Green Book

In the early 1960s, the United States was a complex and often contradictory society. On one hand, it was a time of great civil rights activism and growing awareness of racial tensions. On the other, it was also a period of segregation and systemic racism, particularly in the Deep South. It was amidst this backdrop that the story of Green Book unfolds. Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortensen, is a rough-around-the-edges bouncer from New York's Little Italy. He's hired by the prestigious Miramax Artists talent agency to drive Don Shirley, a sophisticated and refined African American pianist, on a concert tour through the Deep South. Shirley is a man of strong conviction and intellect, and he's determined to prove himself as a talented artist, despite the many obstacles faced by people of color during this time period. As Lip and Shirley prepare to embark on their journey, they've been informed that the African American pianist must be escorted by a white driver due to the extreme racism and hostility he would face on his own while traveling through the South. They've also been provided with a guidebook, titled The Negro Motorist Green Book, which lists safe places for African Americans to find accommodations, food, and other services while traveling through this segregated region. The Green Book was first published in the 1930s by Victor Hugo Green, a postal worker from Brooklyn who sought to help African Americans navigate a predominantly hostile environment. During the Jim Crow era, black travelers faced a range of dangers, from beatings and arrests to segregated toilets and restaurants. The Green Book provided a valuable resource for those traveling through the South, offering a list of establishments that would welcome them, including hotels, gas stations, and restaurants. As Lip and Shirley set off on their journey, they're immediately faced with the harsh realities of segregation. They stop at a dilapidated gas station, where they're forced to use different facilities and are excluded from sitting with the patrons of the gas station's restaurant. Shirley attempts to make polite conversation with the customers and the attendant, but Lip senses a deeper anger and frustration within his passenger. As the tour progresses, Lip and Shirley develop a begrudging respect for each other. Lip is initially dismissive of Shirley's expectations of proper Southern hospitality and his pretentious art. Meanwhile, Shirley is frustrated by Lip's lack of sophistication and cultural sensitivity, as well as his reckless and headstrong behavior. As they travel through the South, they face numerous challenges, from armed confrontations to tense standoffs with local authorities. One of the most notable incidents occurs when they stop at a segregated motel where the attendants are suspicious of their presence. Lip takes charge, growling at anyone who crosses them and eventually shouting down the attendant who tries to push Shirley into the back of the car. This confrontation is also tinged with tension between Lip and Shirley, as Lip emerges as a male guardian of sorts for the pianist. However, even as Lip becomes more protective of Shirley, he begins to realize the humanity of his charge. Through their conversations, they learn about each other's pasts, desires, and insecurities. Lip, who has always identified as an Italian-American, begins to understand the plight of African Americans in a way that he never had before. Shirley, in turn, begins to see beyond Lip's tough exterior to a man struggling with his own identity and sense of belonging. Their experiences also test their relationship, as they deal with opposing perspectives on the world. Lip believes that he's being a friend and companion to Shirley, while Shirley sees Lip as more of an enforcer or bodyguard. Meanwhile, their interactions with the local authorities lead them to question whether they can truly work together and trust in each other. These moments are captured by director Peter Farrelly's nuanced and empathetic touch, which humanizes both characters. Throughout the film, Peter Farrelly and his co-writer Nick Vallelonga, with the help of Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali's nuanced performances, recreate the textures of this parallel universe where everyone had to be mindful of the intricate social etiquette and rules imposed due to a nation's past failures to create anything near to unity and equality. The Green Book explores how two men from vastly different worlds came to rely on each other during this tumultuous time period. It was this precarious balance of shared human experience, friendship, and a social contract that continues to make this film captivating. By skillfully guiding the audience through often charged social situations that expose the flaws and complexities in human nature, Green Book provokes a deeper sense of understanding about our own modern existence. Throughout its exploration of complex social dynamics and underlying racism, Green Book also offers an interpretation of what it means to be an ally and a confidant in the face of adversity. The performances of Mortensen and Ali capture the back-and-forth, with Mortensen capturing the way Lip's heart shifts through the course of their tour. Ultimately, the film leaves the viewer pondering what else is necessary to create a world that ensures racial tolerance and coexistence can thrive.