What makes a film “good”?

As evidence, the film I will be using is “The Green Mile” directed by Frank Darabont and based on the Stephen King novel by the same name. In my opinion, macro elements are the building blocks for what makes a good film because without them the audience would have nothing to relate to. Micro elements such as cinematography and sound make the film visually pleasing and act as decorations further adding to the film. “The Green Mile” perfectly demonstrates how micro elements can build upon macro elements helping the viewer to grasp the message the film is trying to convey better. 

One of the elements that made “The Green Mile” a good film is message and values, I think this is the most important element because, like all forms of art, one film could be interpreted in many different ways. The Green Mile’s message is an incredibly important one which is that life is short and cruel to kind people. The green mile itself, the lime coloured corridor death row inmates walk down before their execution, is an extended metaphor for death. This is brought to the viewer’s attention when the character of Paul Edgecomb said, “And I think about all of us. Walking our own green mile; each in our own time.” The main character of the film, John Coffey, was wrongly accused of the murder of two young girls. Later on in the film, the prison guards discover Coffey has the gift of healing. He is still executed despite his innocence, this conveys the message that life isn’t fair and the legal system is flawed. Messages and values are personal to the viewer and stimulate an emotional connection to the film which is the foundation of what makes a good film. 

The second element that made “The Green Mile” a good film is cinematography especially the use of lighting. Despite the light-hearted dialogue, the overall tone of the film is dark and dingy. This along with the undersaturation of the costumes and setting creates a depressing atmosphere. The lighting throughout the film contrasts this, whenever Coffey uses his gift to heal someone the lighting becomes more intense. I think Darabont did this not only to highlight the physical toll John’s gift has on him but also so that the viewer subconsciously categorises the character of John with warmth and light. Another way cinematography was used to better the film was the setting. The camera crew used perspective and furniture such as John’s bed and the electric chair were made smaller so that the actor who played Coffey appeared larger and more intimidating. This made it more effective when they broke the assumptions the audience had been making about his character and revealed him to fall into the ‘gentle giant’ archetype. 

In conclusion, I think that a focus on narrative and message and values is what will make a film “good”, whilst also using cinematography to emphasise the message of the film.