Green Book

Release Date: November 16, 2018
Director: Peter Farrelly
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini

Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly, explores the real-life friendship between African-American classical pianist Dr. Don Shirley and Italian-American bouncer Tony “Lip” Vallelonga. Set in the racially segregated America of 1962, the film follows the two men on a road trip through the American South, presenting an unlikely friendship amid a journey through prejudice, class divides, and mutual growth. This film garnered significant attention and critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019, though it faced critique for its approach to sensitive social issues. While Green Book’s premise offers a predictable formula—a "buddy road trip" with contrasting protagonists—it manages to deliver a heartfelt story about connection across social divides.

Plot Overview

The film begins with Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), an Italian-American bouncer from the Bronx, who temporarily loses his job when his nightclub closes for renovations. Shortly after, Tony accepts a position as a driver for Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), an esteemed, highly cultured African-American pianist. The job is a bit more complicated than expected, however, as Tony must drive Shirley on a concert tour through the American South. Their journey is fraught with both external tensions, from the racially charged environment of the South, and internal ones, as Tony and Shirley find themselves navigating their vastly different worlds and perspectives.

What follows is a mix of humorous cultural clashes, moments of shared vulnerability, and encounters with the racism embedded in the social fabric of the era. Despite the formulaic setup, Green Book does succeed in balancing its story with humor and drama. The film’s title refers to the actual “Green Book,” a guide for Black travelers in segregated America, highlighting safe establishments where they could stay without risk.

Strong Performances

The film’s greatest strength lies in the performances of its two leads. Mahershala Ali brings depth to Dr. Shirley, portraying him as an artist trapped between two worlds: too refined for the mainstream Black community and yet ostracized by white society. Ali’s portrayal conveys Shirley’s complex internal conflict with elegance and restraint, highlighting the loneliness he experiences due to his identity and class.

Opposite Ali, Mortensen's Tony Vallelonga is portrayed as a stereotypical New Yorker—rough around the edges, blunt, and at times comically insensitive. Mortensen’s embodiment of Tony is both humorous and endearing, adding levity to the film. His character, despite his initial ignorance and racial biases, brings a straightforward honesty and eventual growth, reminding viewers of the potential for change.

Direction and Tone

Peter Farrelly’s approach to this narrative is distinctly sentimental, and in some ways, oversimplified. Known previously for directing comedies like Dumb and Dumber, Farrelly tackles Green Book with a similar broad stroke, using humor to ease viewers into more challenging themes. However, this approach has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics pointing out that the film’s simplified portrayal of racism risks undermining its weight. The story’s focus remains largely on Tony's character development, rather than diving deeply into Shirley’s unique experience as a Black artist isolated by his identity and talents.

Farrelly’s style walks a fine line: it captures the camaraderie between the characters while also embedding serious social commentary. Yet, the straightforward, often simplistic messages about race and prejudice lack the nuance seen in similar films, leaving audiences wanting more depth. While it effectively brings the story to a mainstream audience, some viewers may feel that Green Book’s treatment of complex themes could have been handled with greater subtlety and care.

Humor and Heart

What truly saves the film from becoming too heavy or didactic is its humor. Scenes like Tony teaching Shirley to eat fried chicken add a comedic undertone, offering a humorous commentary on cultural differences. This scene, and others like it, show Tony as an archetype of Italian-American culture while highlighting Shirley’s distance from his own Black cultural roots, adding a layer of introspection to their evolving friendship.

At its core, Green Book is a story about two people learning from each other. Their mutual respect grows with every mile they drive, despite their vastly different upbringings and beliefs. The humor helps ground the story, making it accessible to viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

Criticism and Controversy

One of the more controversial aspects of Green Book lies in its depiction of racial issues, which some felt was too sanitized or even condescending. The film has been criticized for portraying the friendship between Tony and Shirley as the solution to racism—a simplification that overlooks the deep-seated societal issues of the time. Shirley’s family expressed disappointment with his portrayal, noting that the character’s arc didn’t reflect his real-life experiences or close relationships within the Black community.

Another critique revolves around the film’s perspective. Since the story is based on the accounts of Tony’s son, Nick Vallelonga, some felt that the film centers Tony’s growth more than Shirley’s. This approach risks diminishing Shirley’s complexity, framing the film as more of a feel-good narrative rather than a poignant, hard-hitting social critique.

Cinematography and Music

The cinematography and music are also worth noting. The film showcases the Southern landscapes with a warm, vivid palette that contrasts with the darker realities the characters face. As they travel through cities and towns, the cinematography reflects both the beauty and prejudice of the American South.

The soundtrack complements the story, featuring classical pieces that highlight Shirley’s artistry alongside mainstream rock and roll and jazz that Tony adores. The music choices accentuate the cultural differences between the characters and provide a fitting backdrop for their journey.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, Green Book is undeniably engaging, with standout performances that bring depth and authenticity to an otherwise conventional script. It’s a heartfelt, accessible story about friendship, highlighting the potential for personal growth when people confront their biases. However, its oversimplification of race issues means it falls short of being the profound social commentary it could have been.

Still, Green Book offers an enjoyable viewing experience, with memorable moments of laughter, empathy, and drama. For those seeking a story about friendship and personal transformation, it delivers. For those looking for a more nuanced take on race relations, the film may feel like a missed opportunity.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (8.5/10)