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A wild bunch of College Folk take a look at the final print of THE GREEN MILE
Beware of spoilers...
Hey folks, Harry here. Tonight, all across the country at various college campuses there was a satelite screening of THE GREEN MILE. A What? Well, ya see there is this program out there for the Universities that has these advance screenings where the students then watch a live interaction thingee with the Actors and Director after the film. They do now watch a PRINT exactly... they watch a digital projection of the film... not that new TI job either, I'm talking about those decent projectors that still leave your image slightly out of focus and the resolution waaaaaaay below that of a realized film print. BUT... it's good enough to serve these purposes... which is to get us a look at THE GREEN MILE. I might post more reviews from screenings tonight, if there are some particularly well written ones... Right now I've chosen a scattering of reviews from the 20 or so I've received. Everyone seems to be either loving the film or really really really liking it. Those that just really really really like it seem to just not accept the old guy version of Tom Hanks... But most seem to. We'll be seeing for ourselves soon enough... It's not too far away now...
Thatman from UCLA chimes in (P.S. Thatman... it's Coffey... not Coffee, just sounds that way)
Hi Harry
Never have I written you, but I always wanted to write you something of
substance. I think I have it. I am THATMAN.
Tonight I have seen the film of the year. In fact 40 campuses were graced,
honored, lucky enough to participate in this film screening. I will not be
surprised to hear that you have, or will be bombarded with reviews tonight.
Tonight I have seen The Green Mile starring Tom Hanks at UCLA. Let me be the
first one to say, this is not a "Tom Hanks'" film, it was taken away from
him by a great cast. And we were also treated to a Q and A with the director
and a few actors from the film, all were given a standing ovation from the
audience. For once , Again, Tom HAS been out acted by a great ensamble cast,
and that is the best complement I can give to all of them.
I remember following the paperbacks month by month a few years ago never
thinking this great story could be a feature film, just because there was too
much going on. Boy was I wrong. Every theme from the paperbacks were
successfully transferred to the screen; good vs. bad, light vs. dark, love
vs. hate, hope vs. despair, duty vs. doing the right thing. Hot topic issues
like racism and the death penalty were raised too, but not resolved. In the
Q and A Frank was put on the spot about these issues and he said, to
paraphrase "Figure it out yourself. I put these on screen for you to take
home and think about. I am not here to force feed you my thoughts and
feelings." He also talked about Steven King books being a great inspiration,
and how he "might be a dinosaur in filmmaking", since he does long takes and
trys to really tell a story. He says he grew up with Haws and Ford, not
wanting to cut every 6 seconds. He also expressed his feeling about "MTV
Style of filmmaking", he called it "CRAP". He was greeted to applause on
that one.
The Film, about 3 hours long is the story of one man on Death Row, John
Coffee, and how he changed everyone's life in the "Green Mile". The nickname
for the area the death row inmates are held. Tom Hanks plays Paul , head of
the Green Mile. He film is told in his point of view. But the story is John
Coffee's and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. And with good reason. He
is an innocent who really knows what life is about. Unlike Lenny from Of
Mice and Men, John Coffee knows his purpose in like, even though he might not
like it and cannot verbalize it to the best of people's understanding. To
reveal anymore will do an injustice to this story. For those who know the
story, will be pleased with what is taken and what is left out. For those
who are introduced to this for the first time, be ready to be blown away by a
story by a man who is know for only his horror stories, but never really
praised enough for his stories like this , Apt Pupi, Shawshank Redemption and
Stand By Me. Not anyone can do a Steven King story, Frank proves he just
might be the right man for the job, all the time. Once again I must
emphasise the superior acting from all in this film, let me also mention this
should get all that Shawshank didn't. Oscars anyone?? This is coming from a
fan that thought American Beauty was the hands down film of the year. I
stand corrected. This is a classic that will stand the test of time.
Thank you all for your time for my first time
thatman
Guy from William & Mary sent this one in...
Folks-Just saw The Green Mile, the terrific new film from the writer-director
of The Shawshank redemption, Frank Darabont. It was one of those free
campus screenings where the movie is beamed via satelite to the school
and projected on a video projector. W&M's projector is seriously out of
date so the picture quality was terrible, and because Trinkle Hall, where
the screening was held, has a horrible echo, the sound was worse. It's
late so please excuse the grammar and spelling. And now the review:
The Green Mile, the latest release from writer-director Frank Darabont
(The Shawshank Redemption, uncredited rewrite of Saving Private Ryan) is
a film about storytelling. In this episodic prison drama everyone and
everything has a story. To anchor the multiple plotlines is a fine
retelling of the greatest story ever told. But Darabont is just as
interested in the tangents and sidebars to it as well as well as the
anecdotes about everyday life in one of the few places on earth where
death is a certainty. The film's three hours consist of not one wasted or
unessary minute. Amazingly Darabont successfully blends all the stories
into a seamless, powerful and touching whole.
"Whatever happens on the mile, stays on the mile"
That quote is repeated by several characters throughout the film. A
rather interesting statement for a movie which is entirely devoted to
telling stories about what happens on the Green Mile. The title refers to
the death row at a prison in Alabama (the Green part refers to the color
of the linoleum floor). The story is framed in the present day where Paul
Edgecome (Dabbs Greer) lives out his days in a retirement home, taking a
walk everyday to a mysterious cabin in the woods. One day while watching
TV with his fellow retirees, a Fred Astaire film comes on. This triggers
painful memories and Paul feels compelled to leave the room. One of his
peers follows him out and wants to know if he's alright. He then begins
to tell a tale of his days as a prison guard on the mile. The film then
flashs back to a younger Paul (Tom Hanks) in 1935 "the year I had worst
bladder infection of my life and the year of John Coffey". Coffey
(Michael Duncan) is a new inmate on the mile, convicted of raping and
killing two little girls. Despite his imposing height and musculature, it
quickly becomes apparent that Coffey is a sweet simpleton. Soon however
he begins to display remarkable healing powers, curing Paul of his
bladder infection and bringing a dead mouse back to life. Paul and fellow
guard Brutus (David Morse), Dean (Barry Pepper) and Harry (Jeffrey
DeMunn) begin to question Coffey's guilt, and what they can do about it.
While the central plot is an obivous Christ allegory, it's handled with
such skill by Darabont that it does not become cloying or preachy. By
telling from the point of view of his executioners, Darabont works in the
notion of guilt and redemption over circumstances one has no control
over. Paul and his colleagues do not wash their hands of this, as the
epilogue reveals. And that's just the central story. Other side trips
include Paul and Brutus clashing with a hothead guard (Doug Hutchison)
who has friends in high places, a fellow inmate and his pet mouse, Paul
and his colleagues sneaking Coffey out to help the Warden's dying wife
(Patricia Clarkson), and various problems arising from a truly nutcase
inmate (Sam Rockwell) who may have a connection to Coffey's past. Again,
none of these seem superflous. In fact they blend nicely into an overall
story about how precious life really is, and how man creates much
unecessary ugliness in the world.
Like in The Shawshank Redemption, Darabont shows keen interest in
details. Executions in "old sparky" the electric chair are carried out in
a ritualistic matter comparable to a church service, with the chair in
place of the altar and with the guards presiding over the service instead
of priests (intriguingly no church or clergyman is ever seen in the
film). Prisoner's heads are shaved to attach electrodes in way
reminiscent of medevial monks. And Darabont handles the executions in a
tasteful manner, and refuses to sensationalize them.
The acting is first rate all around. Hanks is excellent, portraying Paul
as a man trying to maintain his sanity and humanity amongst the violence.
