A Heart – warming Journey Across the Divide: In – depth Analysis of the Movie “Green Book”

terehiatheatre // Movie  2025-04-25

The Green Book is an Oscar-winning Best Picture directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Set in the era of racial segregation in the American South in 1962, the film follows the road trip of Tony, a white bodyguard, and Don Shirley, a black pianist, presenting a friendship that transcends race and class, as well as a profound exploration of humanity, dignity, and equality.

I. True Story and Historical Background

The film is adapted from a true story. The experiences of the real – life figures Tony Vallelonga and Don Shirley during their southern tour are condensed into a two – month journey. At that time, racial discrimination was severe in the southern United States. Black people faced segregation and humiliation in public places. The “Green Book”, a travel guide specifically designed for black people, marked the hotels, restaurants and other places where black people were allowed to enter, and became a survival manual for black people under racial oppression.

Director Peter Farrelly skillfully combines historical events with fictional plots. For example, the plot where Shirley calls Attorney General Robert Kennedy after Tony assaults a police officer actually took place during a separate trip in 1963, but it was adapted into the tour route to enhance the dramatic conflict.

2. Character Creation and Actors’ Performances

Tony Valeronga (Viggo Mortensen)

Tony is a white bodyguard of Italian descent from New York. He is straightforward and vulgar, and even has racial prejudices. In order to support his family, he took the job of driving for Shirley. During the journey, he gradually understood Shirley’s predicament from his initial disdain and eventually became his firm supporter. Viggo Mortensen gained 20 kilograms to get closer to the role and deeply studied the accent and mannerisms of the prototype character. He was evaluated by Nick, the son of the prototype, as “perfectly restoring his father.”

Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali)

Don is a talented black pianist with a doctorate degree. However, due to his racial identity, he was repeatedly discriminated against during his tours in the South. He is elegant in appearance but lonely inside, and he hopes to break down racial barriers through music. Mahershala Ali spent three months learning to play the piano to portray the role. Through his delicate performance, he demonstrated Shirley’s vulnerability and tenacity. Eventually, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor again for this role.

III. Narrative Techniques and Theme Exploration

1. The Balance between Humor and Tenderness

The film presents the heavy racial issue in a light – hearted and humorous way. For example, in the scene where Tony recommends fried chicken to Shirley, the transformation from disgust to enjoyment is not only full of laughter but also implies the dissolution of cultural barriers. Director Farrelly was once named “Worst Director” for “Movie 43”, but in “Green Book”, he demonstrated a profound insight into human nature, wrapping social criticism in a comedic shell.

2. The Struggle of Identity

Shirley’s cry in the rainy night, “If I’m not black, not white, not a man, then who am I?” reveals his dilemma of identity. Although he has achieved success in the music field, he is marginalized in mainstream society due to his race and sexual orientation. Tony, from the perspective of a white person at the bottom, gradually understands the absurdity of racial privilege and transforms from a prejudiced person to an awakened one.

3. The Power of Music

Shirley’s piano playing is the soul of the film. When he performs in the southern manor, the elegant classical music forms a sharp contrast with the reality of racial discrimination. And the impromptu performance of “East Wind” in the black bar demonstrates the cross – racial appeal of music. The music director, Kris Bowers, perfectly integrates the music with the plot by restoring Shirley’s scores, enhancing the emotional resonance. IV. Film Production and Artistic Achievements

 

1. Filming and Special Effects

Most of the film’s scenes were shot in Louisiana, and the street scenes of New York were taken in New Orleans. Shirley’s apartment was filmed upstairs from Carnegie Hall. The piano – playing shots were created by synthesizing Ali’s head with the hands of the pianist Kris Bowers through special effects, presenting a realistic performance effect.

2. Social Impact

“Green Book” is not only a commercially successful film but also a cultural phenomenon. After its release in China, the box office exceeded 200 million yuan. It is loved by audiences of all ages, and stars such as Han Han and Zhao Wei highly recommend it. The film triggers reflections on racial issues through a true story and is rated as “The Most Inspiring Film of the Year” by The New York Times. V. Classic Scenes and Symbolic Meanings.