Dir Frank Darabont : starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan

Franks Darabont famously directed "The Shawshank Redemption" adapted from Stephen King’s short story "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". The film went on to become one of the most admired adaptations to date.

When King’s "The Green Mile" was published, initially in monthly serial instalments, Darabont was determined that he would direct his own screenplay of the story. King was more than happy with the screenplay and the project went ahead. Whilst still finishing the screenplay Darabont already had Tom Hanks in mind for the role of Paul Edgecombe.

The story ,almost exclusively set in the death row block of a 1930’s US prison, unfolds over some three hours but the film is so dramatically absorbing that this time passes extremely quickly.

The story is told by the ageing Edgecomb, the former senior prison guard, to one of his companions in an old folks home. This clever dramatic device is used to bookend the main story.

Michael Clarke Duncan was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as John Coffey and it is not difficult to see why. I have not seen "The Cider House Rules" but the general consensus seems to be that Duncan lost out to Michael Caine simply because Caine had "paid his dues" and the academy felt that it was his turn.

Coffey is put on death row, or the Green Mile, for the murder of two young sisters. He was found cradling their dead bodies. It is not long until the prison guards recognise the Coffey has a very special gift. His arrival on death row has an astounding affect on the guards and inmates.

The ending of the story is not to difficult to guess but there is an added twist in Stephen King’s inimitable style.

It is very difficult to discuss the film futher without giving away too much of the plot other than to say that it was three hours well spent and this film comes thoroughly recommended.