Green Book

100 Movies in 100 Days
Movie 18 Day 18
Green Book

After the Oscars I had to check out Green Book. I was excited to see if it was as charming as it appeared in the trailers. I also had a very good friend tell me how much she enjoyed it. I must say it was a beautifully crafted film. Green Book is also based on a true story and co-written by Nick Vallelonga, son of Tony the main character.

Green Book is about Tony Vallelonga, played by Viggo Mortensen. Tony becomes the driver for world renown pianist Dr. Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali. Dr. Shirley is going on a concert tour in the deep south in the 1960's and need protection as well as a driver. The film explores the relationship between two people as different as night and day.

Green Book is a reference to the travel guide for African Americans in the south. The green books inform African Americans where hotels and restaurants are that will accommodate them. I never knew such a book existed. It's a sad reality to some of the struggles during segregated times. The film is not afraid to unapologetic call out the blatant racism portrayed in the south. Dr. Shirley has to endure the humiliation of being asked to perform but not use the house bathroom. He can play the piano for these people but he also can't eat a meal in the restaurant. It seems so backwards and makes me so angry. Dr. Shirley endures all of it with grace and patience. I'm more like Tony, he gets angry. He sees it happening and it pisses him off. Over time, Tony learns to use his words and not his fists.

Green Book is like a reverse Driving Miss. Daisy and I mean that with respect. So often people do not leave the comfort of their own neighborhoods. In the beginning, Tony is racist towards African Americans, he doesn't trust them. It's not until Tony spends 2 months traveling with Dr. Shirley that his eyes are opened to the struggles of African Americans. Both men see who the other really is. A beautiful friendship is formed. I love how two men, from two completely different worlds, can still form a meaningful friendship. It's a beautiful thing.