63 thoughts on “Blog #170 – Green Book”

1. Libby Knoper May 29, 2024 at 11:21 am

   3. The historical elements in the film let me know that it took place in 1962. There are some clues in the first scene that it took place in the late 1900s because of the music being played, how they talk, how they act, and how they dress. Then we can narrow it down because of the cars being driven in the film. The way they dress reflects the 1960s with the striped shirts and jeans for casual wear and the suit and tie for professional business wear. The settings also reflect the decade because of the flowered curtains and flowered wallpapers in houses and buildings. The cars that were being driven were the 1962 Cadillac Sedan DeVilles which also gives us a hint about the decade that the movie takes place in.
   4. This move from tolerance to friendship happened because of the time that was spent together on the road. During their first interaction, they didn’t seem to get on the right foot. During their first trip together, they were only tolerating each other because Dr. Shirley just wanted to get through his tour and Tony just wanted to drive around to get money for his family. Tony seemed very nonchalant about the proper ways that Dr. Shirley thinks of. Tony also seems to make racist remarks about African Americans. After Dr. Shirley’s first stop on the tour, Tony and Shirley start to talk a little about the radio and the music that is on the radio. This is bringing them a bit closer together. Throughout the film, you can see Tony warming up to Dr. Shirley and respects him more. Dr. Shirley is also warming up to Tony, he also teaches Tony some of the manners he has when Tony steals a jade rock, Dr. Shirley wouldn’t let him drive until he paid for it or put it back. This shows that Dr. Shirley carries himself very highly. This shows that Dr. Shirley and Tony are rubbing off on each other. Dr. Shirley is holding Tony more accountable for things when on the road and in public. Tony is teaching Dr. Shirley how to eat without utensils when Tony gets Kentucky Fried Chicken and teaches him that he doesn’t always have to be proper to have fun and be successful. When Dr. Shirley gets beat up, Tony gets him out of trouble using the skills that he learned from the Bronx to protect Dr. Shirley. At this point, Tony seems to actually start caring about Dr. Shirley not just because he is his boss and is paying him.
   5. This movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago is important because of the time that it was in. In the 1960s, there was segregation and the fact that they made a friendship when it wasn’t common to be friends with or associate with African Americans, this friendship is an important part of history. This friendship speaks to today’s audience that there were people who didn’t care about the color of people’s skin and would work for and work with African Americans even considering the time and the norms of society. This friendship was one of the starting blocks for our society today and there didn’t have to be segregation among people.
2. Corinne May 29, 2024 at 2:51 pm

   Dr. Shirley is very insistent on what he wants, presenting himself properly and showing avoidance of direct confrontation. When Tony acts embarrassingly in public, Dr. Shirley attempts to coach him and refine his manners. Despite the benefits he gets, he still faces microaggressions, even from Tony, and is always thinking about the racist culture surrounding him, such as when he points out that the other guys playing the game have no choice but to stay outside. When the white Southerners refuse to let him use the whites only bathroom, he keeps composure, but firmly stands for what he believes in, opting to return to his motel rather than use the outhouse.

   In a time when Black Americans were widely and legally discriminated against simply for existing, his decision to tour the Deep South, the region of America most notorious for racism at this time, shows bravery in itself. Moreover, he’s showing his extraordinary talents and proving that a Black person could achieve great things and be onstage no matter what anyone tried to say about it. In the South, he faces danger everywhere he goes, as proven when the men in the bar try to beat him up.
   The technology, clothing, hair, and speech let viewers know that the movie takes place in the early 60s. For example, when Tony and his wife are in bed, they receive a call on a landline rotary telephone. Additionally, his wife sports a curled, voluminous hairstyle, a trademark 60s look. The buildings they visit, the KFC, for example, have outdated looks to them. Lastly, Dr. Shirley’s treatment by white people is very telling of the decade.
   At the start of the movie, Tony’s wife is hesitant to have him work for a Black man, but he reluctantly takes the job. As they begin to travel, the two get into multiple scuffles and annoy each other frequently with their differences in composure, manner of speaking, and habits. Over the course of the movie, however, the two grow more comfortable with one another, with Tony even fighting for the Steinway and both of them eating chicken together. They begin to care for each other by the end, often helping each other out.
   This movie reminds modern audiences of the differences between friendships today and in the past. In today’s world, interracial friendships are exponentially more common than in the 60s, and not looked upon in the same way as they were by many judgmental people back then. With this highlighting of the contrast between the time periods, it makes viewers feel luckier about living in a society where normal, innocent friendships aren’t as stigmatized.
3. Lynn Meradi May 30, 2024 at 10:17 am

