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Mahershala Ali

Films in Full Colour #4 – MOONLIGHT

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We, at ScreenFish, believe that we are all created in God’s image and want to show our support where we can to those in the Black Community who continue to battle against systemic racism. While our team strives for diversity, we can always do better ourselves in giving voice to those who need the chance to speak out and be heard. 

In our new series, ‘Films in Full Colour’, we will be examining films that explore issues specifically within the black community. For each episode, my co-host will be Jordan Thoms, pastor of Warden Underground Church in Toronto and our hope is that, through the lens of film, we might be able to shine light on the issues faced every day by African Americans. This week, Jordan and I welcome back Erico Kabongo to talk about male role models, confidence in our identity and sexual stereotyping in the black community in Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

Want to continue the conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

Films in Full Colour #4: MoonlightDownload

Green Book: Navigating the Space Between Races

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The tension was palpable.

In the moments (and days?) following Julia Roberts’ announcement that Green Book had won Best Picture at the 91stAcademy Awards, there were almost as many cheers and celebrations as there were anxious and angry responses. While some denounced it for simplifying racial arguments and a ‘White Savior’ complex, others proclaimed that it was a worthy winner due to its depiction of diverse ethnicities coming together and tearing down of stereotypes. While there are fair arguments on both sides, the truth may lie somewhere in the middle—and depends entirely on your perspective.

Directed by Peter Farrelly (Dumb and Dumber), Green Book tells the story of Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali, who won an Oscar for his performance), a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.

In truth, one can make compelling arguments for either the inherent dangers or merits of the film. While scenes where an ignorant Tony Lip attempts to ‘educate’ Dr. Shirley on what it means to appreciate African-American culture, these moments are also played to show the dangers and limitations of stereotyping as opposed to reinforcing them. Meanwhile, other scenes where a drunken Dr. Shirley is rescued from advancing racists by Tony Lip struggle to evade the echoes of a ‘white savior’ complex, despite their initially noble intentions.

Mahershala Ali as Dr. Donald Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as Tony Vallelonga in “Green Book,” directed by Peter Farrelly.

Though flawed, Green Book wants badly to be viewed as a film that seeks to explore the humanity underneath the stereotypes. As Dr. Shirley, Mahershala Ali portrays the man with dignity and courage in the midst of horrendous racial discrimination. (After all, we soon discover that accepting the dangers of this tour was ‘his choice’ in an effort to display the strength of the African-American culture.) However, there is also a complexity within him, as he battles social expectations upon him. In other words, Dr. Shirley is a man who doesn’t ‘fit’ into any particular social mold and this is a truth that becomes somewhat shocking to the uninformed Tony Lip. While Tony believes he sees the world properly, his experience with Dr. Shirley shatters his preconceived notions about social boxes and barriers. Whereas he once thought he understood what Dr. Shirley’s ‘people’ are like, he slowly begins to change his racist tendencies, whether they be conscious or unconscious.

Viggo Mortensen as Tony Vallelonga and Mahershala Ali as Dr. Donald Shirley in “Green Book,” directed by Peter Farrelly.

For its release on disc, Green Book contains several special features, including Virtuoso Performances (a look at the two lead characters with commentary from Ali and Mortenson), An Unforgettable Friendship (which looks at the relationship between Tony and Dr. Shirley) and Going Beyond the Green Book, a short feature that discusses the meaning of the book itself and its significance during the days of racial segregation. (The last segment is of particular interest given the fact that the film itself falls short in explaining the Green Book and its relevance.)

Despite its failings (in fact, arguably because of them), Green Book is an important view. Regardless of whether you support or despise the film’s description of race, this is a film that wishes to speak to our common humanity, despite the social barriers that we build between ourselves.

Green Book is now available on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD or Digital Download.

Giveaway! GREEN BOOK in 4K

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Dr Don Shirley (Oscar winner Mahershala Ali) is a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits ‘Tony Lip’ Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.


The winner will receive a copy of the Green Book 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo Edition and a Grinch hat.

To enter, simply like or share our post on Facebook and answer the following question in the comment section: What is your favourite Mahershala Ali role? Why?

For a bonus entry, like or share the post on Twitter and Instagram.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Monday, March 11th, 2019.

 

Green Book is currently available on digital and will be released on Blu-Ray on Tuesday, March 12th, 2019

Mahershala Ali as Dr. Donald Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as Tony Vallelonga in “Green Book,” directed by Peter Farrelly.

5.11 Problems and Praise in GREEN BOOK

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When the name Green Book was read aloud as the winner of Best Picture at the 91st Oscars last week, it erupted a firestorm of controversy. While some pronounced the film as outdated and problematic in its portrayal of racial issues in today’s culture, others defended the film and authenticity. This week, we welcome back ScreenFish’rs Chris Utley and Shelley McVea to challenge the film’s arguments about stereotypes, the merit (or not) of its depiction of dignity and its responsibility to get the facts straight. 

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, SoundCloud or on Spotify! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or more!

5.11 Green Book

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

Thanks Chris and Shelley for joining us!

Green Book: Because You Can Do Better

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Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) was a tough New York bouncer working hard to provide for his family. When the club he worked for closed, Tony needed quick work to pay the bills. He heard of an opportunity driving and providing security for a doctor.

Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) (a doctor of music, psychology and liturgical arts) was a well-educated and well-respected classical pianist who was embarking on a tour in the deep south. In the 1960’s, this was a very dangerous feat for a Jamaican-American.

