The initial buzz on this film was that it wasn’t any good. But clearly, the critics have blown it again, gambling that THE GREEN MILE would buckle under its own weight and too much expectation. Well, it didn’t! In fact, I’m surprised they would fault a film for its OSCAR worthiness. Are they suggesting that OSCAR is unreliable in their selection process??? If so, when did they finally get a clue? :-)
THE GREEN MILE is an exceptional film and almost perfect. Yes, there’s that dreaded word again - almost. More specifically, whether it’s Darabont’s direction that loses grip or King’s story, I’m not sure. Stephen King, while a great storyteller, has been known to start strong and lose it in the second half. One only has to watch STORM OF THE CENTURY for one of the worst endings in history for proof of this. However, it’s not THE GREEN MILE’s ending that I have trouble with, just the way some pieces of the second half were executed (I swear, no pun intended). Certain gestures and character reactions felt like they could have been better, or played out differently. These are of course minor points though. THE GREEN MILE is one of the few films that is what you expected it to be…a great movie! The OSCAR nods I’m sure will be many, especially in the acting category. Hanks will likely get nominated for Best Actor, but when it comes to Supporting, it’s hard to decide between David Morse, Doug Hutchison, or Michael Clarke Duncan. Morse will probably go ignored, which is a shame, but I’d nominate all three if I could. Let’s not forget James Cromwell, Barry Pepper and Jeffrey DeMunn either. Just a superb ensemble all around!
This is not a short film either, which I have no problem with, but some people seem really put off by. Usually I’d dismiss this, but I have to agree that some cutting could have been done, especially with the opening. Ultimately, expectation is probably this movie’s greatest obstacle. Yet my own expectations were high and I still enjoyed it. I think it’s a good flick regardless. Go see for yourself!