   2. With Dr. Shirley being a black performer in the 60s, he experiences multiple forms of micro-aggressions and even when trying to get a drink at a bar, he gets attacked. Being on the front lines during the Civil Rights movement is real for Dr. Shirley because he’s putting himself out there as a pianist, while still facing backlash from a few black men by mocking Dr. Shilrey about his suit and how they assume that he feels superior to them, even though that is not the case. Being a successful and talented man during this time means that he’s going to face audiences who support him and bystanders who look down on him, an example is when a server stops Dr. Shirley from using the restroom in the house he just performed in and wanted him to use a shed outside for the toilet.

   3. The outfits that each character wore embodied the decade at the time, with many collared and striped shirts for the men plus their hairstyles being in slick gel side parts, which was popular at the time. As for the women, we see they start to wear pants and not just skirts and dresses. The sets for the movie also make it apparent this is in the ’60s because of the curtain and floral wallpaper with beige and light pink colors. The music that is portrayed also shows what was popular for its time such things as jazz and the microphones they used to perform, along with the jazz clubs that these performances would be set in. As for the interactions between people, when Tony first meets Dr. Shirley, Shirley asks if it will be a problem for Tony to work for a black man, which shows the racial segregation at the time. The cars shown in the film are also very apparent in the decade this is set in.

   4. Within their first interaction, Tony and Dr. Shirley don’t seem to get off on the right foot just yet, just tolerate each other and simply want to do business with one another. It was also apparent that Tony expressed racist ideas before going off for two months to work for Dr. Shirley. With their first drive together, Dr. Shirley seems to have a very serious and focused demeanor, while Tony has a very lenient and nonchalant persona. This was shown when they were discussing a book cover about demons and Dr. Shirley said it in a very pensive tone, while Tony makes a joke out of it, which shows the beginning of the dynamic between them, conveying how opposites attract friendship. Dr. Shirley begins to show care for Tony’s character when he steals a rock and starts to show him manners by telling him to go back and pay for it because Dr. Shirley cares for how he carries himself. The turning point of their friendship would have to be when they got to their second show and Tony hits the handyman for refusing to get Dr. Shirley his proper piano and defending him and getting him what he wants. They start to get to know each other through their drives by asking questions about each other like with getting to know their families. Their bonding continues when Dr. Shirley tries fried chicken for the first time and they both enjoy themselves with each of them learning new things from one another.
4. Carl May 30, 2024 at 10:31 am

   2. Dr. Don Shirley, as portrayed in “Green Book,” played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement by performing in the Deep South during a period of intense racial segregation and discrimination. Dr. Shirley challenged societal norms and prejudices directly through his presence and performance by being a highly talented and respected African American pianist touring in regions where these practices were deeply entrenched. His tour of the Deep South put him in direct confrontation with segregation laws and customs. He was performing in venues that, under normal circumstances, would not have welcomed African Americans, especially not in the elevated and dignified manner he presented himself. This can be seen multiple times throughout the movie when he is barred from areas reserved for white people. Additionally, his performances demonstrated the artistic capabilities of African Americans, countering the prevailing stereotypes and racism. By excelling in a field traditionally dominated by white artists, he was asserting the equality and humanity of black people.

   3. There are multiple elements in the film that lets the audience know that the movie takes place in 1962. Throughout the movie, we see the impact of segregation laws that were prevalent in the South during this era. These Jim Crow laws were evident in the separate accommodations for black and white people, such as hotels, restaurants, and bathrooms. The film’s title is also an allusion to “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a travel guide that helped African Americans find safe places to stay and eat during their travels through the South. Additionally, the movie includes references to real historical events and figures from the 1960s, including mentions of the Civil Rights Movement and the general atmosphere of racial tension. The film also portrays the fashion, cars, music, and aesthetics of the early ’60s.