His Paul is a far cry from Clancy Brown's sadistic creep guard in
Shawshank. In fact Paul genuinely feels some sorrow and regret at
executing even the most hardened criminals. But despite his top billing,
this is very much an ensemble piece. Morse, an underused and underrated
actor shines as Brutus, who despite his name and stature, is kind and
fair. Pepper and DeMunn fair nicely as well, as does James Cromwell as
the prison warden and Harry Dean Stanton as the nutty, non death-row
inmate the guards use when rehearsing the executions. However the picture
belongs to Duncan, who's immense size and muscles have previously limited
him to tough-guy roles (he's credited in no fewer than four films as
"nightclub bouncer"). Coffey is ultimately a very simple man, who is
unsure entirely of his own powers, just a vague need to "help people".
He's a messaih who knows only the task at hand, he's not a genius, he
doesn't know the secret of the universe. He just helps people.
Overall The Green Mile ranks as one of this year's best, if not the best,
American films. Darabont as done the impossible and made a film that
surpasses The Shawshank Redemption. The film explores the telling of a
story, it's dimensions, it's meanings, it's format. Stories are told
every concievable way, in flashback (the frame), by written word (Paul
reading the transcript of Coffey's trial), by word of mouth (an imate
explaining what he thinks heaven is like), and at the highest level,
cinematically. Ultimately the many stories form a unique and facisnating
meditation on how evil gets into the world, and how can a man be saved,
even from his own demons? The result is a touching, memorable masterpiece.
- Guy
Darth Yddet from Texas A&M sings about the film
Hey Harry, I'm a first time contributor to the site and I was just writing to let you know that
your Oscar prediction for Best Movie going to The Green Mile in
2001 is rite on the money. I just got back from one of those college
sneak preview things for The Green Mile. I go to Texas A&M and
along with UCLA, Penn State, and some other schools we were
given the privilage to view this amazing movie. Ever since I saw that
prediction of yours about year ago I've been keeping a close eye on
this movie, so when I heard that A&M was going to show the movie
weeks in advance I jumped at the chance.
Let me start of buy saying that Michael Duncan (Bear from
Armaggedon) makes this movie. I had no idea that this guy was
such a good actor. He plays John Coffey, "...like the drink, but not
spelled the same." The combination of Tom Hanks and Duncan
works perfect, as does the chemistry among the four main
guards.They're all familiar faces that just really work well together.
This movie has so many characters that you grow to love
throughout the movie (mostly the inmates) and you can emagine
that since they are on death row, a.k.a. The Green Mile, that when
they are finally excecuted we feel like we have truly lost a friend.
And watch for Percy - you'll hate this character. Not because it's
bad acting or annoying, but because he's just the perfect bad guy.
Although this movie is three hours long it doesn't seem like it
all. Every scene has a point to it and every character impacts the
main story in one way or another. It's just a great story that deals
with superstition, religion, and miracles in a really positive way, not
like all the Stigmata-like crap that's out now.
I just hope that this Tom Hanks movie doesn't get screwed over
like Saving Private Ryan did last year. It's definetely a contender for
best picture but if something like American Beauty gets it I'll be
pissed. Not that American Beauty was a bad movie, it just seems
like now-a-days if a movie is to be considered good it has to be all
fucked up and edgy and ask some kind of screwed up question. I
would just like to see some wholesome movie win something for a
change. But then again awards aren't everything.
After the movie was over the audiences were given the chance
to ask certain cast members questions via satelite from UCLA. The
actors present were Michael Duncan (John Coffey), James
Cromwell (Hal Moores), Doug Hutchinson (Percy Wetmore), and
the director Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption). There
were just some typical questions about the what attracted the
actors to the script and their veiws about the death penalty. I really
like Frank Darabont after this interveiw, he just always seemed to
say the right things. I hope he makes more movies just like his
past two. The Green Mile was excellent.
(Darth Yddet)
Let's have this one from our very own piggy bank at Oklahoma State, who took out the cork and spilt the copper on this baby...
About 40 college campuses across the nation tonight
got a free advance preview of "The Green Mile." I'm
sure others will chime in, but I thought I would give
you an Oklahoma perspective on the subject.
Here at OSU the movie was very well received. It's
been a while since I've been to a movie where the
audience cheered. It was quite an experience.
In short, Tom Hanks is wonderful as always, but the
stars of this film, I think, are Doug Hutchinson and
Michael Duncan.
Doug Hutchinson plays a superb Percy Wetmore. I hated
him... and that's good! He did an excellent job.
Michael Duncan fit John Coffey to a "T." Visually, he
was perfect for the role, but he also did a wonderful
job with the more emotional parts of the role. Don't
expect to see the guy from Armageddon in this movie!
The movie is definitely Oscar material. I highly
recommend it.
Hamm
From the Big 10/11 comes this one...
Hey Harry,
Multiple-time reader, first-time poster. I attend a Big Ten (Eleven, actually) university and we just had a special screening of THE GREEN MILE, so I thought I'd send you a review of it since I haven't seen any in the recent weeks. I have read the book by Stephen King (go out and buy it NOW if you haven't read it yet), so I knew what was gonna happen going into the screening.
I'll try and keep the spoilers to a bare minimum.
For those of you who don't know the story, here it goes: Paul Edgecombe (Tom Hanks) is Head Guard of Cell Block E at Cold Mountain State Penitentiary in Louisiana during 1935. (Cell Block E is Death Row. It is known as "The Green Mile" because the tiled floor is green.) He and the other guards befriend John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a monstrous black man sent to The Green Mile to die. They soon realize that Coffey is a special kind of person.
This film is the best I have seen this year. Although I prefer the book to the film, the film is still spectacular. It clocks in around 3 hours but you really don't notice it until you look at your watch after the movie's over. Frank Darabont (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) both adapted the book and directed this masterpiece. I was a little peeved at some of the things he left out from the book [a great speech by Mrs. Edgecombe (Bonnie Hunt) and the way Paul learns "the truth" ], the performances, cinematography, and score all made up for.
If there is justice in the world, Jesse Jackson won't be bitching about the Oscars this year because Duncan will win Best Supporting Actor. Hanks should earn a nomination for Best Actor, as well as Darabont for Adapted Screenplay, Director, and Picture. I don't know who does the score (they pushed them to the side of the screen), but it is very Bernard Hermann-esque at times, while reminding me of SHAWSHANK at others.
When December 10 rolls around, I suggest you all go out and see THE GREEN MILE.
It is the best film of the year so far ( I can't wait to see MAN ON THE MOON and MAGNOLIA, though), topping AMERICAN BEAUTY ever-so-slightly. Eventhough I knew the ending, I still cried for the last 20 minutes of the film. That tells you just how great of a job Darabont does.
Payton34
Sundance from Clemson University sent in this one....
Harry,
I just had the pleasure of experiencing The Green Mile. Although the sound
was hideous and the satellite fed picture occasionally distorted (and
surprisingly, and disappointedly, in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, even though
the trailer was 2.35:1), I was unable to take my eyes from the screen for
even a second. Though three hours long, this original film was not boring
for even a moment.
The film opens with a group of men running through the field obviously
searching for someone. One man finds a white piece of cloth atop a reed,
the wind blowing through it. After this quick scene, the film cuts to the
frame story of the aged Paul Edgecomb in a nursing home. I've heard
criticism of these scenes, but I thought they did an excellent job of
setting the tone of the movie, one of both sorrow and laughter (and this
movie is absolutely hilarious in parts). When the old man (who does a
great job) sneaks out for a walk into the mountain woods, I sensed the tone
the film would have. This is a very atmospheric and often beautiful film.
