Green Book
English |Biography , Comedy, Drama | 2018 |Won 3 Oscars
A journey of reawakening in a
Country like ours - Gore Vidal called it the United States Of Amnesia - the
absurdity of the behavior in the Southern communities even the kindest ones
have a jarring effect. Viggo Mortensen is sheer perfection as the all American
Italian. The opening of his heart and of his mind is a total joy and Mahershala Ali provides another magnetic character to his already rich list of magnetic
characters but what makes this film fly so high is the humanity that Mortensen
and Ali infuse their characters with.
I loved them and Green Book provided me with one of the most satisfying endings of 2018. It leaves you with the hopeful thought that perhaps we're not there yet but that we are on our. We loved Green Book along with the sold-out crowd who applauded loudly at the end. Based on true story of piano virtuoso, Don Shirley's road trip through the south during the 60's, the film pays tribute to his genius and courage as a black man who tries hard to soar above the ugliness of the times. The elegant trappings of his home and his success as a concert pianist leave him arrogantly cold and lonely, but his life begins to change when he hires Tony as his road trip driver. With a history as nightclub bouncer with Mafia connections in New York, Tony is the antithesis of Don's perfection and their evolving relationship on the road makes the movie soar above the ordinary and become magical. Viggo and Ali in the main roles are remarkable, and it's funny and endearing to watch them discard stereotypes and discover their mutual humanity. What we liked best is the movie teaches without preaching, it all unfolds through a myriad of natural moments between two great actors and a strong supporting cast. Top all this off with a really good soundtrack, excellent direction and production values, and an audience that laughed out loud and vigorously applauded at the end.
I saw Don Shirley perform in college in 1966.
At the time I simply thought he was a hell of a pianist, using that bass and
cello to come up with a unique sound. So when this movie came along, I thought
"I saw that guy!" I know the critics are being hard on this film, but
I sat for two hours, totally captivated. I know there are stereotypes. Could
that be because the repeated actions against minorities and the actions of
racists have become so commonplace they seem like stereotypes. I believe the
performances of these two fine actor made the show. There is a subtlety to this
movie that transcends many others of its type. Yes, there are Southern cops;
yes, there are men's rooms that are off limits; yes, there are simplistic views
of racism by white New Yorkers. But what I got was a realistic presentation of
an evolving friendship. Shirley is abrasive and self-centered; Lip is clueless
most of the time. And I believed in them. See this film.
Green Book is a wonderful story
of overcoming self-condemnation, and the resulting freedom it provides. As the
film begins, Tony is locked in a prison of judgment and rejection, not from any
conscious effort on his own but rather his circumstances and environment. As
the self-assured and self-aware character of Dr. Shirley is introduced into
Tony's life, Tony embarks on a journey of self-discovery in which he is forced
to confront his own preconceived notions which ultimately stem from his skewed
view of himself. As Dr. Shirley helps Tony to see himself as a man beyond his
own limiting thoughts, Tony is finally able to step into his true nature as
friend to Dr. Shirley. Everywhere in this film we are reminded that people are
complicated, but beyond these complications we are also reminded that everyone
is the same, just looking for love and acceptance. The scene where Dolores
reads Tony's letter to her cousins is spectacular in this regard. It's
interesting that none of the other reviews mention the YMCA scene and
aftermath, which for me was the pinnacle moment that the power shifted for
these two characters confronting their own strengths and weaknesses. This film
is simply wonderful in its portrayal of humanity, and the people we need in our
lives. While it comes to light that Tony's wife Dolores is completely aware of
her husband's imperfections and shortcomings, she loves him just the same. But
it is confrontation, not love, that is necessary to bring about Tony's
redemption, demonstrating that the people who spur us to deep, personal growth
are never who or what we expect.
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