I've been covering the dark cloud of controversy that's been looming over Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book,” a film that, in all likelihood, will be nominated for Best Picture, and all this despite Viggo Mortensen uttering the N-word last month at a Q&A, and despite accusations implying that it goes against the current grain of progressive thought, with the term "white savior" having been uttered more than a few times by film journalists.
Read moreMahershala Ali: Viggo Mortensen’s Use of the N-Word Was ‘Hurtful,’ but ‘I Can Accept His Apology'
I will say this: Words do matter, but Mahershala Ali's statement today about the "n-word" and how its use “by those who aren’t black," not being "up for debate” is rather interesting and, ironically, opens up debate. For years now the word has been used by the people it was historically used to humiliate — many believe as a way to reclaim it. But does that make logical sense? Maybe the past should be the past and the word should be condemned by all, not being used as a way to let it die a slow death.
Read moreViggo Mortensen Apologizes After Using The N-Word During ‘Green Book’ Q&A
During a Q&A following a screening of his latest film "Green Book" on Wednesday (via THR), a film about racism in the 1960's, Viggo Mortensen answered a question by using the N-word. The actor was trying to describe how progress is being made in today’s climate. The gist of what he said was about how racism came in waves, saying “I’m gonna go off on a tangent here, but it’s important, and I don’t like saying the word, but, for instance, people don’t say n—— anymore.”
Read more‘True Detective’ Season 3 Trailer: Mahershala Ali Tackles Murder-Mystery in the Ozarks
The original director for the third season of HBO's 'True Detective" was supposed to be Jeremy Saulnier (“Green Room,” “Blue Ruin”) but “creative differences” with creator Nic Pizzolatto, following the completion of just two episodes, had Saulnier entirely scrapped from the project. Enter the hiring of director Daniel Sackheim, known for directing several episodes of FX‘s “The Americans,” and Pizzolatto himself who would be directing around 60% of the show. Good God. You go from hiring a cinematic talent such as Saulnier to getting a TV director to replace him?
Read moreViggo Mortensen & Mahershala Ali Drama ‘Green Book’ Wins 2018 Toronto Film Festival People’s Choice Award
The very worthy winner of the coveted Grolsch People’s Choice Award, Peter Farrelly’s Green Book is the dictionary definition of crowd-pleaser. Featuring one of the funniest scripts I’ve seen in ages, it has immense relevance to America’s current flareup of racial animosity. It’s the true story of an Italian-American driver Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) hired in the early ’60s to drive renowned African-American pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) on a concert tour through racist bible-belt states. From casting, to direction, to wry witty writing, this movie fires on all cylinders. [Review]
Read more'Green Book' is high-level mainstream entertainment [TIFF]
"Green Book" is directed by Peter Farelly who, along with his brother Bobby, is the 'auteur' that gave us such classic artistic statements as "Dumb and Dumber," and "There Something About Mary." Presenting "Green Book" at the world premiere last night, Farelly, unsurprisingly, mentioned, that after 40 years in the industry, this was the first time he got to present one of his movies at a film festival. With "Green Book" he may have just delivered the most successful and rousing screening of any filmmaker this festival.
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