Inspired by the unlikely friendship between a graceful black musician and a streetwise white bouncer, and taking its name from a “negro motorist” guidebook offering advice on a “vacation without aggravation” in racially segregated America, Green Book is Driving Miss Daisy in reverse. Though the similarities extend beyond the plot for it is just as sweet, funny and moving. If not more so.

After the closure of a New York nightclub renders Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) jobless, the proceeds from pawning his watch and winning a hot dog eating competition are welcome but wanting in terms of paying the bills and feeding his bambinos.

Word on the street about his legendary skills in “public relations” – fisticuffs and being the best bullshit artist in the Bronx – reaches the classically-trained pianist Don “The Doc” Shirley (Mahershala Ali) who hires him as a driver for an eight week tour of the Deep South.

Given that Tony binned the tumblers from which two black tradesmen supped after carrying out some work for his wife Dolores (Linda Cardellini), everything points to a road trip from hell. But nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, their polar opposite personalities and backgrounds cause friction; but nothing compared to the hatred faced by Don who is shunned for not being black, white or man enough.

With each passing mile both inch down their guard and forge a close friendship based on mutual trust and respect. The well of sadness within which Don drowns his sorrows is met with the advice: “The world is full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.” And Tony’s physical bravery is matched by the steely determination of his boss of whom it said: “Genius is not enough, it takes courage to change people’s hearts.”

And what a big heart at the heart of Green Book by director Peter Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary) and his co-writers Brian Hayes Currie and Nick (son of Tony) Vallelonga. A heart laced with wit devoid of sentimentality which through a light touch to weighty issues succeeds in packing an emotional punch. Hence the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali whose performance is as equally endearing and accomplished as that of his co-star Viggo “Far From Bony Hip” Mortensen.

Director: Peter Farrelly
Writers: Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie (as Brian Currie)
Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
Peter Callaghan
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