Road trip films are typically fraught with fine acting, writing and directing, and however the plots may not be as honed, they are usually well-crafted. "Green Book" is a road trip film that is like a combination of "The Odd Couple" '68 and "Driving Miss Daisy" '89, whereas the two lead actors have nothing in common--both opposite ends of the pole and the film combines these two, who are at odds with each other, together where they must put aside their differences in order to survive an unforgiving world.
In 1962, Tony 'Lip' Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), a tough bouncer, is looking for work while his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for African-American classical pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) for a concert tour which leads 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 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 heart to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives.
Others to round out the cast are Linda Cardellini as Dolores Vallelonga, Tony's wife, Sebastian Maniscalco as Johnny Venere, Dimiter D. Marinov as Oleg, Mike Hatton as George, P.J. Byrne as Record Exec, Joe Cortese as Gio Loscudo, Maggie Nixon as Copa Coat Check Girl and Von Lewis as Bobby Rydell.
This was directed by the goof-ball directing king, Peter Farrelly ("Dumb and Dumber" '94, "Kingpin" '96, "There's Something About Mary" '98, "Me, Myself & Irene" 2000, "Shallow Hal" '01, "Stuck On You" '03, "Fever Pitch" '05, "The Heartbreak Kid" '07, "Hall Pass" '11, "The Three Stooges" '12, "Dumb and Dumber Too" '14, "Cuckoo" (TV movie) '15) plus others, TV and video shorts. Even though this film is considered a comedy-drama, it is still a far cry from Farrelly's typical fare--see above resume. Interesting that he decided to work without his brother Bobby Farrelly, but maybe the difference in this film wouldn't have been as evident given both behind the camera--not sure. The emotions he was able to extract from these two lead actors was near perfection--either actor could be nominated come Oscar time, and even though these actors are consummate, it still takes fine directing in order for these actors to shine as they did. It's as though Farrelly re-invented himself since he went from directing goofy comedies to a dramedy that is as interesting as it is entertaining just for the character study of these individuals. It was equally well written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie and Farrelly. This script was cohesive, tight and flowed effortlessly from scene to scene. Surely, between these seasoned writers there is a plethora of fine writing, but I must say they definitely raised the bar on themselves. I would love to these filmmakers collaborate on another film if this is their outcome.
This film has it all: humor, drama, fear, respect and redemption all crafted in an entertaining way with a great message that in 1962 would've been an important message, but even today is still a gripping message as well. There is something for everyone in this and with the film the way it is, one doesn't always get this many aspects that work this well together.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 130mins.
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