actors to bring them to life.

"The Green Mile" is not in a hurry to reach its supernatural and sensational elements. Instead, it takes its time to build a narrative with depth, allowing the audience to experience the passage of time within the prison. 

Stephen King's storytelling prowess shines through, akin to Charles Dickens, creating a world rich with colorful and peculiar characters. Darabont's direction brings this world to life, weaving together a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The film offers humor, outrage, and emotional release in a way that resonates deeply with the audience.

In conclusion, "The Green Mile" is a masterful adaptation of Stephen King's novel, brought to life by Frank Darabont's direction and a stellar cast. The film takes its time to build the world and characters, creating a deeply immersive experience that allows the audience to feel the passage of time and the evolution of relationships. At the heart of the story is the supernatural power wielded by John Coffey, a character who embodies compassion and forgiveness. 

The film explores themes of redemption and the power of forgiveness in a powerful and moving way. Ultimately, "The Green Mile" stands as a testament to the enduring storytelling of Stephen King and the masterful filmmaking of Frank Darabont.

Written by: Richa Kumari

My rating: 4 out of 5