Green Book: A cinematic masterpiece on racism and bigotry

“Green Book” is one of those movies that convey strong messages without boring the audience. Based on a true story, this film is competing in the Oscars to win the best picture award.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film engages the audience from the very beginning with its humorous bar scene and music. The film is set in the 1960s, and the opening scene gives a very groovy picture of the era.

In the first act of the film we see bigotry towards coloured people and the dominance of Italian culture in American society in that decade. 

There is an interesting story behind the naming of the film. The film is named after a guide book called the “Green Book” which was used by black travellers between the 30s and 60s to avoid places that could lead to trouble.

It clearly shows the disgrace a black man had to go through at that time. Set in 1962, the film revolves around Tony (Viggo Mortensen) who needs fresh work while the club he works at undergoes renovations. Meanwhile, famous musician Donald (Mahershala Ali) is in need of a driver to take him through the Deep South for an upcoming tour. 

Donald is aware of the troubles he might face in different places for the colour of his skin and needs someone to act as both staff and protector. Donald takes Tony, a white person, with him on the tour.  Over the course of the film, they become good friends, all the while discovering secrets and facts about each other. 

The costume department paid close attention to the outfits of the actors in the film. Their outfits play a key role in the character progression. 

The road trips capture the beauty of America’s Deep South. Watching the film, many might want to take a road trip across the States. Sean Porter depicts the true American spirit through amazing camera work and framing. The colour palette used in the film is very vibrant. 

The film also features great music and talk about great musicians who shaped the jazz music scene, not only in America, but the rest of the world as well. Kris Bowers did a great job with music in the period drama.

The comedy-drama is a total crowd entertainer with witty dialogue and amazing acting. Both Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali gave strong performances. 

The end credits show real life photos of the characters and the text reads: “Don continued to tour, compose and record songs, and in the end, he received great acclaim. Tony went back to his work at Copacabana.” 

Tony and Don remained friends until they died, within months of each other, in 2013.

I think the film has a good chance of winning the Oscar for its historic importance, and brilliant cinematography, but it might lose the award to “Roma.”