   4. At the beginning of the film, there is significant tension between Tony, an Italian-American bouncer with prejudiced views, and Dr. Shirley, an educated African American musician. Their cultural differences and lack of mutual respect create a strained relationship. However, they encounter many challenges as they travel through the Deep South. Tony witnesses firsthand the racism Dr. Shirley faces, which begins to shift his perspective.Over time, they come to rely on each other for assistance.
5. Baity Wagner May 30, 2024 at 11:20 am

   2) Although not a literal interpretation, I believed that whoever said this meant that Dr. Shirley was representing how the rights of black people were slowly advancing. He was struggling but he was fighting discrimination, microaggressions, and physical violence in the deep south in order to play for high society. He is an important representation of how black people are not inferior to white people or any other race. He is capable of being a prodigy at the piano and being an extremely intelligent man. He does the things that white people think that he can’t do. If other black people see him playing, being successful and courageous it will no doubt inspire others to join the civil rights movement.

   3)The jazz clubs, pink tile, indoor smoking, always seeing women in formal clothing, “how would you feel working for a black man”, racial slurs, tile in restaurants?! (seriously, if this comes back in style I’m gonna die!), womens hairstyles, the cars, diners, the segregated public places, hate crimes, and the unreliability of cars

   4)Being forced to spend time with another person can do a lot for you. It can erase a lot of prejudice you might have. Tony learned how smart and capable Dr. Shirley. He can now empathize with his struggles. He quickly learns how smart he is and follows his order with little resistance. Seeing Dr. Shirley getting hate crimed and saving him strengthens their bond. Being in difficult situations like this unites people. I believe the only way to truly empathize with someone is to see their situation firsthand and live it for yourself and Tony may not be exactly living it but he’s seeing it firsthand almost everyday. I also believe that Tony respects Dr. Shirley’s even temper which I don’t think Tony has. Dr. Shirley and Tony have both gotten each other out of trouble before, they have each others back wether they like it or not but eventually you can’t just tolerate that. If someone repeatedly has your back, you will eventually grow fond of them. Dr. Shirley never resorts to snapiness or bullying, he has disciplined him but he has been nice.
6. Safiya Mahmood May 30, 2024 at 11:23 am

   #3) Green Book makes it clear that it’s set in the 1960s in a few ways. One of them is the “Motorist Green Book,” which was a guide used by African-American travelers to find safe places to eat and stay during the era of segregation. This book shows the systemic racism in the United States at the time. Additionally, the film also references the Civil Rights Movement, by showing the racial segregation through segregated public places and the violence against people of color. The early 1960s is also reflected in Dr. Don Shirley’s musical career for example, the type of venues he performs at is made clear that the style and fashion of them is from the 60s. In addition how the audiences treat him make it clear that it was a time were racism was clearly normalized.

   #4) At the beginning of their journey, Tony seems to have racial prejudices and displays ignorance about African-American culture, while Dr. Shirley appears kind of condescending towards Tony. But, as they travel together, they face many challenges, mainly the racism directed at Dr. Shirley. Tony sees this unfairness firsthand, which leads to a change in his attitudes. Moments like Tony defending Dr. Shirley in a bar fight and standing by him when refusing to perform at a whites-only venue. Through their continued conversations, Tony learns about Dr. Shirley’s loneliness and struggles, while Dr. Shirley learns about Tony’s family values. This mutual vulnerability and shared experiences strengthen their bond.

   #5) “Green Book” is still relevant to today because it addresses going through racial discrimination. The film’s showcase of racial divides in the 1960s are not completely gone now either. There are still ongoing issues of racism and social inequality, just because segregation may have been put to an end plenty of people still experience prejudice due to their race. By showing the unlikely friendship between Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley, the film reminds people of the possibility of understanding even in a divided world. Their relationship shows that even in today’s world forming a friendship with anyone is possible despite whatever differences there may be.
7. Ashlyn May 30, 2024 at 11:37 am

