The Green Mile (1999)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  189 Minutes

Rating: R

Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy

Director: Frank Darabont

Starring: Tom Hanks, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan

IMDB Rank: 8.6/10

Part 1 Time: 116 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 73 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Paul Edgecomb and his wife visit Warden Hal Moores and his wife at their home. Hal reveals that his wife is not well. She is losing her memory and experiencing severe behavioural changes, including uncontrollable cursing, due to an incurable brain tumor.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Hal speaks to Paul privately, “I’m glad she’s having a good day Paul, I’m glad for you an Jan.”

First line of dialogue on the second part:  Jan speaks with Paul the following night while in bed “Honey, if you don’t tell me whats on your mind I’m goin have to smother you with a pillow.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, at this point in the film we are unsure of Paul plans. We know he is sympathetic towards the Edgecombs situation and would help if he could. But what if someone else could?

Which part is better? Although this film should be viewed as one, Part two outshines part one due to the miracles preformed by John Cofffey, as well as his demise. The characters in the film do everything they can to prevent Coffey from death, but in the end must follow the law.

Academy Awards: Best Picture (Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Michael Clarke Duncan), Best Writing- Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated).