the green mile

The Green Mile

Paula Romero Carmona

Empezar

Index

Creating Characters

body language

Dialect and setting

Stereotypes & Gender Roles

Literary Devices

Camera Techniques & Music

Creating characters

Paul Edgecomb

John Coffey

Percy

Billy The Kid

body language

How do you know, through facial expressions and body language that Percy is essentially a cruel little boy?

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b. How did Michael Clarke Duncan use his facial expressions and body language to tell us that, despite his size, John is a scared, sensitive man?

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c. How did Michael Jeter use his facial expressions and body language to tell us that Del is a playful and frightened man?

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Dialect and setting

1a. As you listen to the characters speak, what distinctions do you notice in their pronunciations?

pace of speech:

Pronunciation and Accent:

Syllable Emphasis:

How does this help you believe they are in Louisiana?

2. Paul and John speak very differently. How would you describe the differences in the way they speak?

Stereotypes & Gender Roles

moments when men are predators

moments when women are victims

Stereotypes & Gender Roles

2. Can The Green Mile be accused of perpetuating stereotypes, or did the story have to be told this way in order to accurately reflect crime and prison in the 1930s?

How does seeing so many "tough guys" cry affect the male stereotype we often see in prison movies?

Literary Devices

allusion

What are some allusions that are seen in this movie?

When Del walks The Green Mile, John says of him, "He da lucky one." When Bitterbuck and Del are asked if they have any last words, they say, "I'm sorry for what I done." When John Coffey is asked the same question, he says, 'I'm sorry for what I am."

How is it significant that the lines to which John remembers from the ‘flicker show’ are ‘I’m in heaven’?

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Camera Techniques & Music

Mr. Jingles

Examine Arlen Bitterbuck’s execution. Look at where the camera is focussed, the use of music, the ‘speed’ of the scene, etc.

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b. Examine the camera technique used when they are executing Del- how does it differ from Arlen Bitterbuck’s execution? Why and how does it show parallels to John Coffey. What is the director trying to get across to the audience?

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Camera Techniques & Music

3. How does the use of music during the scenes with Mr. Jingles communicate humour? Why is it surprising when Percy crushes him?

List one other instance where you see effective use of music (or not using music), and explain why it is effective.

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Answer

-Smiles and grimaces of satisfaction: Percy often displays a smile of satisfaction, especially when he is causing pain or discomfort to others. -Defiant and arrogant look: His eyes and eyebrows frequently reflect arrogance and a defiant air, especially when interacting with other guards or prisoners. -Defiant posture: Percy often adopts a defiant and arrogant stance, with his chest puffed out and chin lifted. -Nervous movements: In confrontational situations, Percy displays nervous movements, such as trembling hands. -Childish gestures: Percy often exhibits behaviors reminiscent of a spoiled child, such as crossing his arms and pouting.

-John Coffey: John speaks slowly and deliberately. His pace is measured, reflecting his gentle and calm demeanor. He often pauses between phrases, giving weight to his words. Paul Edgecomb: Paul also speaks at a moderate pace. His delivery is thoughtful and reflective, matching his role as the narrator and the moral center of the story. Percy Wetmore: Percy, speaks quickly and with a sharp tone. His speech is often rushed, reflecting his impatience and arrogance.

Paul Edgecomb

Is the commanding officer of the death row cellblock at Cold Mountain Penitentiary in Louisiana 1935. He is married to Jan Edgecomb and is a father and a decent man. Though he doesn't care for his position, the Depression dictates that he make the best of an unpleasant task. He watches out for his fellow guards and does what he can for the condemned men. He runs a quiet and neat operation. He befriends John Coffey. When he realizes that John has the ability to cure people he has John cure Melinda Moores, Warden Hal Moores' wife. He is unable to stop John's execution though, which causes him great sadness. He lives in excess of 100 years due to the fact that John passes on a bit of his grace to him when curing Paul of a bladder infection. Paul speculates that it's a curse from God for allowing one of God's chosen to die in such a terrible manner.

