Reading a Book Vs. Watching the Movie Adaption, which is Better? Stephen King Novel: The Green Mile

                                             

There are many popular books and short stories that have been adapted into movies. When a popular book is adapted into a film, it often creates a debate about which version is better. Some audiences prefer the depth and detail of the book, while others prefer and enjoy the movie adaptation, and seeing the story brought to life on screen. Both books and movies have their strength and weakness. Often both formats tell the same story but rarely tell it the same way. “The Green Mile” by Stephen King is an example of this, the novel is emotional, and the film is powerful. I’ll compare Stephen King’s “The Green Mile” in both its novel and film version to break down the strengths and weaknesses of each format and explore how each offers a unique experience.

Depth and Details

The Green Mile film is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. It was adapted in 1999, directed by Frank Darabont. The Green Mile is set in a 1930s death row prison block in Cold Mountain Prison. Paul Edgecomb (the protagonist) is a prison guard who encounters John Coffey. Coffey has been convicted of a terrifying crime; he turns out to be a gentle man with a supernatural gift and Paul Edgecomb starts to question whether Coffey is truly guilty.

In the novel, author Stephen King goes in depth into characters’ internal thoughts and backstories. The story is narrated from the first-person perspective of Paul Edgecomb. We read on Edgecomb’s reflection on life and morality.  The narrative switches timelines between Paul’s experience as a prison guard in death row prison in the 1930s and later in his life as an elderly man living in Georgia Pines nursing home.

The film, directed by Frank Darabont in 1999, follows the main story, staying close to its source material, capturing many key moments but making a bit of changes here and there. The film focuses mainly on the events inside the prison and doesn’t really show much of Paul’s older life and internal dialogue.

 Both the novel and film have two villains that stand out, Percy Wetmore, a prison guard who abuses his power, manipulative, takes pleasure in tormenting the inmates, and watching them be executed. And William Wharton “Wild Bill”, who pretty much lives up to his nickname, is a convict in the mile who harasses John Coffey and is violent towards the prison guards and other inmates. These characters play important roles, creating tension and conflict in the story. The novel gives detail and insight into these characters, while the film emphasizes their behavior through acting. “Percy’s eyes flickered. He had been planning to cover himself by pleading ignorance, and how he saw was hoist by his own petard” (part four, chapter 5, pg. 304). Percy thought he could get away with something shady by acting clueless, but instead, he accidentally revealed he knew what he was doing. His plan backfired on him. This quote from the novel, Paul thinks the line, giving us insight into Percy’s manipulative nature, how he constantly tries to avoid taking responsibility. In the film, we don’t hear Paul’s thoughts, but we do see Percy’s plan fall apart through his expression and nervous behavior. Also, the film’s ending is emotional and memorable, the novel has an even sadder and heartbreaking ending. Still, both versions are emotionally powerful in their own way, the book offers a deep internal reflection and theme exploration.

                                                                                   

Imagination or Visual

When you read The Green Mile novel, from the description of the prison, how the block looks to the appearances of each character, it’s left to the imagination of the reader. Stephen King gives vivid descriptions of everything, but it’s up to the reader to picture and imagine the setting, and even the emotions of the characters’ face. For example, how John Coffey is described, “Broad in the shoulders and deep through the chest, laced over with muscle in every direction. They'd put him in the biggest denims they could find in Stores, and still the cuffs of the pants rode halfway up on his bunched and scarred calves. The shirt was open to below his chest, and the sleeves stopped somewhere on his forearms… He looked like he could have snapped the chains that held him as easily as you might snap the ribbons on a Christmas present, but when you looked in his face, you knew he wasn't going to do anything like that.” (Part One, chapter 2, pg.11) The reader forms a personal image of Coffey based on the narrative and can be interpreted differently by each reader. The novel allows the readers to have a more personal interpretation of everything.

