Movie Review: ‘The Green Book’

By Sheldon Foster Merel

ENCINITAS, California — I just saw the movie The Green Book and was captivated watching the changing relationship between the two main characters and their encounter with blatant racism in their journey through the south during the 1960s. Black people in the south at that time were restricted from using the same hotels, restaurants, bathrooms as white people. The indispensable Green Book for Black People provided listings of welcoming and safe hotels and restaurants. It was a necessary substitute for the AAA guide books. I knew the disgraceful history of racism in our country, but the movie portrayed the reality of the time and made it seem personal and current.

The movie is based on a true story of two men, one black, the other white with diametrically different backgrounds and personalities. Don is a celebrated erudite African American pianist with a doctorate in Music, and the center attraction of his instrumental trio. He is meticulous in speech, clothes, manner, and very private. His trio has been booked for a two-month series of concerts throughout the mid-west and the south. Due to Don’s national popularity, he and his trio’s concerts in the south are primarily for rich elite white audiences. The two other men of the trio have a car for themselves and instruments while Don needed a driver for his car. He interviews several candidates and despite Tony’s rough demeanor offers him the job as his chauffeur.

Tony is a tough white street- wise guy from the Bronx with a minimal education. He worked as a bouncer and greeter in speakeasy night clubs owned by members of the mob. His own anti-black feelings are revealed at the very beginning of the movie but as he needs a job, he accepts the job offer. His love for his wife and two children keeps him grounded and he reluctantly leaves them for the two-month journey.

The Green Book is a compelling movie with brilliant acting by Viggo Mortensen (Tony), Mahershala Ali (Don). Peter Farelly did a fine job of directing and co-wrote the excellent script with Nick Vallelonga and Brian Currie. There may be several screen awards lurking in the future especially for Viggo Mortensen.

The essence of the movie for me is the give and take between Don and Tony and how the journey changes their relationship, attitudes, and behavior. You must see the movie to fully appreciate their individual transformations. I certainly recommend you catch this movie while it is still playing locally.

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Merel is cantor emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel.  He may be contacted via sheldon.merel@sdjewishworld.com