The Green Mile (1999)
Can a prison movie have too much heart?
Presentation:
Frank Darabont goes back to his forte in another prison drama written by Stephen King. Just like The Shawshank Redemption, this film stylistically has many things in common except with a more prevalent religious theme. Michael Clarke Duncan plays a wonderful towering oxymoron and Tom Hanks really anchors the tone of the film. Doug Hutchison plays a great villain, which is one of the more memorable characters you’ll despise. His despicable performance stands out and can be studied for character writing. The film has a less focus on visuals compared to The Shawkshank Redemption as Roger Deakins isn’t here this time around. The emphasis is on the story and emotions, which can be a bit melodramatic and PG at times. Characters are lively and memorable.
Story:
Although it doesnt really detract too much from the film, it is noticeably strange how John Coffey's character is presented. He can at once say he is simple minded and doesn't understand anything, then seems to completely understand his powers and what he is doing. He ultimately judges other bad people and uses it to take matters in his own hands, essentially indirectly murdering someone and causing someone to go insane. I don't think you can really present someone like this as an angel or higher good, but I have the feeling the moral police will feel the same. Watching it a second time, it can feel unrealistic and simply for the plot that Coffey never tries to defend himself nor properly explain except when the dramatic moment calls for it. It's just a bit too dramatic crafted for suspense rather than reality.
Conclusion:
This has a more impactful story than The Shawshank Redemption but still isn’t as great. It has the potential to be a very moving story for some but there are some unrealistic aspects that will make it difficult to appreciate in modern times compared to the past. Religious themes are intertwined throughout the entire film, which for some atheistic audiences might feel too doctrinal in the same way modern films push diversity themes. It does in fact get distracting but is still very relevant to the story, allowing for a moving script that is particularly powerful for growing minds. However there are some simplifications and dramatic elements with cartoonish portrayals of right and wrong that make this feeling somewhat less nuanced and more dogmatic, it could be difficult to shake the feeling that this film cares more about its message than its story.
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Recommendations
Hollywood film noir doesn’t seem that high up anymore.