Not quite as good as "Shawshank"

Rating: 8/10 (11 December 1999)

I read "The Green Mile" in one afternoon, and was moved to tears by the end of my sitting. When I heard about the film version, I was totally ecstatic, not only because of the opportunity to see such a wonderful story onscreen, but because it stars several of my favorite actors, and is directed by Frank Darabont, director of my favorite film, "The Shawshank >Redemption".
However, I am a bit disappointed. One of the things that made "Shawshank" so great is the fact that it was a small film--not something you saw trailers for every 10 minutes. It was this amazing little gem, and when you find someone else who's seen it, it's like you've found a kindred spirit (not a single person I know who has seen it thought it was anything less than absolutely wonderful). However, Darabont seems to have capitalized on the lavish praise "Shawshank" now receives, and tried to make "The Green Mile" a big, important film. Its three-hour length, somewhat overdramatic acting, and numerous closeups wear on the nerves after a while. All this damages the impact of the film's message, and lessens its value as a whole.
I do think the film will be rewarded come Oscar time, or at least Oscar nomination time. And some of those nods are deserved, such as Thomas Newman's gloriously understated music, David Tattersall's luscious photography, and an outstanding breakthrough performance by Michael Clarke Duncan as accused murderer John Coffey. (Personally, I'd like to see Barry Pepper, Sam Rockwell, or Doug Hutchison receive Supporting nods as well!)
All in all, not a bad flick. But if you really want a dramatic Stephen King interpretation, rent "The Shawshank Redemption".