   The actor Ali, shows the complexity of Dr. Shirley’s character of being a closeted black musician in this time in America. He does this when we see as he gets farther south more white people do not accept him and treat him differently because of the color of his skin. Also during this time, people a part of the LGBTQ+ community were not accepted in most of America, and most definitely not in the south. In the jail cell scene we see how Mr. Shirley tells Tony that there will be no violence when you are trying to fight for what is right.
   4. Throughout the film we see how Tony and Dr. Shirley’s relationship changes. At first Tony is uncomfortable and almost embarrassed that he is working for a black man. Soon, Tony see’s Dr. Shirly’s amazing talent on the piano and begins to respect him. He eventually starts joking with him about KFC and how Doc has never had it which is crazy to him. Then we see Tony writing a letter to his wife. Doc reads it and he helps Tony fix the letter and his wife absolutely loves it. After they are in the jail cell they have a fight about things that Tony said that Doc did not like. After this, we see their relationship grow stronger now that Tony understands Dr. Shirley.
   Dr. Shirley is on the front lines of the Civil Rights movements because he is standing up for his rights in the part of the country that really does not accept him or give him his rights. At this time there were many revolts and black people standing up for their rights and Dr. Shirley is one of them. He performs all of these shows to show the people that he is one of them even though right after he steps off the stage he is treated differently once again. He stands up for the rights he deserves throughout the whole movie as he should and supports the civil rights movement by standing up for what is rightfully his.He also teaches people like Tony that he lacks the rights he deserves.
8. Maggie W May 30, 2024 at 1:07 pm

   1. How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.
   Being a closeted Black musician means that he is everything that Jim Crow America hates. I assume that Dr. Shirley must struggle with this internally and may even internalize some of this hate directed at him. Tony says that he thinks Dr. Shirley gets sad a lot and that is why he drinks a lot. It would be difficult for Dr. Shirley to live in the United States because he won’t ever be accepted for who he truly is in that time period. Dr. Shirley could never be enough for everyone, they were all telling him he wasn’t enough whether that was black enough, or married enough, etc.
   2. Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
   Dr. Shirley asked to go to the south to play which shows his advocacy. It is unfortunate but his diction, proper clothes, and his piano playing appeals to white people and somewhat shows rich white people that he is more like them. He said it makes them feel cultured. But they are still racist. But it also shows that he can be just as successful unlike what their racial prejudice might assume. Dr. Shirley also doesn’t settle for anything less than equality and doesn’t take excuses. If someone is treating him disrespectfully he does what he needs to do and usually just walks away because he says that “dignity always prevails” and that you never win with violence.
   3. What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
   In this movie we saw multiple things that lend to the 1962 time period. Examples are, racial prejudice like the men being scared about Dolores being alone with black handymen, there were only rich white people at the Copa in the beginning, the old style of cars and clothing, Tony smoked inside, the racial discrimination when on the piano tour in the south. In the south, Dr. Shirley has to stay at a ‘colored only’ motel, is told by a white man that he has to use an old outhouse and not their nice bathroom inside, and is told that he isn’t allowed to try on a suit in a store. Dr. Shirley was arrested for being with a man and this shows the homophobia in the 60s.
9. Ashley G May 30, 2024 at 1:09 pm

   3. At the start of the film there are two african american workers who had come to work on the plumbing at Tony’s house and a group of men came over to make sure the family stayed safe while they were working. The wife also offers the men lemonade and after they drink out of it Tony goes into the kitchen and throws away the glasses the African American men had just drank out of. Also when Tony and Dr.Shirley stop for the night in Kentucky,Dr.Shirley gets dropped off at a motel that is for colored people only. Whereas Tony goes down the street to a nicer motel for white people to stay at. Also that same night Dr.Shirley went to go get a drink at a bar and he gets beat up by a group of white people and Tony has to come and save him. These things tell how it is set in the 1960s because of the intense segregation as well as the cultural things happening with the way that technology is portrayed in the film and the style of music.

   2. There is an extremely powerful scene in the film where Tony and Dr. Shirley’s car breaks down on the side of the road. As Tony is fixing Dr.Shirley’s car Dr.Shirley observes a field of African slaves working in the fields. This really shows how Dr.Shirley was on the frontlines of the deep south by observing the slavery that was still happening at the time. This also is very powerful because Dr.Shirley is an African American himself but back where he comes from he is more tolerated. So this really shows the difference between african americans in the north vs the south.