John Coffey

He was an innocent inmate placed on death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary for a crime he never committed. Not long after being incarcerated, Coffey shows he has a miraculous healing ability by instantaneously healing Paul Edgecomb's urinary tract infection. He also heals Mr. Jingles, Eduard Delacroix's pet mouse, after Percy Wetmore steps on him in attempt to kill him. John is very large, having to duck under most doors. He has a mind similar to a child and little to no education. ohn Coffey possesses a powerful array of supernatural powers, but his most prominent is his ability to heal sickness and injury. He could also send telepathic and empathic signals to another person, with the act resulting in the exchange of power from one vessel to another.

Percy

Percy is described as a small (in both body and mind) man who works on death row for the pleasure of watching prisoners die. The other guards want him reassigned, but his contacts enable him to stay on the Green Mile. Percy is an instigator, stirring up trouble with his violent behavior, and is not above using his family's position to get out of trouble.

Billy the kid

In "The Green Mile," one of the characters is William "Wild Bill" Wharton. Wharton is a violent and dangerous inmate on death row, known for his unpredictable and sadistic behavior. His nickname "Wild Bill" refers to his wild and uncontrollable nature. Throughout the movie, Wild Bill causes numerous problems for the guards and other prisoners. He is a significant antagonist in the story, representing evil and corruption in contrast to the goodness and almost miraculous nature of John Coffey.

Answer

Michael Clarke Duncan portrayed John Coffey in "The Green Mile," showing his sensitivity and inner fear despite his imposing size through gentle and compassionate facial expressions, a kind smile, delicate and protective body language, and a soft, calm voice that reflected his peaceful nature. These traits helped create a poignant portrayal of a large yet gentle and vulnerable man.

Answer

Michael Jeter effectively portrayed Eduard "Del" Delacroix in "The Green Mile" by using expressive facial expressions and body language. He conveyed Del's playful nature through lively smiles and animated gestures, showing joy and innocence. Simultaneously, Jeter depicted Del's fear with wide eyes, tense posture, and hesitant voice, revealing vulnerability and anxiety in challenging situations. His nuanced performance balanced Del's playful demeanor with moments of deep emotional complexity, creating a compelling and memorable character portrayal.

-John Coffey: tends to hold longer syllables at the end of sentences, particularly when expressing empathy or sadness. This elongation emphasizes his emotional depth and sensitivity. -Paul Edgecomb: Paul Edgecomb's speech emphasizes syllables that carry the weight of moral dilemmas or profound observations. His tone varies depending on the seriousness of the situation. -Percy Wetmore: Percy Wetmore's speech lacks elongation and tends to be abrupt. He emphasizes syllables that convey authority or aggression, reflecting his confrontational nature.

-John Coffey: Michael Clarke Duncan's portrayal of John Coffey includes a Southern accent, which adds authenticity to his character from the rural South. His pronunciation of certain words reflects a softening of consonants and a melodic cadence. -Paul Edgecomb: Tom Hanks maintains a neutral American accent but adjusts his pronunciation subtly to reflect the character's age and authority. His enunciation is clear and precise. -Percy Wetmore: Doug Hutchison's portrayal of Percy Wetmore includes a sharper, more clipped pronunciation that conveys Percy's urban upbringing and privileged background.

The distinct Southern accents, measured pace of speech, and regional pronunciations among characters in "The Green Mile" contribute to the authenticity of the setting in Louisiana. These linguistic details reflect cultural nuances and background, enhancing the portrayal of characters and immersing viewers in the Southern atmosphere of the film.

speaks with clarity and a measured pace, reflecting thoughtfulness and authority. His articulate manner suggests education and experience befitting his role as a senior corrections officer and narrator. Paul's speech indicates a middle-class background and professional demeanor within the prison hierarchy.

