Green Book – A Movie Review

In 1962, Tony “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America’s racial segregation. Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America’s appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other’s talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives.

Director: Peter Farrelly
Writers: Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie (as Brian Currie), Peter Farrelly
Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov
MPAA Rating: PG-13; Run Time: 2h 10min; Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama; Release Date: 16 November 2018 (USA)

We watched this on Amazon last weekend. I enjoyed it very much, but Lay was less impressed. I was surprised by his reaction.

Based on the true-life story of Dr. Don Shirley (A Pianist) and Tony Vallelonga (A New York Bouncer), ‘Green Book’ is a surprise effort by Writer-Director Peter Farrelly, who is known for madcap comedies delivers a more sensitive and slower-paced film than his usual fare and delivers a road-film that explores friendship and racism in a thoughtful way.

‘Green Book’ works because this is a truly heartening story of diverse people who formed a bond, despite their differences. And Farrelly, along-with Co-Writers Nick Vallelonga (Tony Vallelonga’s real-life son) and Brian Hayes Currie, makes sure the ride is memorable. Though the film does get monotonous at times and feels about 15-minutes longer than should’ve been, ‘Green Book’ is a charming road-film, that is, in equal measure, humorous and serious.

Tony and Don’s relationship is nicely captured, as it begins from awkwardness to true friendship across the story arc. The characters is well-developed by the writers as well as by the actors, from Tony’s racial attitude towards Don initially and how their friendship forms, to Don realizing the power of being himself, deserves credit. Even the entire backdrop of Racism offers some hair-rising moments, that leave you angered. The Writing, though tedious at times, is well-aware of the times the story is set in (1960’s) and presents a story that appears authentic, rather than frothy and artificial.

Farrelly’s Direction is competent. It’s good to see the director explore his subtler side here. Sean Porter’s Cinematography is excellent. Patrick J. Don Vito’s Editing is decent, but could have been crisper.

Performance-Wise: Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are outstanding. Viggo, nailing the Italian accent and gulping down food like a true foodie clearly enjoys playing Tony, and it shows. Ali, on the other-hand, portrays the subdued Don, with grace and restraint. And the on-screen camaraderie between the two, is infectious. Of the supporting cast, Linda Cardellini as Tony’s Wife, is extraordinary.

Overall, ‘Green Book’ is a great story well told. I’m giving it a solid seven.

(1 votes, average: 7.00 out of 10)

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