Dark and haunting crime drama

Rating: 9/10 (27 January 2009)

On death row Paul Edgecomb's (Hanks) life takes a turn when he meets John Coffy (Duncan) a giant of a man gifted with supernatural powers.
The adaptations of Stephen King's novels are something special. From the politically correct Shawshank Redemption to the psychotic Misery, King has written some marvellous entertainment and so far there has yet to be a bad adaptation and this 1999 Darabont adaptation is right up there with his other classics.
Nominated for 4 Oscars, The Green Mile takes the concept of death and puts a supernatural twist on it which makes for a long but riveting viewing.
Frank Darabont returned after his Shawshank Redemption and uses that wonderful artistic styled direction to create the emotion of the time and situation. The sweeping shots of the death row, juxtaposed with some carefully chosen cinematic setting sweeps helps create an artistic and importantly emotional feel of the time the film is set, in the early 1930's. The colour is significant to the film with a articulate choice in settings, having green tiled floors and dark dismal rooms to accompany that harrowing feeling of death.
Whilst not especially looking at the aftermath of death, the Green Mile explores the agonizing wait that accompanies the inmates till their sentence. The long walks and procedures are explored in a drawn out process that will send a tingle up your back. The film contains the most harrowing and dramatic death penalty scenes to ever appear in cinematic history. This in particular is the reason for the 18 certificate and is not for the faint hearted. It will remain with you long after viewing.
The story is consistent in its message to portray the difficulties of life up to death. The dramatic realism is never far away but The Green Mile is more than a preaching drama. The inclusion of the supernatural gives it an edge, an openness that leaves many questions. The mouse to is an interesting inclusion that draws a line on the fantasy genre.
Tom Hanks never lets viewers down and is once again at the top of his game. It is however Michael Clarke Duncan who steals the limelight as John Coffy, a giant on death row. His Oscar nominated performance will create tears and sympathy and is a fine inclusion to this picture which despite being too long is a fine drama that shocks, preaches and haunts.