Green Book
Green Book is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly.
Green Book is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly. It stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali and is inspired by the real-life 1962 tour of the American South by pianist Don Shirley and his driver Tony Lip Vallelonga. The film takes its title from *The Negro Motorist Green Book*, a travel guide used by Black motorists during segregation.
Plot and historical basis
The film dramatizes a road trip through the segregated American South, where Shirley and Vallelonga travel together for a concert tour. It is based on real events, though later accounts and commentary note that the film simplifies and adapts parts of the historical record.
Title and source material
The title comes from *The Negro Motorist Green Book*, a travel guide published for Black motorists during segregation. The guide listed places where Black travelers could find lodging, dining, and other services.
Reception and awards
Green Book was a major awards contender and earned five Oscar nominations. Its acclaim brought renewed public attention to both the film and the historical Green Book.
Cast and production
Peter Farrelly directed the film, with Viggo Mortensen as Tony Lip and Mahershala Ali as Don Shirley. The film was produced as an American period comedy-drama released in 2018.
Key facts
- Green Book is a 2018 American comedy-drama directed by Peter Farrelly.
- The film is inspired by the 1962 tour of Don Shirley and Tony Lip Vallelonga through the segregated American South.
- Its title references *The Negro Motorist Green Book*, a travel guide for Black motorists during segregation.
- The film received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
- Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen portray Don Shirley and Tony Lip Vallelonga, respectively.
The film was released and reviewed in Canada as part of its international theatrical run, and it remains relevant to Canadian readers as a widely discussed Oscar-winning American film about segregation and race relations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Green Book about?
Is Green Book based on a true story?
Who directed Green Book?
Why is it called Green Book?
What awards did Green Book receive?
References
- The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/oscars-10-things-know-best-picture-nominee-green-book-1183060/Supports: Director, cast, setting, and five Academy Award nominations.
- History vs. Hollywood — https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/green-book/Supports: Title origin, historical basis, and details of the travel guide.
- Smithsonian Magazine — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/true-story-green-book-movie-180970728/Supports: Title origin and historical background of The Negro Motorist Green Book.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6966692/Supports: Basic film identification, plot premise, cast, and production information.
- Oprah Daily — https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a26452956/true-story-behind-green-book-dr-don-shirley-movie/Supports: True-story basis, setting, and title explanation.