Green Book

"Green Book" is the true story of Dr. Don Shirley, the great classical/jazz pianist and his famous 1960's tour of the deep south accompanied by his driver, Tony Lip Villelonga, as they travel together using the infamous Green Book which served as a guide for African American travelers as to where they could and could not find accommodations in the southern part of our nation. As the book so brutally states in its logo "avoid aggravation on your vacation".

The film stars Mahershala Ali as Dr. Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as Tony Lip Villelonga. Directed by Peter Farrelly who co-wrote the screenplay with Bruce Currie and Nick Villelonga, this is a warm and deeply moving story of the plight of a talented world class musician who, like most black entertainers in that era, could perform and entertain in the "white only" establishments but could neither sleep nor eat there. The film serves as a great reminder of how demeaning and wrong the culture was in all too many parts of our country and how so many of its citizens were robbed of the dignity and rights they were otherwise entitled to have and enjoy. Although Mr. Ali's performance was noteworthy, the true star of the film is Mr. Mortensen who, deviating from his normal "leading man" role, portrays the Bronx born and raised Tony Lip Villelonga with sensitivity and caring in spite of, and perhaps maybe because of, his Italian American heritage and upbringing.

I give this film 3 and 1/2 stars and suggest that it be seen by all who wish to understand where we were as a nation 56 years ago, where we are now and how far we still have to go.

At Eternity's Gate"

"At Eternity's Gate" is the beautifully told story of the life of Vincent Van Gogh brilliantly portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Supported in the film by Rupert Friend and Oscar Isaacs, the film was written by Jean-Claude Carriere, Louise Kugelberg and Julian Schnabel, the latter of the three who was also the director. This biographical drama of the life of this great artist puts Mr. Dafoe's portrayal of him onto the short list of Oscar nominees for best actor. Admittedly those not interested in Mr. Van Gogh or the art movement he helped create will not be as interested in seeing the film as those of us who are. The film takes us through the artist's life from his own perspective and presents facts based on common folklore as it explores his struggles with imagination and reality and, ultimately, untimely death. I give the film 3 stars for it presents to the viewer an interesting theatrical experience as well as a view of the artist not present in the two prior films made about him.

Boy Erased

"Boy Erased" is a film dealing with gay conversion therapy and stars Lucas Hedge, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Based on the real life memoir of writer Garred Conley the film was written and directed by Joel Edgerton who also plays one of the "counselors" in the controversial facility. This is not simply a message film but rather a deep and emotional exploration into the workings of an Arkansas family and the life style choices its members are forced to make. Kudos to Ms. Kidman and Mr. Crowe for their fine performances but the film really belongs to Lucas Hedge who, although subjugated to supporting roles in "Manchester by the Sea", "Lady Bird" and "3  Billboads in Montana", brings an honest and moving portrayal of a troubled teen seeking asylum and peace in a world not of his making. I give the film 3 and 1/2  stars with a reminder that of our 50 states, 34 of them still have not banned this archaic and medieval attempt to change an individual's sexual preference.

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