This and Shawshank Redemption are the two films that make me see the beauty of life the most. Not a coincidence that both are Stephen King novel's, Frank Darabont's films, and Thomas Newman scores. Legends.
Now long gone is one of the most deeply touching pieces of music ever in my opinion. Yes it coincides with some of the most visually stunning frames in film history (Paul walking the mile and then it blending into the nursing home and him being older, in bed next to Jens photo and then that heart wrenching panning shot to lonely old Mr Jingles) but this small section perfectly captures Paul's dilemma. The fear of the future, the pain of love ones long gone, how his situation puts him in a state of rumination, and the constant inability to comprehend his fate. He is left only with a desperate and pitiful indirect plea to God. Like the biblical Job it is hoped that God will reward Paul's faith and Good hearted nature.
Newman always features that haunting, almost brooding oboe in these pieces. Night Journey hearkens me to times long remove -- wherein John Coffey and the others go sauntering through the woodlands, en route to accord a healing -- the fireflies or lightining bugs as we called them, lighting up here, and off again, and again now there. Now John Coffey pauses, now stops, and has Brutal take a wiff of the crisp if fragrant windfallen leaves... 'Brings me to mind when I was a little guy growing up back east, in the middle Atlantic, there during the eventide midst the heat and humidity... And out of the ether salllied forth these little beings which seemed to float-about while on their little excursions, going here, now there, in no rush -- somewhere en route to fulfilll of some mission the likes of which only they really knew. How mystical it all was. What a muse of a film The Green Mile!
And my curse..is knowing that I'll be here to see it. It's my torment, you see? It's my punishment for lettin John Coffey ride the lightnin. For killin a miracle of God.
This music is so beautiful. If you like this then listen to the score to Meet Joe Black. It's also by Thomas Newman and is also beautiful. Especially Whisper Of A Thrill. The Green Mile is an amazing film. I totally LOVE it.
