This is just the kind of movie I love. Green Book is based on the true friendship between Italian bouncer Tony Vallelonga, aka Tony Lip; and Dr Don Shirley, an African American concert pianist. Viggo Mortenson gives a virtuoso performace as Tony Lip, a poor but honest working man who got the moniker “lip” for his abiltiy to talk his way out of problems – as well his almost legendary eating skills. He is a bouncer at the Copacabana, but temporarily unemployed when it’s closed for repairs. He meets Dr. Shirley in his home over Carnegie Hall, and is offered employment as a driver and muscle for Dr. Shirley who had already checked him out. It is not every day that you get to see two great performances in one movie, but Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley is compelling. He is haughty, refined, cultured and even speaks 8 languages. He also has a few secrets that keep him from finding happiness. Tony is outgoing, a bit crude and profane, and is always eating; yet has a deep sense of what is right and wrong. These two men, who couldn’t be any more unalike, travel to various performances in the Deep South of the early 1960’s. Tony helps Don become a little less uptight while Don helps open Tony’s eyes to new experiences and helps him compose letters home to his wife. This movie will make you angry, laugh, cry and is ultimately a satisfying and hopeful experience. The real story after the movie is equally fascinating. Shirley and Vallelonga became life long friends. In fact, Vallelonga’s son wrote the screen play! Some of you may even recognize the name “Vallelonga” as he went on to become an actor and was featured in The Godfather, Goodfellas and The Sopranos. For an honest feel good story that doesn’t hit you over the head, but rather makes its point elegantly, you won’t find a better way to spend an evening out!
Green Book
Apple Rating:
