Greenbook is a film directed by Peter Farrelly in 2018 having as its central theme a
problem that maintains its relevance today: racism.
The film has as characters Tony Lip, played by actor Viggo Mortesen, and doctor Don
Shirley, who is played by actor Mahershala Ali. Tony Lip is an Italian-American who has
racial hate in his veins. This issue can be confirmed in a particular scene by the racist
attitude that Tony had when he threw away two glasses that were used by two African
Americans. However, Shirley completely changed Tony's life when he became
dependent on the latter’s ride for his tour along Southern America. This south of
America was, at the time, a problematic place as it was still seeped in the racism of
segregation. And so, Shirley needed Tony Lip, a Brooklyn thug, to defend him on his
trip and to be able to do what he liked: playing the piano. And yes, it is true that
normally a black person is not so much connected with classical music as in other
genres of music, like jazz or blues and that makes Shirley question his black identity.
This is because Shirley doesn’t live like a “black man”, he doesn’t think like someone
with his color, but the truth is that it doesn’t stop him from being a human being. And
Tony, a simple person, who used his strength more than his head, made Shirley's life
more meaningful, and more important, also made them both know themselves on a
trip to his sub-conscious. Shirley changed into a person less concerned with the small
details, and Tony grew as a person, discarding his hatred and becoming a more
humane person.
Along the way and as they both headed further south, Shirley suffered more restrictions due to his skin color, and Tony became more of a supporter for his partner, who changed from being a simple passenger in his car into a friend for life. And in this film, that’s exactly what is represented: the power of the family, the feelings and all the friendships that surround us. It doesn't matter what color we are; it matters who we are inside.
Although Shirley is black on the outside, he didn’t have much contactwith black culture as he was used to performing to wealthy white audiences. So hehad to come to terms with his blackness and with the historical legacy of racism in America. And sometimes, to change what we have inside, we need someone to set us free, and Tony was that person for Shirley.
I highly recommend the film Greenbook, since it deals exactly with a problem that is
experienced today in America, where people are brutally judged by the color of their
skin, without interest in what they are inside. Not all blacks are criminals. Not all black
people like jazz. Not all blacks are unable to play classical music. It is not the color of
the skin that defines us. It's us.
João Jesus
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