Green Book 2018
- Director: Peter Farrelly
- Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
- Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
- Viggo Mortensen – The Road, A History of Violence, Hidalgo, Lord of the Rings etc, 28 Days, A Perfect Murder, Carlito’s Way, Ruby Cairo, The Indian Runner, Witness
- Mahershala Ali – Alita Battle Angel, The Hunger Games Mockingjay
- Linda Cardellini – Brokeback Mountain, Legally Blonde, Third Rock from
the Sun
- Recommended by good friend JB
- Seen: 4 June 2021
Tony
Lip (Mortensen) is a quick-fisted bouncer at the Copacabana in the 60s but it
closes for repairs. He’s got a wife, two kids and a big Italian family. He
applies for a job as a chauffeur for a doctor. It turns out that the good
doctor is the very high-class black pianist Don Shirley (Ali) who is starting a
tour in the Deep South. He needs a driver, a valet and an all-round-make-sure-everything-works-right
guy.
Tony
needs the job. He takes it. He also takes the Green Book offered by the record
company. A vital guide for black people travelling in the south. Where to stay.
Where to eat. Places to avoid.
Class
conflict in the car. Racism outside of the car. More and more as they head
south.
It’s
a bit predictable with a stereotype here and there but it’s also funny at
times, dramatic at others. Points are made and the acting is top-notch.
You’d have to have a heart of stone not to fall for this film. But is it better than its Oscar rivals, Bohemian Rhapsody, Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman? Tough choice!
4* of 5
I must have a heart of stone. I found the movie trite and superficial. Hard to believe Americans are so backward to still have problems with racism. Evidently they are, or such movies wouldn't be made, much less acclaimed. Mortensen made the journey bearable for me, but Ali was a powerful antidote: he couldn't act to save his colourful skin, poor chap...
ReplyDeleteAbout your heart of stone, well maybe but I doubt it, never mind what I wrote. And yes, Americans are so backward that racism is still rampant. Thus movies like this and the acclaim for them. Sad but true and I thought both actors were excellent. So nice to disagree with you once again :-)
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