The Green Mile

We were a little nervous about renting this DVD. Neither of us are fond of prison movies, but this is a prison movie with a difference. With one exception, the guards are decent human beings, even though they work on death row during the 30's. And with one exception, the prisoners respond to the decency of the guards. Lets not forget Mr. Jingles the mouse, showing both the guards and prisoners have as much respect for life as possible, given the place and their professions. For once the story is not a prisoner guard conflict.

This is a leisurely story, unfolding over 3 hours, but it isn't slow or boring. The time is needed to connect the incidents in the movie, and give the actors time to show their stories. There isn't much that could be cut without destroying the pacing. About the only thing that comes to mind is the multiple scenes of lights exploding, sending shards of sparks and light to act as a halo for Hanks. Every one of those could have been cut without hurting my feelings.

The new prisoner can feel the pain of the people around him, take it back from them, and release it. Although he is in fact innocent of the crime for which he was convicted, he doesn't want to live feeling the pain of the people around him. The Christ parallels are obvious, but they aren't played up. Come prepared with a hanky or two, because it's an emotional movie, but it isn't maudlin. It's both happy and sad at the same time.

I watched all the bonus material on the DVD. Some of it is the usual self-congratulatory Hollywood pap, but there are some good bits. I was particularly struck by the segment where the lynch mob first finds Michael Clarke Duncan howling out his pain with two murdered children under his massive arms. He commented that every time they did the take, he was terrified. There's a brief shot of him after one take, standing there, bent over like he's about to be sick. We've still a long way to go.

This isn't what you'd call a good first date movie. It brings to mind all sorts of thoughts of our place in the universe, and discussion could bring out controversial opinions. Some may be offended at the implication there is a higher power that isn't present in terms they are familiar with, or that there is need of any further emissaries from such a higher power.

I can well imagine seeing this movie again, and might buy it. Certainly it's worth renting at your local video store.