All of the performances, across the board, were excellent. Tom Hanks,
David Morse (a good guy for a change), Barry Pepper, and the prosecutor
from The Shawshank Redemption make up the friendly group of guards. It is
nice to see James Cromwell playing a character who is the direct opposite
of Chief Dudley Smith in LA Confidential. Michael Clark Duncan is also
perfect as John Coffey, the gargantuan prisoner with a special gift. The
music is often subdued and understated (ala Shawshank) and is always
perfect for the mood. Darabont's direction is flawless as well. He
managed to make a movie in so many ways dissimilar from Shawshank yet still
provokes the same emotions which Shawshank managed to do. There were a
number of people crying (in many scenes) in the auditorium, yet the movie
is free of schmaltz or sappiness.
This is by far the most complete, and best film I've seen this year, and it
appears that Harry's Best Picture prediction has a fairly good chance of
coming true. There is not a single wrong moment in this film. Sure, Kevin
Spacey was incredible in American Beauty, an entertaining film. To me,
however, while a good film, it seemed to be more of a caricature than a
realistic, in depth look at a very dysfunctional family. Sure, Fight Club
was an entertaining and thought provoking adrenaline rush, but it seemed
more like a sum of its parts. This film, however, works beautifully in
many parts: some heartwarming, some gruesome and gut-wrenching, some very
funny. When these parts are put together, however, you have a seamlessly
crafted masterpiece. This film works in so many different ways, that there
is no doubt in my mind that it is the best picture of the year.
Sundance
The Burning Bullwinkle from Kansas now trumpets the film...
Uber-geek,
Well, as a long time reader of your site, I haven't
really been able to give you anything of value,
because, well, I live in Kansas. And aside from Mars
Attacks, there hasn't been too much done here. But I
was lucky enough to take part in an advance screening
for the Green Mile.
In a word, this film is excellent. Frank Darabont has
exceeded his wonderful work on the Shawshank
Redemption. There were only two problems with the film
in my eyes. First wasn't the film's fault, the
contrast was majorly messed up. Second, as a few have
complained about, the book-ends featuring the aged
Paul Edgecomb while well done, feature an actor that
doesn't look at all like Tom Hanks. But that is a
minor beef. The three hours went by quickly and I was
impressed at how well it followed the book.
The performances were excellent. Tom Hanks' name has
been thrown around quite a bit, but the film belonged
to Doug Hutchison. As Percy Whetmore he perfectly
captured the character from the novel; as Paul says
"mean, careless and stupid." His work is phenomenal.
Also of mention are certainly James Cromwell, David
Morse and a very small part by Harry Dean Stanton. But
this really was a cast of standouts. Everyone did a
great job.
The writing was great going from sadness to outrageous
laughter in half a heartbeat. Many times there was
applause after Paul's encounter with Coffey and just
for "Brutal"(Morse), who really could zing the one
liners.
The best part of this film is the ending, to be sure.
It is not, repeat not, a happy one but rather
bittersweet. Things do not turn out for the best. I
can't say enough about how glad they did not syrup the
finale.
Afterwards, there was a short Q & A with Morse,
Cromwell, Hutchison, Michael Duncan (Coffey) and
Darabont. I missed most of it because I was helping
clean up (I am a member of the film council) but most
of what I heard was ass-kissing from actor and
director trainees.
All-in-all, a movie I really recommend seeing when it
comes out Dec. 10. Be there!
The flaming moose,
Burning Bullwinkle
Dale Cooper from over there radios in this one...
Hey, Harry!
First time writing. Call me Dale Cooper.
I had the pleasure of seeing the Green Mile tonight, and let me say this is
truly something special. I will be the first to admit flaws in a movie, and
this film had a few, but overall, it was the most powerful and significant
picture to come out this year. It worked on so many levels, but spoke to me
on one in particular. You said at the End of Days screening that people were
pissed off about the Catholicism. The Green Mile is all about religion, but
Stephen King wisely chose to ignore a specific one. Darabont plays up the
religious angle quite well, and I was moved to tears by the implication of
the events involving Paul Edgecombe, John Coffey, and God. This is a film
that totally inspires faith, and made me question my own beliefs in terms of
religion.
The performances are across the board good. Tom Hanks was great, and those
two Oscars represent the one he should win for this film. I think since he
already has two, somebody else should win, especially since I disagreed when
he won for Gump. Sorry, folks, but Travolta was the man that year. Michael
Clarke Duncan was a perfect Coffey. I could not picture a better man for the
role. He was the vision I had in my head when I was reading the books. The
supporting cast was great as well, but these two stand out because they are
more understated than some of the others. I admired Hanks so much after his
scenes trying to take a leak, battling a urinary infection. And, if he could
win an Oscar for playing a retard, then Duncan sure as hell deserves one,
although we know the Academy has problems with black actors.
My one major complaint was the nursing home scenes that bookend the film.
The story should have just started in 1935 because the first five minutes in
the nursing home are slow. The ending of the story in 1935 is so powerful as
is that it was kind of jarring to have to sit for a few more minutes to watch
the nursing home stuff again, but at the same time there is an important
message delivered at the very end, in the nursing home, that would be lost,
which I definitely feel helps the film thematically. I guess it was a tough
call for Darabont, but at least he cut a lot of the nursing home stuff out.
I felt it was the weakest link in the books.
The Bottom Line: It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it'll
make you squirm. When Delacroix goes to the electric chair, there wasn't a
still person in the audience. This is one hell of a powerful movie, folks,
and it really has something good to say.
This is Dale Cooper, heading back to the Black Lodge. See ya later!
The Bad Scooter from parts unknown put-puts this sweetie in...
Hi, just got out of a Green Mile screening and thought I'd share some
brief thoughts. I highly enjoyed the movie. It seemed to be very
faithful to the book (but I only read the book once). The acting,
directing, and storytelling were all excellent. It was a little long at 3
hours, so see it when you're rested. Also, I didn't really feel any
scenes should be cut.
Unfortunately, I do not think this film will win any awards (although it
may deserve some). I think it will be too unconventional for many people.
There's a small science fiction/fantasy aspect to it, and there's a pet
mouse that has a large role. So i don't know exactly what demographic
this will appeal to. Otherwise, it was excellent...and did I mention that
I highly enjoyed the script--many good lines.
Oh, the other complaint I had was that some of the accents are difficult
to understand.
Otherwise, if you liked the book you will LOVE the movie. And it was
really nice to get the story all at once (whereas I read the book in
installments).
The Bad Scooter
And lastly we have the most negative of the bunch from BIG BROTHER up in NYU...
hi, Big Brother here, i posted a Sleepy Hollow review a while back. Anyway,
I'm at NYU where during tonight's broadcast of the film the boom mike was
very apparent during one sequence, to the utter delight of the filmstudents.
Anyway, I must say that there were some definite problems with the film that
I saw. Okay, Don't get me wrong, I thought the movie was good. Great, I
don't think so. I think it pales in comparison to Shawshank Redemption.
Now you all are probably gonna say well this is a different movie. But it
is directed by the same person, written by the same person, and takes place
in a prison, so I think the comparison is quite reasonable. There were lots
of elements of this movie that were a lot like Shawshank, im not gonna spoil
it, but certain sequences and characters were very similiar. Too similiar.
Now I never read the book, but after the film I wanted to. Perhaps I should
have, and that would have made the film better, but still. I was really
into this movie for the first hour and a half. But at the two hour point
there was this lagging feeling that the movie hadn't even really started.
Then, at the end half hour mark, it's almost as though you can clock every
ten minutes another loose end of the plot is tied up. I also felt that the
acting was not so wonderfully impressive, and American Beauty and Straight
Story affected me way more. At the end, which everyone is right about, the
stupid flashback sequences are dumb, dumb, dumb, the tom hanks character
talks about the "long green mile." I'll fucking say, three long hours. I'm
not against long movies by any means, but you could feel it in this movie.
