Green Book, a biographical comedy-drama exploring the unlikely friendship between African-American pianist Don Shirley and his Italian-American driver Tony Vallelonga in the 1960s, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019. This victory, however, was not without controversy, sparking debates about its portrayal of race, its historical accuracy, and its overall worthiness of the prestigious award.
The Night of the Oscars: Green Book’s Victory
The 91st Academy Awards ceremony was filled with surprises and upsets, but the announcement of Green Book as the Best Picture winner arguably generated the most post-show discussion. Beating out strong contenders like Roma, Black Panther, The Favourite, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star is Born, and Vice, the film’s victory was met with both celebration and criticism. Supporters lauded its heartwarming narrative and strong performances by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, while detractors accused it of perpetuating a “white savior” narrative and simplifying the complexities of the Civil Rights era. The controversy surrounding the film, stemming from claims about its historical accuracy and the director’s past actions, only intensified after the win.
The acceptance speech, delivered by the film’s writers and producers, was itself overshadowed by the ongoing controversy. While expressing gratitude and emphasizing the film’s message of unity and understanding, the acceptance was perceived by some as tone-deaf, further fueling the debate surrounding Green Book. The win served as a stark reminder of the power and influence of the Academy Awards, but also the responsibility that comes with recognizing films that tackle sensitive and important social issues.
Diving Deeper: Why the Controversy?
The controversy surrounding Green Book stemmed from multiple factors. Firstly, concerns were raised regarding the historical accuracy of the film’s portrayal of the relationship between Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga. Shirley’s family publicly disputed the film’s narrative, claiming that the friendship was exaggerated and that Shirley never considered Vallelonga a close friend.
Secondly, the film was accused of employing the “white savior” trope, a recurring narrative in Hollywood films where a white protagonist helps a marginalized character overcome adversity. Critics argued that Green Book centered Vallelonga’s experience and perspective, while downplaying Shirley’s agency and complexity as a Black man navigating a racist society.
Thirdly, the film’s director, Peter Farrelly, faced scrutiny for past actions that were deemed inappropriate and insensitive. These past incidents, coupled with the concerns surrounding the film’s narrative, created a perfect storm of controversy that continued to simmer long after the Oscars ceremony. The win highlighted the growing sensitivity around representation and historical accuracy in Hollywood, and the increasing demand for films to be both entertaining and responsible.
Green Book’s Legacy: A Mixed Bag
Despite the controversies, Green Book achieved significant commercial success and garnered numerous accolades. Its box office success demonstrated its appeal to a broad audience, and its awards recognition cemented its place in film history. However, its legacy remains complex and contested.
On one hand, the film is remembered for its positive message of overcoming prejudice and building bridges across racial divides. Its strong performances and heartwarming narrative resonated with many viewers, who found the film to be uplifting and inspiring. On the other hand, the film is also remembered for the controversy it generated and the questions it raised about representation and historical accuracy. Its win serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of approaching sensitive subjects with nuance and respect.
FAQs: Understanding Green Book and its Oscar Win
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the context and impact of Green Book‘s Best Picture win:
1. What is the Green Book that the film is named after?
The “Green Book” was a travel guide published annually from 1936 to 1966 by African-American postal worker Victor Hugo Green. It listed businesses and accommodations that were safe and welcoming for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, when racial segregation was rampant across the United States.
2. Who were the real-life Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga?
Don Shirley was a highly accomplished African-American pianist who combined classical, jazz, and popular music. He faced racial discrimination throughout his career despite his immense talent. Tony Vallelonga, also known as Tony Lip, was an Italian-American bouncer who worked at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. He was hired to be Shirley’s driver and bodyguard during a concert tour through the racially segregated South.
3. How accurate is Green Book’s portrayal of Don Shirley’s life?
This is a complex question. While the film is based on a true story, it has been criticized for taking liberties with the facts and exaggerating the nature of the relationship between Shirley and Vallelonga. Shirley’s family has disputed the film’s portrayal of their relationship as a close friendship.
4. What does “white savior” mean in the context of film?
The “white savior” trope refers to a cinematic pattern where a white character rescues a person of color (or a group of people of color) from a difficult situation. This narrative often centers the white character’s experience and downplays the agency and complexity of the marginalized characters they are supposedly helping.
5. What other awards did Green Book win besides Best Picture?
In addition to Best Picture, Green Book won Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali at the 2019 Academy Awards. It also won several other awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
6. Why did Green Book win over other critically acclaimed films like Roma and Black Panther?
The Academy Awards voting process is complex and involves thousands of members. While the reasons for Green Book‘s win are multifaceted, it is believed that its accessible narrative, feel-good message, and strong performances resonated with a significant portion of the voters. Some also suggest that the film’s more traditional storytelling approach appealed to older Academy members compared to more experimental films like Roma.
7. How did the controversy surrounding Green Book affect its box office performance?
Despite the controversy, Green Book was a box office success, grossing over $321 million worldwide on a budget of around $23 million. The controversy may have even boosted its visibility and generated more interest in the film.
8. Who were the producers of Green Book?
The producers of Green Book were Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly, and Nick Vallelonga (Tony Lip’s son).
9. Where can I watch Green Book?
Green Book is typically available for rent or purchase on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It may also be available on demand through cable providers.
10. Did the Academy Awards change its voting process after the Green Book win?
There’s no direct evidence that Green Book‘s win directly caused immediate, radical changes to the Academy’s voting process. However, the Academy has been making ongoing efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within its membership, which indirectly influences the types of films nominated and awarded.
11. What lessons can be learned from the controversy surrounding Green Book?
The controversy surrounding Green Book highlights the importance of historical accuracy, authentic representation, and responsible storytelling when depicting sensitive social issues. It underscores the need for filmmakers to consult with diverse perspectives and be mindful of the potential impact of their narratives.
12. What are some other films that have faced similar controversies after winning Best Picture?
Several films have faced controversy after winning Best Picture, including Crash (2006), which was criticized for its simplistic and stereotypical portrayal of race relations, and Shakespeare in Love (1999), which was perceived by some as less deserving than Saving Private Ryan. These controversies highlight the subjective nature of art and the potential for diverse interpretations and opinions. The awarding of Best Picture is a prestigious honor but also invites scrutiny and discussion about the film’s merits and cultural impact.