   5. Racism is unfortunately still prominent even in today’s time. I would say that Tony and Dr.Shirley’s friendship is very unique to this time period. I know that this is unique because of peoples reactions of seeing them together in this movie. Tony learns so much from Dr.Shirley with his wisdom which typically is not the case when it comes to relationships between black and white people. Although racism is still prominent today Dr. shirley and Tony exemplify the relationships that are more common today,two people who treat each other with respect and protection.
10. Sylvia Duncan May 30, 2024 at 1:12 pm

    4, How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    In The beginning when Tony is going to the bathroom at the side of the road, he takes his wallet with him because he doesn’t trust leaving his wallet with Don. Also in the beginning Don criticizes the way that Tony speaks and tells him to use less profanity and to change how he speaks. When Tony gives Don the chicken, Don starts to trust Tony more as he enjoys the chicken and starts to enjoy his presence. Then when Tony saves Doc from people who attacked him at the bar, Don starts to trust that Tony is there to protect him. When Dr. Shirley helps Tony with his letters, they start to feel a better connection because Doc is directly helping Tony and helping him learn how to write good, detailed letters. When Doc helps Tony write the letter to his wife, its directly helping him communicate with his wife and make her happy, which makes him feel comfortable with him.
    3, What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    The cars are the type that you would see in the olden days and everyone smoking was seen as normal at the time as everyone smoked. Also when they went to the fist hotel it is mentioned that african americans workers were not allowed to work inside the building, since they would not want to be seen. They listened to Arteatha Franklin, who was a popular singer at the time. The scene where the car breaks down, Doc sees black people working in the fields(could be sharecropping/slavery with little pay). The men and women look at him in awe, as he’s wearing a nice suit and looks wealthy. Also, Tony who is Italian gets called “half black” by a policeman who pulls him over and this leads to Tony hitting him in the face. This is a viewpoint that reflects 1962 because at the time Italians were not seen as white and were discriminated against.
    2, Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Going to the deep south is a dangerous place with a lot of discrimination and a lot of things aren’t available for Dr. Shirley. Dr. Shirley went down to the Deep South anyway and showed off his great talent that stunned many people. People In the south might have discriminatory views that people like him who are african american can’t do certain things like perform classical music. But Dr. Shirely blows all of that out of the window by showing how talented african americans can be including him and to not have a bad view of them. The Civil rights movement was a movement filled with fighting for rights and to have equal chances as white people. Dr. Shirley fought for his rights and certain places and shows that his time was important. If the people in the Deep South weren’t going to treat him right, then they did not deserve to hear his magical music.
11. Saanvi May 30, 2024 at 1:28 pm

    Dr. Shirley faces discrimination for both his race and sexuality. From the beginning, he had to hire someone to make sure he was not killed on the tour, choosing the right hotels, and other concerns, something that most people would never have had to think about. During his travels he faced immense discrimination from physical violence, to not being able to buy suits, and being targeted by the cops in the sundown town. They could have have taken the id through the window chose to drag him in the rain, and arrested him for no reason and called him “it”. When he was caught in the YMCA, he faced his career being ruined and he has to live alone because he can not be with the person that he loves. This can also be seen after they get out of the jail in the rain and he explains how he is not white enough, black enough or man enough. This shows the depth of his struggles. Even though he is seen as amazing on stage, most of the people watching him only want to see him to say they arent racist but do not care about him.
    First the music in the opening scenes and the clothing is a hint to the time period. The racism is also very prevalent in the beginning when everyone is upset that black men are doing “an italians job” and he throws away the glass that they drink it up from. Another historical element is he calls Kenedy the attorney general which gives a big hit to the time period.
    The change from hating eachother to being friends is because they actually learned about each other. Tony recodnizes that black people are not inherinlty less than him or a threat to his livelihood. He also acknowlegeds that he has room to grow and learn which Dr. Shirley can provide him (like how to write letters). Dr. Shirley relizes that as smart as he is, he has things he can learn how to lay back (like when he eats with his hands in the car). Their mutual understanding of one another results in friendship which grows because they are also able to be honest with each other and call each other out when they mess up like Tony calling out Shirley for always giving in and Shirley telling tony to stop beating people up because violence was tnot the answer. They also have trust in eachother that they can get through whatever they face together.
12. Felipe S. May 30, 2024 at 1:29 pm

