Unpacking the Inaccuracies in the Movie Green Book: A Critical Analysis

Green Book, the Best Picture winner during its nomination year, has often been scrutinized for its portrayal of race relations during the 1960s. While the film provides a humanizing touch to the stories of African American pianist Don Shirley and his Italian-American driver, Tony Vallelonga, it is riddled with inaccuracies that paint a skewed picture of the era. This article delves into these inaccuracies to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the film's historical context.

Myth 1 - The Friendship Between Don Shirley and Tony

The movie suggests that Don Shirley and Tony became close friends during their journey through the Southern United States. However, this insinuation may not hold water. There are variations in Shirley’s own recordings where he expresses his professional gratitude towards Tony but also underlines the professional nature of their relationship. In reality, Shirley eventually fired Tony due to a series of transgressions. The film failed to capture the complexity of their professional relationship, which was centered around mutual respect and the necessity of their roles rather than personal camaraderie.

Myth 2 - The Green Book Leading to Rundown Slums

The film presents the infamous Green Book as a guide that directs the characters to lodgings in rundown slums. This is a significant departure from the truth. The Green Book, also known as The Negro Motorist Green Book, was a real-life travel guide that listed safe places for African Americans to stay, eat, and refuel during a time when segregation was rampant. Contrary to the movie's depiction, the guide actually listed more upscale accommodations, restaurants, and establishments. It was designed to make the journey safer and more comfortable for African Americans, not to force them into substandard conditions.

Myth 3 - Shirley’s Isolation from His Brothers

The film portrays Don Shirley as isolated from his family, with no contact with his brother. However, historical records reveal a completely different reality. Shirley grew up in a close-knit family and had three brothers. They were all in touch with each other, and none of them were estranged. This portrayal in the movie neglects the support and connection Shirley had with his family, which likely played a significant role in his life.

Myth 4 - The Characters Drive Through a Sundown Town in Mississippi

One of the most controversial inaccuracies in the film is its depiction of the characters driving through a sundown town in Mississippi. Sundown towns were real areas where African Americans were not allowed to be present after dark. The movie’s depiction exaggerates the reality. While Mississippi was and still is a state with widespread racism, the depiction of a sundown town is an oversimplification of the complex racial dynamics of the time. The film does not capture the full extent of the racial tensions and the lived experiences of African Americans during the 1960s.

In conclusion, Green Book may have offered a touching and entertaining narrative, but it is essential to scrutinize its historical accuracy. These inaccuracies, while they may enhance the film's narrative, do not accurately represent the complex and varied experiences of African Americans during the 1960s. Green Book is a movie that should be appreciated for its emotional depth and exploration of race relations, but it should not be taken as a documentary or a factual representation of historical events.