I guess people will like this movie and all, but for my money (i saw it for
free) it was not so incredible as all that. this is the spoiler part :::
one would assume that if the wild bill character was working on the farm
where the two little girls were killed, and then later he was sentenced to
death row for murder, that maybe the parents might have put two and two
together. Plus that whole thing about the Coffey guy not being the killer
is straight out of Shawshank. anyway, that's all from the eastern front.
Hey... psst.... technically... that's straight out of the books...
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+ Expand All
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I can't wait to see this movie. It's been 5 years since The Shawshank Redemption. Darabont, you're worse than Cameron!
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SO you all know a key is broken on my keyboard and i+ is +he + key...sorry...anyways I found ou+ a+ +he las+ sec abou+ +his screening over a+ ASU and was +oo la+e +o ge+ a pass....kinda happy +hough, since I found ou+ i+ was a so so copy....dissapoin+ed +o hear +ha+ +he old man hanks s+uff s+ill really doesn'+ work....I was hoping +ha+ would be fixed....I really hopw +his film doesn'+ ge+ hype burn ou+ +hough...every+ime I hear i+'s as good as Shawshank I ge+ as giddy as Madboy wa+ching garbage Pail Kids +he Movie...I+'s good +o know +ha+ Darabon+ +akes his +ime on his projec+s ind+ead of +urning ou+ one Piece of crap af+er ano+her....
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I would venture to guess that the reviewer who thought that
the nursing home scenes in the novellas were the weakest links probably felt that way because they generally occurred at the beginning of each installment...thus, when King ended on a cliffhanger, you had to "suffer" through the hursing home stuff before resolving the issue that the previous installment left. In my opinion, it is actually the story told (and the arcs created within) the nursing home scenes that complete King's masterpiece. -
I'm not gonna say the usual--- but I will "count coup" on all u fankids for it...
So it's unanimous, then ...
"The Green Mile" is a spiritually
moving experience; How kewl!
Just what College America hasn't really had much since "Lord of the Rings'" popularity peaked in the
late '60's & early '70s! -
Man, this dude in one of my classes said his brother was going to one of those. That dude is my rival. I have trouble with him. Makes me sick. On the other hand, I had the privilege of seeing END OF DAYS and TOYSTORY2 before they came out! End of Days was pretty rocking (you just have to 'suspend your disbelief' people!) and Toy Story was everything the first one was and a little more. I certainly don't think that this is the best film of the year. Going to be tought to decide that one. Green Mile sounds good and I will definitely be there opening day. During the MILLIONAIRE show tonight, I think I saw about 5 commercials for it. Man, I read the book and, I swear, I nearly start to cry when I think of that ending. Very emotional book. I usually don't like Stephen King's stuff, but this one hooked me from the beginning. Another good book is THE BEACH by Alex Garland. The Trainspotting guys made it into a movie starrring Leo and I read that script on the net and it was god-awful. John Hodge missed the whole point of the novel and totally blew the oppurtunity to make a flat-out terrific movie. But that's beside the point. Bring on Green Mile.
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Did anybody else think that "The Shawshank Redemption", although handsome, was basically an oversentimentalized version of Clint Eastwood classic "Escape from Alcatraz"? Now that's a movie.
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Because of the simple fact that Tom Hanks is in it, then you have an added bonus that Darabont helmed which will make it even better, Shawshank is one of the best film of the 90's, well written superbly acted and great directing, i read this script awhile back, and loved it, Tom Hanks is if not thee best, one of teh best Actors working today, but there are alot of other actors that are great and dont get mentioned all too often, like Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Steve Zahn, Ving Rhames, we all know who they are, but most peeps dont, Damnit!, great im ranting again!
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I just read the book. How can the film be any less crap? What's the point? Why do people make films out of rubbish? It's just one cliche after another with this guy. Stephen King is up there with the Sweet Valley High books in terms of intelligent writing.
I guess one good thing is that people will be able to press the fast-forward button all the way through it when it goes to video. -
but how can you people say it should get the oscar over American Beauty? I don't know, I haven't seen it, but i'll still believe it when I see it! And by the way, although American Beauty was kinda screwed up, it did have an extremely poignant message. It really gives you something to chew on. It makes you think about LIFE. And if The Green Mile is good enough to do that too, then I agree...It should be nominated with American Beauty. And perhaps it will win too, it being the more 'family' movie i guess. And that's not a bad thing. It'll probably be a hard choice. Just don't say American Beauty was screwed up, because it delivers a message more profound than anything i've seen at the movies...
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Family movie? It's about frying people! Electrocution! Death!
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I suggest you put down the Harry Potter books and the Pokemon Yellow guide and read some real works for a change before you decide what "crap" is. I happen to think Stephen King is one of our best living authors. And, yes, I am well read. I've read the full spectrum from James Joyce to William Shakespeare, to Robert Ludlum and John Grisham, so I'd like to think I know what crap is. The Green Mile isn't.
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I am sorry to see that you can read something good, and then say that SK is comparable. My opinion should be just as valid as anybody elses... if a book only inspires boredom and frustration, then I say it's crap. Joyce, proust, rusdie, thomas moore, hardy, woolf, dickons, wharton, voltaire, marquez, burroughs, bradbury, salinger, faust. We could all name books we've read. ooh look! I've named more than you did. Who cares. Comparing King to Joyce makes my skin crawl. And shakespeare? hello? Pokemon yellow guide or whatever is probably more entertaining.
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After reading The Green Mile I can't imagine the movie will be any good. The only thing that would truly rock (besides Shawshank) is his short story, The Marathon Man. If only someone had the guts to give that one a try!
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t t t t t t t..........jealous?!?! hee hee!!
seriously though(if that's possible), the book was one of the best i've read in years, possibly one of my all-time favourites, definitely the best SK one, and I can't see it failing to be anything less than brilliant, especially in the hands of Darabont and i'm glad that they've kept the nursing home scenes, they add a whole other level to the story-telling, i think it would've been a cop-out to just leave them out and tell it as a straight story. i'm curious though, does the film include the last section of the book, where tom hanks' character loses his wife and calls out for coffey to save her??(something along those lines!!) -
we're not really surprised about this movie getting great reviews, are we ? And you people who are giving Tom Hanks a hard time. Forget about it! He's a fucking great actor. Forget "Bachelor Party" and "The Man With One Red Shoe". When you talk about Robert De Niro you don't mention "We're No Angels" and "Night and the City" right ? So forget about what crap Hanks has made in the past and start appriciate the work he does today. And yes, he did deserve that Oscar for "SPR"! And now it will be great to see him as one of the nominated for three years in a row. He deserves it.
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Yellow, at least could could have spelled all of authors right if you're gonna drop names. I hardly think an award winning writer (thats right) such as King is "Crap". One of my pet peeves is this elitist attitude that occurs when something becomes popular and is immediately labeled "Crap". I honestly think that IT is one of the best works of horror fiction written alongside those of Poe and Lovecraft. THE STAND is also a fantastic epic that can also be appreciated as a sociological essay. Okay, you can say his style doesn't appeal to you, but you CANNOT say King is a poor writer.
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I didn't think Hanks deserved the oscar for SPR. I thought he was outacted by many in the young cast. Jeremy davies, now he was robbed, he should have not only been nominated for supporting actor, but won.