    Mahershala Ali portrays Dr. Don Shirley in a very complex fashion and this can be seen in many ways and the first way is his professional excellence and Isolation. He is an immensely talented and highly educated pianist who is set apart from white society because he is black and he is disconnected from the African American community because he is seen as “white” because of his mannerisms. The next way this is shown is how he struggles to maintain his dignity when he is being discriminated against because of his race. He faces humiliation many times like being denied the use of a restroom and tries to hide his emotions after being humiliated.
    3–We know that this is in 1962 because portrayed, we see many of the struggles faced by the pianist, typical of the 1960’s. There are scenes showing Jim Crow laws where the pianist can’t go to the bathroom and things like that. The cars that they use are also old-school cars from the 60s. In the film they also use technology that is characteristic of the early 1960s. They use rotary dial telephones, typewriters and other gadgets that were part of that era. They also called Bobby Kennedy who saved them from being locked up in a jail.
    5- Green Book resonates with present-day audiences and speaks to them in assuring them that because of friendships like these that happened in real life, we have now made outstanding progress towards the increasing freedoms and civil rights minorities are attaining. This movie promotes interracial friendship and cooperation which speaks to youth. Following the path of these two people can be inspired to become allies of the causes of others and this movie promotes the importance of empathy, understanding, and solidarity. Green Book is a revolutionary story not only of a genuine friendship, which it very accurately portrays, but a parallel to our lives as it addresses themes that are very much relevant in today’s world and society. Race, identity, and human connection are themes portrayed in this movie that youth today must face every day so this movie speaks a lot to them
13. Sofia B May 30, 2024 at 1:34 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.

    Dr. Shirley was representing Black success in a place that is highly racist and doesn’t like to see black people succeed. Dr. Shirley also brings up a good point when talking about the bars after he got beat up in Kentucky. He said that geography doesn’t matter and that could happen anywhere. In the scene where the car breaks down Dr. Shirley is a symbol of hope to the black farmers in Kentucky where racism was so strong that it seemed like many black people wouldn’t be able to move up but Dr. Shirley was successful enough to afford nice clothing and a driver. At the restaurant in Alabama, Dr. Shirley refused to play after being denied a seat to eat at in the restaurant. When he was walking out, one of the waiters who was black smiled due to the inspiration that Dr. Shirley showed him. Dr. Shirley continued to inspire people when he played piano in the bar. Classical music was viewed as high-class and therefore associated with white people but Dr. Shirley played a Chopin etude, a very hard piece, extremely well which shocked and inspired everyone in the bar.

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.

    Some details that let the audience know that it’s 1962 include the black and white television, the band in the beginning (mainly the type of music being played), and the cars. The interaction between white and black people also lets us know that this takes place in the 60s. For example, in the beginning when the men come to fix the dishwasher, Tony throws out their cups just because of their skin color.

    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.

    Both of them have vastly different personalities and Tony’s first impression of Dr. Shirley was pompous. Dr. Shirley is serious while Tony is more silly. Their personalities don’t mesh well so they don’t get along well at first. Tony and Dr. Shirley start to get closer. We see this when they share fried chicken in the car. This is the first seen where we see them both laughing together. We also see them becoming closer friends when Dr. Shirley helps Tony write a letter back to his wife. Another example of the developing friendship between Tony and Dr. Shirley is after Tony saves Dr. Shirley from being arrested says that he was truly concerned for Dr. Shirley and wasn’t just saving him to make money. When they stayed in the same hotel, Tony finally thanked Dr. Shirley for helping him write his letters showing that he is starting to appreciate Dr. Shirley. When driving home to New York, Dr. Shirley drives Tony back because he is tired and lets Tony sleep in the backseat with the blanket showing that Dr. Shirley respects and truly cares about Tony. At the very end, Dr. Shirley comes to Tony’s house for Christmas dinner.
14. Myles Rontal May 30, 2024 at 1:36 pm

