Green Book (2018)

A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.

Director:

Peter Farrelly

Writers:

Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie (as Brian Currie)

Stars:

Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini

Top Rated Movies #129 | Won 3 Oscars. Another 53 wins & 108 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Viggo Mortensen	...	Tony Lip
Mahershala Ali	...	Dr. Donald Shirley
Linda Cardellini	...	Dolores
Sebastian Maniscalco	...	Johnny Venere
Dimiter D. Marinov	...	Oleg
Mike Hatton	...	George
P.J. Byrne	...	Record Exec
Joe Cortese	...	Gio Loscudo
Maggie Nixon	...	Copa Coat Check Girl
Von Lewis	...	Bobby Rydell
Jon Sortland	...	Rydell Band Leader
Don Stark	...	Jules Podell
Anthony Mangano	...	Copa Bouncer Danny
Paul Sloan	...	Copa Maître D' Carmine
Quinn Duffy	...	Mikey Cerrone

Storyline

In 1962, Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America's appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other's talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives.

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Plot Keywords:

1960s | musician | segregation | christmas | friendship | 

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Taglines:

Inspired by a True Friendship

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic content, language including racial epithets, smoking, some violence and suggestive material

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Hungarian website

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian Russian German

Release Date:

16 November 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Green Book

Filming Locations:

Carnegie Hall, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$320,429, 18 November 2018

Gross USA:

$85,080,171

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$321,752,656

Company Credits

Production Co:

Participant, DreamWorks, Innisfree Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (Dolby 5.1) Dolby Surround 7.1 SDDS DTS (DTS: X)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.00 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Upon the film's release, the Shirley family objected to the truthfulness of the film, claiming that Tony and Doc were not friends; that there "was an employer-employee relationship". In January, 2019, audio recordings of an interview with Don Shirley emerged, in which he stated, "I trusted him implicitly... You see... not only was [Tony] my driver, we never had an employer/employee relationship. You don't have time for that bullshit. My life is in this man's hands!... So you've got to be friendly with one another."

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Goofs

Tony talks to the stage manager in Indiana and complains about the piano not being a Steinway. Tony mentions Dr. Shirley's name and tells him he is the performer. The stage manager says "who is that?" and then makes a racial slur a few seconds later, but no one told him Dr. Shirley was black.

This does seem to be an error, but it's possible the stage manager didn't know the name of the person performing, but DID know that it was a black man. So, saying, "Who's that?" but using a racial slur moments later is entirely feasible.

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Quotes

Tony Lip: You know, my father used to say, whatever you do, do it 100%. When you work, work. When you laugh, laugh. When you eat, eat like it's your last meal.

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Crazy Credits

Real-life photos of Dr. Donald Shirley and Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, and a few insights into their life after the events in the movie, are shown before the credits roll.

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Connections

Referenced in Modern Family: Pool Party (2019)

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Soundtracks

Pretty Lil Thing
Written by Sonny Boy Williamson (as Jeff Williamson)
Performed by Sonny Boy Williamson
Courtesy of RAM Records
By arrangement with Fervor Records

User Reviews

"Green Book" is Gold

We loved Green Book along with the sold-out crowd who applauded loudly at the end. Based on true story of piano virtuoso, Don Shirley's road trip through the south during the 60's, the film pays tribute to his genius and courage as a black man who tries hard to soar above the ugliness of the times. The elegant trappings of his home and his success as a concert pianist leave him arrogantly cold and lonely, but his life begins to change when he hires Tony as his road trip driver. With a history as nightclub bouncer with Mafia connections in New York, Tony is the antithesis of Don's perfection and their evolving relationship on the road makes the movie soar above the ordinary and become magical. Viggo and Ali in the main roles are remarkable, and it's funny and endearing to watch them discard stereotypes and discover their mutual humanity. What we liked best is the movie teaches without preaching, it all unfolds through a myriad of natural moments between two great actors and a strong supporting cast. Top all this off with a really good soundtrack, excellent direction and production values, and an audience that laughed out loud and vigorously applauded at the end...this one is a true 10!