PIC of the Week – Green Book
Article series by Ray Schillaci
Yes, this is a week overdue. Not only did I have several films to mull over, I’m dealing with a health issue that’s interrupting my writing time. So, while I’m putting up with incompetent doctor offices, a variety of scans, crippling pain, and avoiding overdosing on opiates, I’m also pushing myself to give you my PIC that’s worth two weeks…Universal Pictures Home Entertainment’s 4K/Blu of Green Book, winner of three Oscars including Best Picture.
Now, there’s been a lot of backlash about this movie. Spike Lee (Blackkklansman) was infuriated over being beaten out for Best Picture, and there are some who have claimed that the film “spoon feeds racism” to white audiences. Don Shirley’s family is upset that the film made no mention of them (other than a brother he did not talk to). Then there are those that believe the tale leveraged Dr. Shirley’s pain for Tony Vallelonga’s betterment.
These are all understandable arguments especially in today’s climate. But, it also has to be noted that Green Book writer Nick Vallelonga was told by Dr. Shirley himself not to include his family. He was well known as a very private person. And, according to Nick Vallelonga, Dr. Shirley had only one person Nick was to consult, and that was Nick’s father, Tony. It is Tony’s story from the very beginning.
So, arguments aside, you still have a beautifully written movie about racial injustice and the story of two men that learned from each other. Those two men being portrayed by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali give us a movie that rises above the rest of the pack of 2018 films. It’s not an updated version of Driving Miss Daisy as some have suggested. That was my first thought as well.
Those feelings were quickly dashed by the wit and wisdom of the script, subtle yet powerful performances and nuanced direction by Peter Farrelly, best known for the outrageous There’s Something About Mary. Green Book is a far cry from that film. It’s as if Farrelly matured and said, “Now, here’s something for you adults.” I know haters gotta hate, but I just can’t see the reason with this film.
For those of you unfamiliar, Vallelonga’s tale unravels as he sets off a firestorm in the mob-owned club he works for as a bouncer. Afterwards, Tony “the Lip” goes job hunting, but he’s not exactly the ordinary unemployed person. He’s a working class, Italian-American family man with a quick temper, and he’s a bigot to boot. But, the bigotry comes from his surroundings and upbringing. That’s not an excuse for Tony, but we know from the start where he’s coming from, and his quiet wife is not always in line with his views or short fuse.
Tony applies for a driver job for who he thinks is a physician (Dr. Shirley), but turns out to be refined African-American who has two honorary doctorates and is an accomplished jazz and classical pianist. It’s 1962, and Dr. Shirley decides to embark on a tour of the South, he wisely chooses Tony as the man to safely drive him through his tour. Tony is told by the record company that if Dr. Shirley does not make it to every concert date for whatever reason, Tony stands to lose half the money promised to him. Needless to say, the ride to the tour is a bumpy one.
To make the journey easier, Tony is given the Green Book, a guide to all the places that will house black people while Tony and the other two thirds of Dr. Shirley’s trio (who happen to be white) stay in much nicer digs. On the way, we see the two-faces of all those that appreciate Dr. Shirley’s musical abilities and take joy in hosting his shows, but keep him at bay when it comes to their prejudice. It grows tiresome and aggravating for us and Tony as the roadshow continues.
Along the way, we catch glimpses of both men’s eccentricities. We laugh, shed a tear, and even cheer them on as they stand up to the hypocrisy. Mahershala Ali as Dr. Shirley brings dignity to the role. He is slightly regal with a hint of flamboyance. His is the grounding wire to Viggo Mortensen’s hilarious and nearly clownish buffoon. But, Viggo’s character is not without heart, and we learn to love him as time goes on. The chemistry between the two is magical. There is a mutual affection, almost brotherhood-like quality that mesmerizes us.
Video wise, the average person is not going to notice a huge difference between Universal’s 4K and the Blu that is offered. Yes, images are a tad sharper, the clarity is slightly better, but this is not a film that yells out to be seen in the new format. Yes, 4K connoisseurs will chastise me for this, but the story and acting are such an integral part of the film that the story can be enjoyed on either format. Dare I say, Green Book can still be enjoyed by those still using a DVD player.
Now, the big difference is the audio portion. So much of the film relies on music, that it would be a shame to not see this film on 4K or Blu with the English Dolby ATMOS sound provided. It’s not just the music of Dr. Shirley that is so impressive as it fills the room, but the entire soundtrack filled with wonderful period music. The surround sound is used masterfully, capturing dialogue as well as the most subtle sounds from a speakeasy to the rain. Definitely reference quality.
This is a film the whole family can enjoy. Although, not a true bio-pic, you can’t help but feel like you came away from the film learning about the men and the time period. Yes, in the end, the film is a feel-good tale. It’s not maudlin, trite or in-your-face. Farrelly, Vallelonga, cast and crew manage to give us a story of unapologetic hope and goodwill. For my money, I see nothing wrong with that.
Lowest Price – $24.99 – Amazon and Walmart