    There are all colored hotels in the movie which means that it has to be before 1964 because the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 which allowed Black and White people to integrate in public places. This was not allowed in the movie. There was also violence that occurred in the movie that would have been punishable in today’s day and age. Also, there was a civil rights movement during the period of the movie so we know it has to be in the 1960s. There was a great disparity between the rich and the poor and we saw ethnic neighborhoods seen with Tom’s Italian neighborhood. We also saw African Americans working in the fields which means that there was less urbanization than there is today. It also mentioned that “six years ago in 1956 Dr. Shirley was attacked.” This proves that this movie takes place in 1962.
    Ali adds complexity. He shows how people who pay to watch his shows don’t give any respect to Dr. Shirley because he is black. Then his people don’t give him respect because he plays classical music and lives “in a castle”. Dr. Shirley has an identity crisis because he doesn’t fit into a set group of people and isn’t truly accepted by anybody. This is first seen when he performs in and is asked to use the house outside instead of using the All-White bathrooms. This is seen again in his tantrum after they got bailed out of jail by the attorney general. In this tantrum, Shirley exclaims that nobody supports Shirley and after his shows, he is just another African American person who is lonely and has little rights. After this, Dr. Shirley refuses to eat dinner with the guests before the last performance which shows the irony and complexity of segregation because the guests and the managers are okay with having Dr. Shirley play and get paid for his service, but they won’t let him eat with his band before performing. This process of systemic racism and prejudice has degraded Shirley and has allowed the bodyguard Tom to resort to violence. Throughout the movie, Dr. Shirley faces obstacles such as alcoholism and alienation.
    What happens is that when the tension between them dies down they realize they have a lot in common although they are different races and in different monetary classes. Dr. Shirley realizes that Tom the bodyguard can help him combat the racism he faces and allow him to use his talents effectively instead of worrying about the violence he will face without protection. They develop a strong bond together because each of them teaches the other ways to fix the ongoing issues they have in their lives. For example, Dr. Shirley helps Tom become less violent as well as helps his anger management, and in return, Tom helps Dr. Shirley with his depression and alienation.
15. Camelia May 30, 2024 at 1:40 pm

    2. Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano on a tour of the Deep South in 1962.

    Dr. Shirely can be described as being “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” because of how unconventional it was for him as a black man to be going down to not only the South but the Deep South. The heavy racism around the whole country especially concentrated in the South made this extremely dangerous for Dr. Shirley. Dr. Shirely’s goal was to spread his music and art by also showing that a black man can be just as, if not more, talented than a white man. While Dr. Shirely was welcomed into wealthier people’s homes and restaurants to play he wasn’t allowed to use their restrooms, etc. This shows how segregated the South still was even though black people were considered to be “free”. Dr. Shirely was considered to be on the “front lines” because of the danger he put himself into by playing in the South, and by also proving his point and fighting for equality through his show of talent and music.

    3. What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.

    While the movie never specifically says what year it was taken place some hints let you know the decade/year. We know that the movie takes place in around 1962 because of the evident racism and segregation present in the day-to-day life throughout the movie. An example is when Dr. Shirely hires Tony as his driver because Dr. Shirely needs protection from the white men while in the South. Another example is directly related to the name of the film, The Green Book. The book was given to Tony as a guide to black-friendly restaurants, hotels, etc., to make getting around Jim Crow America easier. Another huge hint of the period of the movie is when the attorney general Robert F. Kennedy was mentioned in the film, the reason why this is such a notable hint is because Kennedy was in office from 1961-64. These facts plus more in the movie all prove the period to be around 1962 without the writers having to state it in the movie’s script directly.

