Green Book
Ten Second Review: A smooth and nicely paced journey telling a story of a developing respect between two very different men. While occasionally feeling sanitised, the film uses the two men’s friendship as beautiful vehicle for exploring themes that remain relevant today.
A couple of weeks ago I noticed that my local cinema was having one of their secret preview screenings. It doesn’t say what the film is or even what the genre is but it was nearly sold out so I booked a ticket. As the lights went down and the BBFC card flashed up with the name Green Book there was audible confusion. There are lots of giant films coming out over the next couple months and for most Green Book had floated under the radar, so there was audible surprise in the room. That surprise soon disappeared into intrigue and as the film went on there was a palpable enjoyment. I try to go to preview screenings as often as I can and the walk out rate varies from showing to showing but this was the first one I can remember where not a single person moved.
Set in 1962, the story focuses on the relationship between jazz musician Dr Donald Shirley (Mahersahla Ali) and his driver Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen). We see Tony as struggling to provide for his family in New York and taking any job he can find. He receives a call that a doctor is in need of a driver for a tour. He goes to the interview only to discover he would be playing the role of driver, valet and assistant to a black jazz musician. Tony refuses but Shirley persists and convinces him to be his driver on his Christmas tour of the deep south. The film that ensues is a journey of exploration and understanding between the two men as they learn about each other and the very different lives they both choose to lead and are forced to lead.
This is a beautifully made film. From beginning to end it exists as a well constructed time capsule of an era. The acting is superb with both of the lead actors putting in phenomenal performances and the rest of the cast being excellent too. It maintained a balance between the serious and comedic moments that made the film a delight from beginning to end. Between the style, the acting and learning about a story i’d never heard, this film was a true joy to watch.
The only potential criticisms I can see people having are the “sanitations” the film makes at certain points but I fear this is a case of never being able to please everyone. In a scene in the middle of the film we learn something about Don Shirley and I have the suspicion that people will feel that this is glossed over or not fully grappled with by the film. I think the trade off that needs to be thought about is a discussion over the focus of the film. The central theme of the two men’s journey is, unsurprisingly from the title, about race (the Green Book was the guide that showed African-American roadtrippers where they could stay). This theme is addressed throughout and while I’m sure there’ll be at least a few people who think it should be handled differently, it is the main focus of the film and I would say it approached in an interesting way by using light humour at some points and gripping dramatic acting at others. To make way for other key aspects of Shirley’s life would have meant either sacrificing fully developing the central theme, leaving both weaker, or extending the run time of an already two hour film, which risks leaving an audience bored. The third option would, of course, be to ignore it entirely and inevitably receive criticism for that choice too.
By choosing to focus on one central theme, developing it fully, and touching on other parts of his life, the film makers are able to do more with the story. We are given the image of a complex and interesting man while simultaneously having a tight narrative that is explored in such a way that lets us examine how it is still a relevant story for today. The way they discuss race parallels the discussions we are still having today. It serves to remind its audience that these conversations and situations are not a thing of the past but still very much alive in a form not too dissimilar to that of 60 years ago.
I can't speak to accuracy of the biographical elements of this film but in terms of whether it is an enjoyable watch I can say with certainty that it is. From beginning to end it was nothing less than an excellently made film featuring two actors at the top of their profession. It might be the least Christmassy Christmas film but I emplore you to check it out!
(I'm a little confused about the release dates with different places listing the UK release on dates ranging between October 12th 2018 and February 1st 2019)