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My god, I
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Homer Jay, I think you missed my meaning with the name-dropping,(so there was a typo, get over it!) but that's beside the point. To imply that; because something is popular it must be fantastic, is a fairly ignorant thing to say. And being able to form my own opinion is hardly an elitist attitude. King lacks the descriptive ingenuity to be a good writer. Sure, he can tell a story, and if the story is ok, it sells. It's like a good plot without a good script. I haven't read ALL of Kings novels, just the ones that others say are good. Can you remeber one good line from anything he has written? Just one memorable sentence? I certainly don't. The parts that make impressions are events. Just like in a childrens story. We all remember what happened in the three little pigs. That could be called a sociological essay too. It dosn't make whoever originally wrote it a good writer.
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How rich. I think I've seen it all now.
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Shawshank was excellent and Green Mile sounds very positive. With American Beauty as well this could be a really good year at the Oscars. I love films that celebrate the human spirit and Darrabont's a good bet. American Beauty still tops my list at the moment though.
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... I love King. Most of his work I've enjoyed very much. BUT, once in a while he delivers some bad work. For example Rosie (who wants to read hundreds of pages about abussed women and their psychological problems, no fans of King I'would say). The Green Mile dissapointed me not so much in the setting (a jail always works) or characters but the plot is rubbish. The ending is sooooo predictable and boring, it looks like King switchted to auto-pilot in trying to meet a deadline.
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King's collection of novellas entitled "Different Seasons" has been a fertile piece of ground for cinema. "The Body" was made into one of my favorite movies of all time, Stand By Me. "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" was made into probably my absolute favorite movie, period. And "Apt Pupil", though flawed, was a fine film. I am really looking forward to more of King's non-horror making it to the cinema. The Green Mile is in good hands in my opinion and I look forward to seeing Darabont's brand of filmmaking. I agree whole-heartedly with his belief to not cut every 6 seconds. Linger I say, Linger once in a while.***I for one would love to see "The Long Walk". Anyone else know that story or the one about the kid that takes his high
school class hostage? Or how about "The Talisman", anyone read that? Oh, yeah, to the poster above who mentioned "The Marathon Man", they did make a movie out of it. It starred Arnold they called it "the running man" instead and it made an assload of money for such a stupid movie. -
In respons to Yossarian. The Running man wasn't bassed on The Marathon. I believe the original King story was Flight to the top, or something like that.
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King is definately not a fantastic writer, but he is a master storyteller. His way of telling a story is what draws people in, that's what creates such a following for his work. Isn't King, like, the bestselling fiction author of all time? It also helped I was in Junior High school when I read most of his stuff instead of paying attention in class. I was not the discriminating reader then that I am now.(yeah, right..)
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I think you're right. I first read it as a collection of the stories King wrote as Bachman.
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Yeah! Who's afraid of bush? Not me! Bring on all tha bush you can throw at me!...Ahem, sorry... I preferred Kubrick's maze to King's topiary (sp?) also. I gotta say though...Shelly Duvall was the scariest thing in the movie though. Damn upstagers.
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Since this talkback is already a little off subject, I'll add to that. King's worst problem is that he can't do endings. He does some great work with mood and setting, but since he writes without an outline (as he has stated himself), the story gets too long and he just sort of wraps it up. Thats why his short stories are so good - he can see the whole structure when he writes. Other things I like of his are the Talisman (co-written with Straub and more structured (the sequel has been announced, yeah!), and the unending gunslinger series (I know they're not everybody's cup of tea, but I enjoy them.)
Tto respond to other posts...
I dont have the book here, but I believe that the Running Man was made from the short story named... the Running Man. And the story rocked so much that everybody involved with raping that script will definitely burn in hell.
As to the Long Walk, Yossarian is right, this story rocks and if it can be done right it would make a great movie. Filmgoers should leave the theatre physically exhausted. One thing that the film would need is a sense of rhythym - a steady deliberate pace, just like the novella.
However, Rage (I believe), the story about the kid holding the class hostage will never be made. King doesn't want it emphasized because of some of the real-world violence incidents. And while I think it is an excellent story (even though it was one of his first), I don't think it would hit it big. The 60's sex and violence are too small to shock modern people and too much to fit the nostalgia craving of the boomers.
To me, the best part about King is how easily I lose myself in the books (until his crappy endings). For a lot of authors, including many of the "greats", I never lose the identity of me reading a book, with King I lose myself.
(jeez, what a long and annoying post - I should be spanked (preferably by a petite redhead)) -
. . . he's a crap shoot. Most of his stuff is fucking garbage, but, every once in a while, there will be a flash of genius. The Green Mile is one of those flashes, perhaps some of his best non-Bachman work. While I admit it grudgingly, Hanks is a hell of an actor, even if he is suffering from the same disease Spielberg suffers from - the I'm older and legit now and can't be in fun movies anymore -syndrome. The reviews for this so far are saying it's superb, and I hope it is, but better than American Beauty? That'd be something to see. And Flmlvr - that "t" thin is incredibly annoying to read. I'll bet if you weren't such a lag-ass bastard, you could get uop early enough to fix the fucking thing. Oh well, that's what you get for staying up all night watching Scott Baio marathons. . .
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Stephen King is THE best American storyteller. His imagination and wit shine in each of his works. Films from his works generally suck with the exception of Shawshank, Stand By Me and a few others. It takes a special kind of director to transfer King's genius to the screen. Darabont (sp) is apparently one of those who can do this sucessfully. Too many people dismiss King as a "Horror" writer without having even read him. He is far more. This is evidenced by such works as: The Body, Shawshank, Hearts In Atlantis, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon and Bag of Bones to name a few. He can be literary or just plain scare the pants off you. Some people just can't appreciate good literature or entertainment.
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that many of the films listed as the best King movies - The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, Carrie, Misery, The Dead Zone - are almost directly adapted from King's work. The writing and story have almost surely nothing to do with it. I swear, you people could justify a drive-by shooting.
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I concur. The Long Walk could make a great film. As for The Green Mile, I have not read it, but I am eager to see the film. I have found the trailer to be less than impressive, though. Too many plot points are revealed, and sentimentality can not be done justice in a trailer. To me, it always comes off looking barf-inducing without the full context.
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Ok, i'll bite. Like assholes, everybody is going to have a different impresion on Stephen King. Some love him, some don't..etc.
For my .02 cents, I personally enjoy is older work. Carrie, Salem's Lot, The Shinning, even Pet Semetary. However lately his horror work IS very formulated. I mean was their anybody that couldn't figure out Needfull Things? However, his short stories are somethig all together. I think he should be more like Poe, and focus on short story lenghts, he seems to do a better job with them. Ones that come to my mind are The Jaunt, The Boggeyman, and my alltime favorite The Lawnmower Man (not the horribley raped movie versions..hell they wern't even raped, they double penetrated that story!!!!!!)
The movies, some hits, many misses. The last one Storm of the Century was the biggest waste of time I've ever seen. The only good ones (horror only) are Salem's Lot (just got it on DVD, it kicks ass!) The Shinning, Carrie, hell I even like Christine. Cujo sucked, The Stand is unfilmable, Firestarter sucked, they all suck. Thinner sucks, The Silver bullet sucks..etc.
Misery was fantastic, as was The Shawshank Redemption, as I expect The Green Mile to be.
But after all is said and done, I still give King the tip of my hat for working like a crack whore. The guy has 2 new books every damn year if not more. But he's no Poe or Lovecraft.
By the way..what the hell happened to Clive Barker? Did he pull a Paul McCartney thing? -
I just want to remind the world that there is a fifth installment of the leprechaun series titled Leprechaun 5: IN the Hood. Wow, just when you think Leprechaun in space was enough, now they whip out the "hood". Whats next? Leprechaun 6:Electric Bugaloo???? At least Warwick Davis is working...I think he gave up on the hopes of a Willow sequel...Willow 2:Electric Bugaloo...i'd see it.
