Directed by Peter Farrelly, Green Book is a road trip movie that follows Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortensen. Tony is a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx. He is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali. Dr. Shirley is a world-class Black pianist on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South.
Together, they must rely on The Green Book to guide them to the few establishments that were safe for African Americans at the time. Based on a true story, they confronted racism, danger, unexpected humanity, and humor. They are eventually forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.
I first saw Mortensen in The History of Violence and thought he nailed it as the former hired killer, Tom Stall, now a happily married father who is forced to return to violence to save the life he nurtured and created in a small town. Now, he seems to capture a Bronx bouncer magically and effectively.
Ali recently won an Oscar for his role in Moonlight. The role of Dr. Shirley is much different from that of Juan in Moonlight.
Farrelly made a name for himself by directing two hilarious comedies, Something About Mary and Dumb and Dumber.
The featurette is over five minutes long. It goes into great detail about the story. This is a powerful movie and a lesson in dignity.
The featurette tells us about the Green Book itself.
The featurette tells us the story and how it will affect us when we watch it in the movie theaters. The story has impeccable rhythm.
The movie clip is adorable.
The movie trailer seems fitting for a road trip movie.
Watching these two actors work together is authentic entertainment and a lesson in acting. I hope you get a chance to see the movie.