Green Book (2018)

My Review

The Best Picture of 2018 is…..”Green Book.” This engrossing comedy-drama film tells the story of a Black classical pianist on tour in the Deep South in 1962 with his Italian-American driver. They must navigate the severe restrictions of segregation with the help of “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” which tells Black people where they can safely find lodging, restaurants, and gas stations. Director Peter Farrelly (“Dumb and Dumber” 1994) constructed an excellent film with marvelous production values, intricate character development, and an outstanding screenplay he co-wrote with Nick Vallelonga and Brian Hayes Currie.

The cast is headed by Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen as the traveling pair. They have great chemistry and display amazing acting ranges. Co-stars include Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Brain Stepanek, Joseph Cortese, P. J. Byrne, and Von Lewis as Bobby Rydell. The watchable “Green Book” was very successful in theatrical release for DreamWorks Pictures, Participant Media, Cinetic Media, and Universal Pictures.

“Green Book” was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ali), and Best Original Screenplay. The non-winners were Best Actor (Mortensen) and Best Film Editing. It was filmed in Louisiana and New York.