Green Book tells the real-life story of Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga
(Viggo Mortensen), an Italian-American bouncer (and future actor), and Dr. Don
Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a famed African-American classical and jazz pianist
who embarked on a concert tour in the 1960’s Deep South. At that time, racial
discrimination and Jim Crow laws were still rampant at that part of the United
States, and thus, the latter hired the former to serve as his driver-bodyguard
for the two-month tour. The film’s title
is based on a guidebook that the duo had to use, The Negro Motorist Green Book, which listed down the motels, restaurants,
and other places where black people were allowed in.
Anyone who sees Green Book will quickly
notice from the story beats and how certain scenes are constructed that it’s a
blatant Oscar-bait film. However, it
ironically doesn’t induce cringing and cynicism. Strangely, even though it’s the type of film
that very evidently looks and feels factory-assembled for the primary purpose
of attracting awards, it doesn’t come off as hackneyed, artificial, or
pretentious. On the contrary, it’s an
utter delight. I love this film.
It’s a wonderful story of
friendship. Coming from two different
worlds, the two initially clash over their differences. But as time goes on, they grow to appreciate
and respect each other. Meanwhile, due
to what they learn from one another, their respective outlooks as individuals
gradually change over the trip. Tony is crude
and uncultured, and a tad racially prejudiced, but through being with Dr.
Shirley, he’s been able to expand his horizons.
On the other hand, the proud, scholarly, and sophisticated Dr. Shirley becomes
more down-to-earth. Furthermore, their banters
are extremely enjoyable, and their heartfelt conversations really go to
beautiful, thoughtful places.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala
Ali are magnetic in their performances here, and their chemistry with one
another is splendid. Either one is deserving of the Best Actor award.
Heck, considering it’s an
Oscar-bait film, I wouldn’t mind if it actually succeeds in getting all the awards
it had shamelessly set off to pursue for itself. Actually, I might even gladly cheer for it.
All in all, Green Book is, by every definition, a crowd-pleaser. It has the laughs, the feels, and the
fun. One of 2018’s best.
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