Green Book’ Has an Incredibly Complicated Legacy.

Even separate from the historical baggage, Green Book faced criticism for deploying the white savior and “magical Negro” archetypes that were egregiously out of style in 2018. Similar to a fellow controversial Best Picture winner dealing with broad cultural issues, Crash, Green Book upset many critics by treating itself as if it “solved racism,” as the primary arc of the film sees Tony, who comes from a bigoted Bronx neighborhood, learning to accept and welcome Don after protecting him through the discrimination of the deep South. The film registered as phony, self-indulgent, and even tasteless to many, as it prefers to pat white America on the back for learning about human decency rather than frame the story from the perspective of the Black person (Ali being nominated in the Supporting category at the Oscars is another damming sign).

Blended image showing George Clooney, Will Smith, and Angelina Jolie in front of a microphone
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Having said all that, there’s a reason Green Book was admired by awards-season voters: it finds ways to charm even the most skeptical viewers in spurts. Viggo Mortensen — who was nominated for Best Actor — and Mahershala Ali give wonderfully charming and heartfelt performances, and their chemistry is the driving force behind the film’s odd-couple dynamic between a rugged, streetwise chauffeur/personal assistant and a high-class, delicate classical musician. Ali, in particular, is a force of nature who is in complete control of Don Shirley’s steely gravitas and suppressed angst. Whenever the film avoids direct conversations about the sobering realities of the segregated South, it thrives as a light road-trip comedy. Peter Farrelly’s background as a comedy director, with his brother Bobby Farrelly, heightens the farce of the duo’s fish-out-of-water status and Tony’s gluttonous diet. You could do a lot worse than experiencing the fun hangout vibes of Green Book.

Even separate from the historical baggage, Green Book faced criticism.