An amazing feel-good cum Christmas movie and, best of all, a true story

Rating: Null/10 (9 January 2019)

The ultimate beauty of a bio-pic is that it is a true story. Whether it is deeply touching, violently disturbing or hilariously amusing, the fact that this really happened makes all the difference. "Green Book" is one such.
The events took place in the era when the Kennedy Brothers tried to fully accomplish what Abraham Lincoln started. That was the time when, strange as it sounds, the use of the word "black" to denote an American with African ethnic origin was almost tabooed. The word "colored" was used, and not exactly in a complimentary way. "Green book" is a Negro travelling companion, detailing accommodations that a black traveler could safely check into, particularly in the deep south. It was, needless to say, useful when a black classical concert pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) embarked on a performance tour of his trio (with a cello and a double bass, both played by Caucasian musicians) that would take him deep down south. As chauffer and body guard de facto, he hired Italian New Yorker Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a bouncer temporarily unemployed when the club he worked for underwent a major renovation. The movie is essentially in the familiar genre of road movie featuring an "odd-couple".
Two establishing scenes introduce Tony on two fronts - throwing out trouble-makers from the club and enjoying a family life as a devoted husband and father. When it becomes apparent that winning $50 from a hog-dog eating head-to-head challenge would not be sufficient for the family budget during the four months during which he is unemployed, Tony answers to a reference for an interview.
There is an introduction scene to the odd-couple that is a joy to watch. In an elegant upscale waiting room, Tony meets his prospective employer who comes out "dressed like an African king", all cool and snobbish. Following up on his enquiries about Tony's resume, Dr. Don Shirley asks "In what capacity?" Seeing Tony's look of bewilderment, Don rephrases his question "What do you do there?" This deliciously sets the tone of the stereotype-revered odd couple. And, never forget, this is a true story.
The interview is not fruitful. Upon understanding that his job description includes being a "butler" (laundry handling, shoe shining etc) Tony turns down the offer, although they part civilly. Don, as well, is not prepared to meet the remuneration Tony seeks. However, reflecting on the high recommendation he received, and realizing that he really needs that caliber of a body guard for his tour, Don calls Tony's wonderful wife Dolores (Linda Cardellini) to make the offer again. At the farewell scene, after a passionate kiss, Dolores says to her husband "You better be home for Christmas or not come home at all". A seasoned audience will right away recognize this leading to the planned closure.
A pleasure as it is to watch, this road movie does not have installed for you anything you would not expect. Nor does it have to. It is the natural narrative of the story that is so captivating. Tony and Don do not start with the right foot, so to speak. Every time Tony says something he does not like, Don snaps "Eyes on the wheel, Tony". They engage in a philosophical debate on the difference between "bullxxxx" and "lie". The first bonding comes when Tony is flabbergasted to learn that Don does not like music "of your people" (such as Chubby Checker). Such sentiments are only surpassed by learning Don's unbelievable ignorance of the joy of fried chicken. Against Don's vehement protest that he has no "plate and utensils" in the backseat, Tony finally succeeds in making the music genius discover the joy of fried chickens. In reciprocation, starting from a session on the park bench outside fast food chain, Dom starts coaching Tony in writing, more specifically, letters to Dolores.
On the real business of the trip, we are entertained by short scenes of the Don Shirley Trio's performance at various stops of the tour. While the program is essentially classical there are occasional de tours into popular tunes such as "Happy Talk" from the musical "South Pacific". The grand finale, insofar as music is concerned, is totally riveting. After walking away from the performance with an institution that reeks bigotry, Don and Tony go to a music bar where the latter is the only white patron. After some prompting, from locals and his pal alike, Don goes to the stage to join the jazz band, delivering a performance that immediately brings to mind "Treme", the marvelous TV series that is among the best I have watched.
The various unpleasant to outright dangerous experiences Dr. Shirley encounters throughout the tour are of course predictable. A little surprising is the way Tony handles these unpleasant situations. Yes, on some occasions he lets his fist do the talking, but not always. He can be resourceful and tactful as the need arises. This, matched by Don's impeccable dignity, makes the pair so exceptional. The movie ends with a heartwarming sequence, with the closure on the Christmas theme mentioned earlier.
Golden Globe results are in: best supporting actor, best screenplay and best picture (comedy or musical) for "Green Book". Ali has a bit of an edge because his role, arguably, is closer to a co-lead than a support. But either way, his top-notch performance is beyond dispute. Mortensen could have won too but, cliché as it is, there is a strong field. I like to pay special tribute to Cardellini whose performance makes Dolores (oh no, entirely unlike the namesake in "Westworld") so endearing. For those who may not recognize her, she has the role of another endearing wife, Laura Barton in "Avengers: Age of Ultron".