The Green Mile

The Green Mile Magical realism combines reality and fantasy so the distinction between the two no longer exists. Even though characteristics of fantasy are incorporated in magical realism, the setting takes place in the real world. Because of John Coffee’s ability to heal others, “The Green Mile” falls into the genre of magical realism. Paul Edgecomb is the first to experience John Coffey’s healing powers. John heals Paul of his urinary infection. When John heals Paul, he brings him back to life. No matter how people treat him, he tries to bring happiness to others. From what the film tells the audience, Paul lives to be one hundred-eight years old due to John’s gift. John’s healing of Paul was as much as a curse as it was a gift. Paul pays the price of outliving everyone he loves, such as his wife Elaine. John took away Paul’s pain and misery, and gave him a new life.
The mouse, Mr. Jingles, also experiences John’s healing powers. John brought Mr. Jingles back to life after the sadistic guard, Percy, crushes him. Mr. Jingles highlights the extreme sensitivity and caring personality of John Coffey. John’s care for the small mouse hints his innocence of the horrendous crime he is charged with. Delacroix, Mr. Jingles’ owner, suffers from anxiety about Mr. Jingles’ future as his own death approaches. Delacroix’s love for his pet mouse makes him a sympathetic character even though he committed one of the worst crimes out of all the inmates. It just goes to show that Delacroix is human, and he gets lonely like normal people do. Mr. Jingle’s presence brings healing to the prison, and he ends the loneliness the inmates feel. This movie makes the audience aware of the power of healing. John’s supernatural element of healing carries an undeniable emotional charge. If everyone had John’s gift, the world would be very calm and peaceful.