Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption) directs his second film and second Stephen King adaptation with The Green Mile. The film centres on Death Row at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility, something known as 'the green mile' due to the dark green floor. Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) is the head guard on the Green Mile when the towering new inmate John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), convicted of murdering two young girls, is brought into custody. Despite his huge figure and supposed horrific crimes, Coffey seems to be of a more gentle nature, resembling that of a child, not a child killer. After some time Edgecomb starts to notice miraculous things coming from Coffey's cell, leading to questions surrounding whether Coffey would be capable of the terrible things to which he has been convicted.
Frank Darabont definitely doesn't rush this film, which clocks in at three hours long. It feels a lot more like watching a TV series in one big hit, which is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means that patience and stamina is needed. Although very long, Darabont delivers precision in his direction. Darabont manages to immerse the audience in the death row setting, using the flashback device to ease into the story. Plenty going on during the film which flows very well.
The acting throughout this film is overall very solid with Tom Hanks leading the way, allowing the film to flow in the way it does; keeping the audience listening which is definitely needed due to the length of the movie. Michael Clarke Duncan perfectly portrays the friendly giant John Coffey, successfully giving off a combination of innocence and intimidation. Furthermore, the supporting cast, which includes Barry Pepper, David Morse and James Cromwell, are also on good form.
A top film that will definitely not disappoint, providing you can stick it out.
J.Henderson.
7/10.
Good review. A very good movie. R.I.P Michael Clarke Duncan.
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