 The film shows everything visually. Cold Mountain Prison, the characters, how they’re dressed, behave, and how dramatic moments unfold. The audience watches the interpretation of the director. Michael Clarke Duncan, who portrays John Coffey, brings the character to life.  How the novel described Coffey as huge and muscular, like he could break chains, but his face shows that he wouldn’t do that, he is peaceful not dangerous. The movie matches this well. Michael Clarke Duncan’s size fits the description, and his calm, kind expression shows the softness the book emphasizes. Duncan’s portrayal of Coffey is soul touching, powerful, and emotional, showing all this through body language, facial expressions, and his tone of voice, making the character unforgettable. Coffey’s supernatural abilities are shown with special effects. The film also uses music and sounds to influence the viewers emotionally.
Both versions have their strengths. If you enjoy creating images in your mind and forming your own version of the story, the novel is the go-to. But if you want to see the story, come to life with acting, visuals, and music, the film offers that.

Emotionally Engaging

In the novel, it gives us insight into each character, given more time to connect with them, and understand their feelings, especially Paul Edgecomb. Since the story is being told by Paul Edgecomb’s point of view, we read and learn about his thoughts, memories, moral conflict, and struggles. In the novel, as Paul Edgecomb looks back on his past, “The concept of atonement came up as regularly as the toll of the bell which called the faithful to worship. Only God could forgive sins, could and did, washing them away in the agonal blood of his crucified son, but that did not change the responsibility of his children to atone for those sins.” and “Atonement was powerful; it was the lock on the door you closed against the past… I fell asleep thinking of piney-woods atonement, and Eduard Delacroix on fire as he rode the lightning. Melinda Moores, and my big boy with the endlessly weeping eyes.” (part four, chapter 6, pg. 314). Paul is remembering how, when he was growing up, the churches he went always taught that even God forgives you, you still must try to make things right when you do something wrong.  The idea of atonement (making things right again), owing to your mistakes. Paul is trying to accept the sins and moral failures of his past. Old Paul is thinking back on everything that happened in the Green Mile. He feels haunted by it. He wonders if he ever truly atoned for what happened, and whether it’s even possible to fully make peace with the past. The novel lets us hear Paul’s thoughts, so we understand how guilty and torn he feels. In the film, Paul doesn’t say these words, but we still feel his pain through the acting of Tom Hanks, music, quite moments, and close- up shots to show Paul’s emotions.

The novel moves slowly but the reader really gets to feel the deep emotional experience and understanding of what happens and the world they live in. Paul reflects on the moral weigh of his job and the emotional toll of executing people.

In the film, emotions are shown through acting, music, and visuals. The amazing acting by Tom Hanks (Paul Edgecomb) and Micheal Clarke Duncan (John Coffey) give powerful performances that make certain scenes, especially the ending very emotional. The film delivers emotional moments quickly and directly through the acting and visuals. Both the film and novel are powerful in their own way, and each format has its own unique way to emotionally engage the audience/reader.

Time, Accessibility, and Convenience

With The Green Mile, the difference in time, accessibility, and convenience between reading the book and watching the film is something to consider and think about when deciding how to experience the story.  Reading The Green Mile takes more time compared to watching the film. The novel has about 480 or more pages depending on the edition, the edition I own is the complete serial novel, it has a total of 536 pages. Of course, for a book you need to set aside hours (or days) to finish reading the book, depending on whether you’re a fast reader. It takes more focus and effort, especially if you’re not a big reader, but the novel is available in different formats depending on what works for you, like eBooks, and audiobooks. The convenient thing about audiobooks is you can listen to the story, and while listening you can do other things, making it easier to fit the audiobook into a busy schedule, it can be convenient and helpful to those that have trouble reading due to eye strain or just prefer listening over reading.

The Green Mile film is over three hours long, which is longer than most movies, but still shorter than reading the novel. It’s also easier to watch. The setting and characters are shown to you through visuals, acting, and sound. You can watch it online, on DVD, or even on VHS. The film is well known so you will probably find physical media in secondhand stores or on streaming services. Watching the film makes it more convenient for people who want to experience the story quickly and doesn’t require as much effort to enjoy it.

So, which is Better?

 Both the novel and the film version of The Green Mile are great and powerful in their own ways. Choosing which format is better really depends on how you prefer to experience the story. If you want more detail, to understand the characters more, and a slower, thoughtful experience, or overall enjoy reading, go with the book. If you prefer a shorter, emotional story and seeing it come to life with visuals and great performances, then watching the film is the best choice. If you can though, try both I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. The Film is a 10/10.

           

Work Cited

King, Stephen. The Green Mile. vol. The Complete Serial Novel, New York, Pocket Books, 1999. p. 536.