Paul

speaks slowly and with simplicity, conveying deep emotions with few words. His speech reflects empathy and a gentle demeanor, underscored by a Southern accent hinting at a rural upbringing. John's humble speech suggests a lower social class and potentially limited formal education, contrasting with his profound spiritual insight.

John

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Wild Bill is a violent and dangerous inmate who terrorizes both fellow prisoners and staff. He is shown as a predator due to his aggressive behavior and disregard for others' well-being.

abuses his position of power as a guard to mistreat prisoners and fellow staff members. His actions towards both male and female characters depict him as a predator who uses intimidation and cruelty to assert control.

Melinda Moore is the wife of Cold Mountain Penitentiary warden Hal Moores. She is in a great deal of pain with an end stage cancer. Paul Edgecomb arranges that John Coffey goes to her so that he can cure her, which he does.

The Great Depression Era: The film is set during the 1930s, a period marked by economic hardship and social upheaval in the United States. References to societal issues of the time, such as racism and poverty, allude to broader historical contexts that shape the characters' lives and actions.

Historical Allusions:

Shakespearean References: Characters in the film occasionally reference or quote William Shakespeare, such as Paul Edgecomb quoting Shakespeare's "Hamlet" ("There are more things in heaven and earth..."). These references add a layer of cultural depth and intellectual resonance to the dialogue.

Literary Allusions:

Biblical Allusions:

John Coffey as a Christ Figure: John Coffey's initials, J.C., mirror those of Jesus Christ. His ability to heal others, his sacrificial nature, and his compassion towards the suffering draw clear parallels to Christ's character in the Christian tradition.

Film and Pop Culture References: While less explicit, the film's portrayal of prison life and its exploration of themes like justice and redemption may allude to other films or cultural narratives about imprisonment and societal justice.

Cultural Allusions:

John Coffey's Powers: John Coffey's supernatural healing abilities evoke allusions to mythical figures or deities known for their healing powers, such as Asclepius in Greek mythology. This comparison underscores the extraordinary nature of Coffey's gifts.

Mythological Allusions:

The phrase "I'm in heaven" that John remembers from the 'flicker show' is significant because it reflects John Coffey's deep spiritual and emotional connection to the afterlife and the idea of life after death. This phrase suggests that John Coffey has a special perception or intuition about the celestial or spiritual state that awaits beyond earthly life. Additionally, due to his supernatural abilities and empathetic nature, it could be interpreted that John experiences and understands spiritual dimensions beyond the physical realm, adding a layer of depth to his character in "The Green Mile."

The director may focus the camera on specific elements such as Bitterbuck's expression, the reactions of witnesses, or symbolic details in the environment. This choice directs the viewer's attention and enhances emotional impact.

Camera Focus

Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone and emotional resonance of a scene. In Bitterbuck's execution, the director may use music to evoke sadness, tension, or contemplation, influencing how viewers interpret the events unfolding on screen.

Use of Music:

: The pacing and editing of the scene can vary, affecting the perceived speed and intensity of the execution process. Quick cuts and fast-paced editing may heighten tension, while slower pacing can emphasize solemnity or reflection.

Speed of the Scene:

use close-ups to focus intensely on emotions, both of Del and those witnessing the event. The editing may be more dynamic, reflecting a sense of urgency or intensity surrounding the execution. -The director may use similar visual and thematic elements in both executions to draw parallels to John Coffey. This could include themes of injustice, empathy, and the impact of supernatural abilities on characters' lives.

Another powerful use of music in "The Green Mile" is evident during John Coffey's healing scenes. Here, the deliberate choice of using subtle, ethereal tones or even the absence of music altogether contributes to a profound sense of solemnity and awe. This approach avoids traditional musical accompaniment, allowing the emotional and spiritual significance of John Coffey's healing abilities to profoundly affect the audience. It amplifies the miraculous and supernatural aspects of his powers, underscoring their reverent and transformative impact in these crucial moments of the film.