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Look you fucking bitches look at what I got.....TTTTTTTT....feels good....to have a T again....SO I'm happy to see this hasn't turned into a big religous debate....and who ever said The Green Mile book sux I say HUH...all though I think Madboy had a good idea in a way....He mentioned my man Scott Baio....Well he woulda made a better Paul Edgecombe then Hanks...then maybe we coulda had Willie Ames (BUDDY!! Lives 4ever)...ahh fuck it.Let's just make a charles In charge Movie...Like Charles could be in charge of a dorm room....I can' t wait.Look see what you did madboy.You got me all worked up, well you guys all have a good thxsgiving....and Madboy check yo email.......
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. . . at least, that's what they'd like you to think. Other than Spike Lee, not much has come out of NYU that I find impressive. Of course, that might just be my jealous little black heart talking, since they fucking rejected me, bastards, I ended up stuck in Wisconsin of all places. Scott the number man is right, much of the earlier King stuff is better than the recent stuff, and I mean the movies too - Stand By Me, Salem's Lot, Carrie, etc - vs. The Stand (mediocre), Needful Things (boring), etc. The non-horror stuff of late is pretty good - Misery of course, and TGM looks good. But I guess the movies are like the books - roll the dice and take your chances.
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Wasn't this written by Stephen King when it was a book?
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Since we're way WAY off topic and I'm just sitting around waiting for the commander to release us...The mist has been the one King story to this day that bothers me. I still want to know what happened to those guys once they left the gas station. Also, remember that one short story he wrote about the surgeon stranded on a deserted island (more like a rock?) and to stay alive he slowly amputates his body parts for food? That was insane. On that note I wanna wish everyone a Happy Turkey Day! **************Ya didn't see that comin' didja? Props to me for the nice segue. Later.
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Less Stephen King and more Richard Bachman!
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Stop arguing for the sake of arguing. It's all relative. I don't like King. I think his writing style is too simplistic and it bores me. But the man has sold so many books, it's apparent at the least that people value his work. You can go on and on forever. If you think the book sucks, then say so, but you can't deny that others enjoy his work.
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What about Toy Story 2? I'd say that qualifies. Hey, I agree that perhaps certain entertainers should continue to add variety to their careers. But when you get older, you start thinking about your mortality, and you want to leave something beautiful behind that makes you feel like you contributed whilst you were here. So on that level, I understand where they're coming from.
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What? The Money Pit wasn't beautiful? What about Volunteers? Bachelor Party? JOE VS. THE GODDAMN VOLCANO?!?!?! Gimme those over Phialdephia any day... just kidding, though I do love all those movies. I understand the point you made, and you're right, I immensely respect him for the movies he's made - but it seems like he really, REALLY wants us to take him seriously, and we do. But I'd like for him to mix it up a bit, some comedy, some seriousness. . . It's like we were talking about a while back re: Speilberg and Saving Ryan's Privates vs. Close Encounters or ET, etc. . . I love both sides of them, why can't we see both anymore?
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Oh whoopee Im so excited. I just can't wait to have another amazing moviegoing experience as a black dude chomping on some popcorn immersed in another wonderful state of viewer identification where - oh the joy, the rapture - I get identify with another big burly half wit black man who has amazing gifts of which he can't articulate but somehow he touches everyone's hearts and then dies (but then we always die, except in the matrix, i give props to the wachowskis..). I'm sure this will be a great movie. I do. But for a change it sure would be nice to see a switch around. Hollywood thinks there's nothing sweeter than a huggable big black dude who a little slow on his feet but whose loyal and dignified as a prize terrier. (Sigh) At least Duncan isn't a slow wit healer messiah who also has a wicked slam dunk on the court....
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....On Tom Hanks...you're so right...anytime I see Hanks on an interview nowadays he has his serious face on....I can't remember the last time I heard him say something funny...So the question is...is he purposely ignoring any or all comedic roles...or are they just not sent to his agent anymore becasue they think he's to good for them now?! I for one would love a sequel to Turner & Hooch....Here's hoping for Castaway by Zemeckis....can't tell if it's suppose to be comedy/drama or straight dramatic....oh well guess we'll find out next Xmas........
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Just wanted somewhere to say that I, Joe Buck, will be attending Butt-Numbathon!! Excuse me, I must start my butt training regimen immediately. I think watching the Aliens DVD box set is a good start.
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Aw, come on, you know it would rock! you think Mr. Hanks would do it?
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. . .what's Castaway? Oh, and nice call on Turner and Hooch, forgot that one, perhaps deliberately. . . and of course we can't leave out a LEague of their own. . . Hermes, I hear ya man, I know what you mean. If it weren't for Spike Lee, we wouldn't get much by way of intelligent roles for black men, we're stuck with shit like Booty Call, or just niggers playing comic relief sidekicks. Stay tuned for Hurricane, that'll have the meat we want. TGM will probably be good, even great, but for Hanks will get most of the glory. . . What about Freeman, Denzel and Fishburne? It's like they're all thought of as "cool" actors, but they're not getting the parts to prove it. I hope Hurricane takes Denzel to where he deserves to be, and keeps him from making any more garbage like frickin' Virtuosity.
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I've read Stephen King since ... umm ... that would be 1984, when I read Pet Semetary ... Read the Stand in 1985 and I've never gotten over it ... In the interrum I've read just about everything he's written, *except* The Green Mile ... that makes this the first time i'm going to see a King movie without knowing the source material. Now, as you might expect, I love his books. He isn't a "great writer" by some measurements, but personally I think a "great writer" is one who brings you back for more time and again, who entertains you, and who makes you think. No, I can't quote a line from any of his novels. He's not a "poetic" writer if that's what you want to call it. But his works are meaningful, by and large, they make me think, and they entertain. He doesn't tackle "important" topics head-on (a la Dostoevsky or Melville), but he gives them a side-long glance at times. Literature is a personal preference. Well, *art* in general is a personal preference. There are no "great" artists, except in your own mind or as measured by popularity. In my mind, King is a great author. By contemporary popularity he is a great author. We'll check back again in a hundred years to see how history judges his works.
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...Castaway from what I've heard deals with Hanks being stranded on an island ala Gilligans Island...all by himself I believe...and how he survies by himself and how and if he gets off...He has gone through hell to film this movie...apparently it's being filmed in two parts...the first one...normal Hanks, looking healthy...the second one six months later...after Hanks has been on a near starvation diet...I think that's why he's been sporting a beard lately too...I'm sure there's a ton more to the plot...maybe a little morality play...it sounds like the whole what would you do if you were stranded on an island and had no way off....and we follow Hanks and answer this question...I could be wrong that's just what I heard months back...now I keep hearing about his unhealthy diet,....then also like I said Robert Zemeckis is the director....not sure on the writer...Well I hope that made sense Madboy, and was what you wanted...anywys I'm outta here.....gonna go see EOD and Toy Story 2...so Have a Happy Thankgiving everyone...oh the above poster who mentioned a BosoM buddies movies....great idea!! I'd pay 2 see it........
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...might work better as an afterschool special.