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There is a very obvious and fascinating juxtaposition between Dr. Shirley and Tony Lip. Don was an extremely prim individual while Tony was a more rough and tumble, crass man.

We don’t get the best first impression of Tony during an early scene where two black repairmen attend the Vallelonga home. Tony’s wife, Delores (Linda Cardellini), offers them a drink. When they leave, Tony throws out the glasses they had drank from. It was actually quite shocking. It was also fairly obvious that Tony wasn’t comfortable having a black man for a boss, but he needed the money. Tony got flak from various people throughout the film for answering to a black man.

As the film progresses, we see a very different side to Dr. Shirley. Contrary to his on (and off) stage persona, Don was a very lonely man who struggled with alcoholism and his sexuality. He appeared to be damaged by past experiences but typically took the high road and didn’t treat people the way that they treated him.

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As Tony and Don spent more time together, we see a slow respect start to build between them. Tony gets to witness the disgraceful racial treatment that Don is subjected to and he grows protective of him, not only as his boss, but as a human being. Tony can finally see how abhorrent this behaviour is and how no one is ever deserving of it. It’s shocking to think that this happened a mere 50 some years ago. We have certainly come a long way in the fight for equality but we’re so obviously not at the finish line yet. I truly hope this film can open some eyes.

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Dr. Shirley seems inspired by Tony’s marriage. He didn’t have a relationship like that himself, but appears to find joy in helping Tony write to his wife while they’re on tour. How incredible those letters must be, and I’m sure they will be family heirlooms for generations.

Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly, does a fantastic job at tugging on your heart strings, making you belly laugh, and simultaneously enraging you. It is a very important story to be told. The incredible rekindling of love between Tony and Delores with the hand written letters. The infuriating injustice of the prejudice in the deep south in the 60’s along with the mental and physical abuse that Dr. Shirley put up with. It is a story about a deep friendship between two complete opposites. It’s a stunning piece of art.

The name Green Book stems from a guidebook of sorts called “The Negro Motorist Green Book” or just “The Green Book”. This guidebook assisted people of colour in how to navigate the serious racial segregation in southern America. There were “Jim Crow laws” that actually enforced segregation during this time. Tony Lip had to become well versed in “The Green Book” to properly care for Dr. Shirley during their tour. And this came in handy with their inevitable and numerous run-ins with law enforcement, hotels, restaurants and civilians.

One of Tony and Delores’ real life sons, Nick Vallelonga, was a producer and writer for the film, and even made a cameo. This is obviously a passion project for Nick, and his passion for the story clearly spread to the rest of the cast and crew. It’s like they all became part of the Vallelonga family during the process.

I was initially tempted to ask Nick Vallelonga at the press conference if he had ever thought about publishing the letters.  But then I thought how much more special it would be to keep them private within the family. The movie gives us the overall story and a taste of some of the letters. And the rest can be left for the Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and so on.

To hear the complete audio recording from the Green Book press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival, click here.

Green Book won the Grolsch People’s Choice award at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.  And I’m feeling Oscar buzz!

Green Book will be released in a number of States in America on November 16, 2018, and will expand for a wider release on November 21, 2018.

Moonlight: Best Picture Winner – Who Is You?

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“At some point you need to decide for yourself who you gonna be. Can’t let nobody make that decision.”

“Who is you?”

Moonlight

Identity is a central focus of Moonlight, a story that follows an African American character (Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Travonta Rhodes) through three stages in his life. Known variously as Little, Chiron, and Black (those names serve as the chapter titles of the three stages of his life) this character is struggling to know who he is and what his place is in the world. As a child Chiron (his real name) is being raised by a drug addicted mother (Naomie Harris) in a tough housing project in Miami. He’s tentative and uneasy with the other children whotorment and bully him. He is befriended by Juan (Mahershala Ali), a black Cuban American, and his girlfriend Teresa (Janelle Monáe), who become surrogate parents, especially Teresa.

Moonlight

As an adolescent, he’s struggling to understand his sexuality. He is still being bullied, but now because it is assumed he is gay. An old childhood friend, Kevin (also played by a variety of actors through the story), connects with him while all others shun him. Yet a betrayal leads Chiron into a very new phase of his life.

As an adult Chiron seems to have found his place in the world, but it is not the life we may have hoped for him. When he gets a call from someone in his past, he decides to go see where that may lead. Perhaps there is more to who Chiron has become than his outward life would imply.

In each stage, Chiron struggles to know who he is as opposed to who everyone else thinks he is. While this is touted as a study of the African American coming of age experience, it is far more universal than that description would suggest. At each stage in his life there are forces at work on him—some positive, others destructive, still others that have potential to be either. There are people he loves along the way, but those people are often the ones who disappoint him the most. He has to choose the roads he will travel—and the person he will be.

While we might look at Chiron’s life and see the various influences that pushed him, we know that in the end it is Chiron who is ultimately responsible for who he is and who he is yet to become. His struggle for identity is not settled at the end of the film. There may well be more to come than he has allowed himself to imagine.

Photos courtesy of A24

The Best Picture and Original Screenplay winning film comes with the audio commentary by director Barry Jenkins, a take on the making of the film, a focus on music, and the on-set filming in Miami. 

3.13 Finding Ourselves in the MOONLIGHT

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This week, Steve welcomes back Audra Grey-Choy and Shelley McVea to wrestle with issues of identity, sexuality and cultural definitions of masculinity in Barry Jenkins’ MOONLIGHT!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.13 Moonlight

A very special thanks to Audra (Adonai Creative Arts) and Shelley for coming back on the show!