Tonight, I’m sitting here watching The Green Mile again. And not for the second time or even the third. I’ve watched the movie numerous times, and even read the book. Naturally the book is better, the books always are, but the movie is pretty darn good. And I’m trying to figure just what makes it work.
Is it the characters? There is such a varied cast? Wild Bill, John Coffey, Brutal, Paul, Percy , and of course Del and Mr. Jingles. Each one is different from the others. Their speech, mannerisms, their goals, and motivations, the actors did a great job bringing each one to life.
Maybe it’s the story. Thing is, there is more than one story going on here. The overall story plus the day to day life on “the mile”, the tragedy of the warden’s wife’s cancer, Percy and his downright petty nature and meanness, and Mr. Jingles. All these stories are woven together into one big story.
And think of all the conflict here. Percy is petty and mean. Think about how he stomped Mr. Jingles, and how he told Del as he was about to die there was no Mouseville. Paul is just doing his job but now has to execute someone he considers “one of God’s miracles.” John of course, is innocent yet on death row.
So, what is Mr. King’s secret? Any ideas? What are your thoughts? Is there a movie you watch over and over?
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And please forgive any typos, I’m using a tablet and it’s a lots slower than I’m used to, plus the cat just walked over me.
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