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I see King the way I see Michael Crichton. They are both very good storytellers, but not very good writers. They have no style! The thing that makes H.P. Lovecraft, Poe, and all the other "classic" authors mentioned before so great is that they had a style all their own. King doesn't use words over two syllables! He never tries to challenge his audience (and I don't mean by changing topics like that baseball book). Crichton on the other hand, while he doesn't have as vivid an imagination as King, is a hell of a lot more thought provoking. Unfortunately, most of the films made from his books suck because they cut out many of the interesting (if preachy) theorizing and cautionary insight (see Rising Sun, Jurassic Park). As for Tom Hanks, will people just wake up and smell the mediocrity? This guy is like the Garth Brooks of American Film. It sounds good, it looks good, but it ain't art. Now maybe DeNiro/Pacino/Nicholson have passed their glory years, but does anyone here actually think Hanks has turned in a performance even close to the high mark of our 70's geniuses? Give me a break! Forest Gump was a one-note riff already done by Hoffman in Rain Man (another overrated performance). This is crowd pleasing patriotic apple pie crap, every time he walks on camera. Philadelphia? Boo-hoo, here's your oscar, or should I say, Hollywood's apology for covering up gay activity in film for half a century. That wasn't an award-worthy performance. Hanks, like Stephen King, never seems to challenge his audience. Gaining 50 pounds for Castaway? Please. That was not what make DeNiro's tour de force in Raging Bull. Heart and Soul is what takes it above and beyond Art. Hanks might have the Heart, but he doesn't quite have the Soul to become one of the great actors of our time. He's not even the modern-day James Stewart, because he couldn't even come close to the image-defacing depths of "Vertigo". Let's give the Oscar to someone who deserves it--Kevin Spacey, Edward Norton, even Denzel are all better choices than this patriotic sentimental poster boy. Salut!
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I haven't read any of the posts yet, so I don't know if anyone has mentioned this. If you are concerned about the similarities between Shawshank and Mile, you should remember that Stephen King has a long history of writing short stories as precursors to his novels. "The Stand" was preceded by "Night Surf" from the collection "Night Shift". "Salem's Lot" by "Jerusalem's Lot" in the same collection. You can make an argument that "IT" owes much of its nostalgic feeling to "The Body" from "Different Seasons" (which was, in turn, the source material for Stand By Me). That same collection contained "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption", which was expertly adapted into long screenplay format by Frank Darabont. I think it's fair to say that that novella was precursor to the long-form "The Green Mile". Interstingly, I read a review of Darabont's screenplay for Shawshank in one of the screenwriting journals that pointed out the changes in perspective he made from King's story. The story is less about Andy's revenge and more about Red's redemption. This is a major change in plot emphasis, and yet most people talk about how faithful Darabont was to the source material.
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Your NYUness is soooo evident. I'm sure they hated CITIZEN KANE back in 1941 too!
I tend to side with your fellow collegiate reviewers. This movie, which I have seen, blows SHAWSHANK away (and as you all know, that's saying something.)
Let's see how Miramax buys the Oscar THIS year! -
I, too, saw this film at the NYU screening and must say that, while I do like the film and strongly recommend it, it has MAJOR problems and is NO shawshank redemption. The magic that made shawshank so special is lost on darabont this time. And ANYTHING that is good in this film is ripped off of Shawshank redemption. I mean, com'n (spoiler), the guy who REALLY kills the girls is coincidentally put on the same block as Caffey. No, that isn't at all similar to what happens in Shawshank w/ the guy who really kills the wife. This films story was SOOOOOO predictable. Oh, gee, we have a guy who can perform miracles and a dying wife...hmmmmm....I wonder who will cure who. And another thing, Darabont's death row is way too nice. I mean, I would seriously like my kids to grow up on this death row, everyone is nice and happy and playing with mice and stuff. Only bad thing is that every couple of weeks, you have to kill someone who, although guilty of murder, is a really nice guy!
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What's the deal with bashing on filmmaking for trying to appeal to the masses? I mean, who's watching the films? The masses, right? Are filmmakers supposed to generate artistic films that high-brow collegiates and professors can discuss at Starbucks? Don't these guys take millions of dollars that belong to someone else and make a film based on the assumed promise that the money will be given back? If you want art for its own sake then at least ask only that one painter who is forgoing his own meals or a writer who is struggling to meet the rent, make the monetary sacrifice and gamble that others will appreciate the product. Or maybe just congregate and whip out your credit cards to create a masterpiece of the cinema and spend the next 10 years paying it off since no one actually wants to view it, no matter how deep it is. It just seems basically immoral to tell Hollywood that they shouldn't be focused on the money. It's not your money. I certainly wouldn't want to give the mortgage on my house to someone who didn't care if they would pay it back, but was only interested in their own cinematic immortality. If you're unhappy that the rest of the country doesn't understand your artistic brilliance then tough shit. Make your own art just because you want to. Let the rest of us enjoy going to the theater. And let the exec's want to give us more to enjoy when they see their investments getting paid back. I'll moan if I see stories that are crap over what they could have been, but if they make money then I'll know that I was the minority and I'll try to steer my dollars towards actors and directors I like. You're not going to change the beliefs of the majority film-goers by bitching at the studio executives. "Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."
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Apparently, and this is hard to believe but this is what hanks says: He would love to do a Bossom Buddies movie but Peter scolari has always said no.
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Hey...did you notice that the TV version of the Shining was never released on video....? They must've buried in a timecapsule labeled pieces of shit...do not open for fifty years....Pet Semetary...I actually like the movie in it's own right....nowhere near the kickass book....but I've always had a fondness for the movie...if you want crap, watch the god awful Pet Semetary 2....now that's bad...
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For those of you who don't think King is capable of writing "literature" and eloquent prose, consider this line from his new book Hearts in Atlantis, in which the narrator is speaking of the Sixties:
"And sometimes, in my dreams and memories (the older I get the more they seem to be the same), I smell the place where I spoke that language with such easy authority: a whiff of earth, a scent of oranges, and the fading smell of flowers."
That, folks, though it may look easy to do, is eloquent writing. I know it being a writer and English major myself--lines like that aren't as easy to come by as you might think. If you don't think so, I urge you to come up with something better.
I think people have a lot of preconceived notions about what Stephen King stands for. I think a large amount of the population feels that he's a simplistic hack, capable only of shlock horror writing. That isn't the case, though. Do hack writers generally receive such prestigious awards as the O. Henry Award? No, they don't. Yet King won it for his short story, "The Man in the Black Suit." Do they ever get published in The New Yorker? Nope. Yet King's been published in that magazine three or four times, I believe. Frank Darabont himself said in a recent interview that he thinks King will be considered the "Charles Dickens of the Twentyieth Century" 100 years from now.
All in all, whenever I hear someone dismissing King as a hack, or a sloppy no-talent writer, I figure they have that misguided preconceived notion, and are generally full of shit.
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Yes, it would be a problem if after dozens of books he would still not be able to write a three-line sentence without using a full stop.
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Personally, I can't read any of today's popular authors. No, it's not because of my general pretention, but because popular "literature" today is quite painful to read. Character development is completely lacking in almost all of today's novels. Stephen King is particularly heinous. His stories and novels are the mere skeletons of great literature. His books actually usually translate well into movies, because they can almost be read as film pitches. There's no grit, no beauty, no poetry. I did like Shawshank Redemption quite a bit, though, I do think it had major flaws. As do all films, as of yet, based on King's work. I am looking forward to seeing The Green Mile, though I seriously doubt its "greatness". All the films that Tom Hanks has been lauded for in the past decade, are overrated treacle. Forrest Gump was awful in so many ways, I can't even begin. As for Saving Private Ryan, they must have taken quite some time to choreograph the battlescenes, forgetting that they had a barely workable script. Lack of character development and other characteristics of a great movie severely hurt Saving Private Ryan. As for The Green Mile being the year's best, I seriously doubt it. American Beauty takes that honor in my mind. But I say, go ahead, prove me wrong Frank Darabont ! On a side note, I would like to see Morgan Freeman offered more great roles. I would pay to see that man read from a phonebook.
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Anyone remember Steven Speilbergs 80's television show - Amazing Stories? There was an episode called 'Life On Death Row', starring Patrick Swayze i think and directed by Mick Garris - who's done a bunch of King movies (sleepwalkers, the stand...). In it, swayze is an innocent death row inmate who has the power to heal - with sparks coming out of his hands and crap. He ends up electrocuted, but is brought back to life by the people he had healed - all jesusy. I havent seen or read The Green Mile yet, but i get the impression from the trailers it's got a similiar story. Anyone know anything about this?
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A beautiful piece of writing, that. Anyone who claims that King has no insight into human nature, or no ability to write beyond straight horror, should read this novel..Off topic in theory, but the point remains. I liked the Green Mile but it wasn't my favorite. We'll see.
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Oh dear God the trailers for this movie suck. I can't stand to see what could be one of the best films of the year hidden in those crappy commercials. None of my friends wanted to see this movie cause they thought it looked boring. Thankfully, I have onvinced them to do otherwise since I read the book and script. Not everyone will have this chance so please Warner Bros., do some changin!
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Well, it's easy to say that nobody can change an opinion here but I'll say this...
King is a wonderful author! There are many different types of writers throughout this century. Some tell great stories that make you think. Some tell great stories with poignant words and phrases. Some use these phrases and poetic words... some use lamens terms in order for the general public to enjoy the story more. Think about it... it can be very difficult for some people to enjoy Shakespeare's stories because of the type of language he uses (Well, that was another time too)... but you get my point. Why do you think he is the top author nowadays?? Because he "sucks"? Because he can't "write"? What are some of you talking about? No matter what, he still will be remembered in the likes of people like Poe, Twain, Hemingway, etc. Do you think Twain wrote magic? Not always... but he told great stories. That's all that's important! Ask any serious critic out there and they will say the same thing about King.
About the trailers (whoever brought them up). I just love it when people judge a project on its trailer. Give me a fuckin' break! Go see the movie you cowards! I feel sorry for the guy who has those friends that saw the trailer and then said, "I don't want to see that... it looks boring." Poor souls. Can't they judge for themselves? And to the person who said that his stories are cliched? Almost every great novel is full of cliches... so what.
MOTO -
I haven't read the other talkback comments yet, but I will. The 3 movies this year that I have been looking forward to almost every day have been Dogma, Sleepy Hollow, and this movie. The first 2 let me down, the second less than the first, though it's partly my fault, I had super-high expectations. Anywy, I don't think this one will let me down. I've been a SK fan since 1980 and this is the only book of his that had me in tears (other than The Stand) and probably one of his best. I didn't see Shawshank till years after it came out, because the preview made it look so manipulative, but when I saw it, it became one of my favorite movies of all time. I bought it and force all my friends to borrow it if they haven't seen in and they all thank me afterwards and some buy it themself. When I heard Darabont was directing this, I got really,really excited. THe casting seemed great (though I don't buy Hanks story that he gained weight for the role- please, he's been pretty porky for years) I read Hutchison's online journal avidly. When I read the screenplay I knew the movie was going to be probably the best of the year. And just reading the damn SCREENPLAY actually made me cry harder than the book. It was the last scene, I was sitting there reading at home (alone, thank God) on the couch bawling like a kid. My break at work is over now but I'll just sum up by repeating my subject line- bring the kleenex, if the scene in Shawshank where he played opera over the loudspeaker got to you,(it did me, and men I know cried at that) you'll be a mess by the end of this movie. But in a good way...if that's possible...oh shit here comes the boss
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As perhaps the only man in America who doesn't like Tom Hanks (because I don't consider him an actor, but merely a likeable star), I am both dreading, and longing for, The Green Mile. Yet again, the Tom Hanks Fan Club (and it is HUGE) will be nominating him for Oscars, regardless of the relative merits of the film or his performance. *** However, the book was quite enjoyable, and I can say that without believing that Stephen King is God (or even Peter Straub). So I guess I'm rooting for the film even as I wish that someone else had been cast. *** All hate-mail and diatribes cheerfully ignored (or not, depending on my mood).
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Can someone who's seen the movie or read the script or book email me an let me know whether or not the scenario i describe above (Stephen King - Plagiarist?)sounds like the Green Mile?
Preferably someone who's also seen Amazing Stories - Life on Death Row, but it really doesnt matter.
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They should definitely make some movies out of the 4 Bachman books: Running Man, The Long Walk, Rage, and Roadwork. I know they made Running Man with Arnold Scwharzenegger, but that was shite.
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Is this site turning into a book club or what?? Let's focus on the movies. I'd love to see The Mist, and The Long Walk in a dark theater someday. To the guy asking about the similarities between TGM and the Amazing Stories piece, you are right the sotries are basically the same. Lay Chilly all
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"NYU sucks a big dick. The only good thing to come out of that shithole was Spike Lee?" -Madboy.
Oh Really, well, Mr. Fucking know-it-all do the names Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone ring a bell? I know NYU film students all think they're the shit and that they're all going to be big stars(not true at all) but that still doesn't mean its the best film school. Acually, if you are talented enough and have a vision you probably don't need film school or at least not alot of it. The two guys who directed Blair Witch went to UCF film school and now everybody is fucking the dingleberries off their ass. While going to NYU isn't going to automatically make you a star it could help, big time. As for the Green Mile, I personally cannot wait to see this movie. Tom Hanks is either the greatest fucking actor ever or keeps coming across the best scripts or both. This could be his fourth Oscar(he shoulda won it for SPR but the academy dicked him over for that wop Benigni). It's really amazing when you think that this guy was once a a struggling bad-boy actor(Dragnet, Bonfire of The Vanities.) Eversince League of Its Own he's totally turned it around. Oh, and Madboy, Virtuosity was a good movie and a I believe the villian from that was hijacked by the Wachoskis and put in a small independent film called The Matrix. -
I'm back!!! Aren't you all happy to see me?....guess not. Anyways, I go home for a week of Xmas shopping and Thanksgiving turkey overload and what do I miss? A TON of AICN news and, possibly, an advance screening of The Green Mile at my college. If this is true, then I'm just not going home at Christmas for fear of missing something important again. Continue your King and Hanks anti/pro rants.***BTW, Joe vs the Volcano is one of the great films of our generation if only for the shopping montage.
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I feel sorry for you that you couldn't understand what my talk back was about. It was not my friends fault for thinking that the film looked bpring for I would have thought so too if I had not already read the wonderful book and script. It is the trailers fault because I believe they are bad and this film deserves better.
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Let me be the first to treat a potention rip with tact. Hey Cineman... I was going to write something insulting but then read my own post you were talking about and figured you were right. Sorry to lash out. I just read it the wrong way. Peace...
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Mr. Hanks' acting reached a pinnacle at two pints, I mean points.
1) "There's no crying in baseball!!!" Genius.
2) "YOU WHORE!!!" (with apologies to any ladies present)
So what if Tommy isn't the second coming of Christ-I-mean-Jimmy-Stewart? He's not Chris Farley either. He's just a damn good American actor who likes to give his filmgoers some time off from their daily grind. -
Speaking of books turning into movies, what about William Burrough's "Junky" with Steve Buschemi as the anarchist/cut-up king aka William Lee?
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What films do you think have been winning Best Movie???? Are you NOT paying attention on purpose? If Shakespeare In Love, Titanic and even Braveheart classify as "Fucked up and Edgy" in your book, you must be related to Leonard Maltin. American Beauty is a great movie, but do you honestly think the geezer academy is going to award best picture to a flick that features the lead character whacking off not once but twice, has a pot-dealer as a sympathetic character, and shows teen-age breasts? Once again, wholesome will probably win.
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