    5. How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?

    The movie’s purpose through the friendship of Dr. Shirely and Tony was to prove that just because you are different, no matter your race, gender, sexuality, etc. you can still bloom and have a friendship blossom by embracing your natural differences. Being different from someone does not have to be a bad thing, if anything it can teach you more and allow you to learn about new people, cultures, traditions, and experiences that you wouldn’t have known otherwise. This can be related to today’s politics. Our country is extremely divided on the subject. We need to realize and take a page out of Shirley and Tony’s book and realize that we can overcome this divide as a country and a people and blossom a connection we thought was never possible because of all the violence associated with being different from one another. Violence coming from being or believing in something different has always been timeless and I suspect will stick around forever, but we can work to minimize it as much as possible.
16. Shania Parks May 30, 2024 at 1:43 pm

    1.Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley shows his complexity by highlighting the many layers of his character as a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America. Ali presents Dr. Shirley as a sophisticated and talented pianist who has to deal with severe racial discrimination. For example, Dr. Shirley is often forced to use segregated bathrooms and is sometimes denied service at restaurants, even in places where he is supposed to perform. Ali captures Dr. Shirley’s grace and dignity in these moments, showing how he handles these humiliations with calmness, even though he is clearly affected by them. Additionally, the film explores Dr. Shirley’s personal struggles, such as his loneliness and the pain of hiding his sexual orientation in a society that would judge him harshly. Ali’s performance reveals these inner conflicts, showing a man who is strong and vulnerable at the same time, fighting for his identity and respect in a hostile world.

    2. Dr. Shirley’s piano tour in the Deep South in 1962 placed him on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement because he was challenging racial prejudices simply by being there and performing. During this time, the South was very segregated, and Black people were treated as inferior. By performing in such a hostile environment, Dr. Shirley was making a statement against these racist attitudes. His music and presence forced white audiences to recognize his talent and humanity, which contradicted their racist beliefs. Even though he wasn’t giving speeches or marching in protests, his performances were a form of peaceful resistance. Dr. Shirley’s tour showed that Black Americans had dignity, culture, and talent, challenging the stereotypes and discrimination of the time. Just by playing the piano in these segregated areas, he was part of the fight for civil rights, showing bravery and resilience.

    3. The film “Green Book” includes several historical elements that indicate it takes place in 1962. One of the most prominent elements is the depiction of segregation in the South. The movie shows segregated bathrooms, restaurants, and hotels, reflecting the reality of the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial separation. The use of the “Green Book,” a travel guide for Black Americans to find safe places to stay and eat, is another clear historical detail. Additionally, the clothing styles, like Dr. Shirley’s elegant suits, and the music of the era, help set the time period. The cars and the overall look of the towns and cities they visit also match the early 1960s. All these details combined create a convincing picture of 1962, showing the social and cultural context of the time. The film effectively uses these historical elements to tell a story that is deeply rooted in the realities of the Civil Rights era.
17. Molly Heller May 30, 2024 at 2:02 pm

    1. Ali’s portrayal of Dr Shirley is a powerful and wealthy man, which is unusual for that time and shows his uniqueness. He is portrayed as confident in the sense that he is willing to and is choosing to go to the deep south to tour. When he hired Tony, he was paying him an extremely large amount of money for the 60’s which shows that he is much wealthier than Tony. There is complexity in the fact that he is a respected and extremely talented musician, but because of his race he continues to be disrespected and beat up by white people who think they’re better than him.
    4. Tony looks out for and sticks up for Dr Shirley, he helps to protect him and he begins to care about him the more they get to know each other. Dr Shirley doesn’t really have family, so in a sense, Tony became like family to him because of their relationship and how they became closer. They both introduced each other to things that they hadn;t experienced before. For example, Tony gave Dr Shirley fried chicken which he had never eaten before, and Dr Shirley provided Tony with more knowledge about his culture and life as well as he taught him how to write correctly. Dr Shirley and Tony accepted each other for who they were and didn’t need to change to be friends because they didn’t judge each other.
    5. This speaks to today’s audience because of how the times have been changing and our country now is more accepting of different cultures and races than it was back then. Friendship has always been around, but back then there were standards and separation that applied in friendships where you were only allowed to be friends with certain people but not with others. But this shows us that despite the situation that they were in, Tony and Dr Shirley got to choose to be friends, and no one could take that away from them despite their attempts to separate them in social standings. It shows how much our country has grown in many different ways and helps to represent the United States’ new identity.
18. Max S May 30, 2024 at 5:34 pm

    2. Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement”, by playing his Piano because he took initiative against what he thought was unfair and racially targeted. As a black performer in the 1960’s Shirley often performed in front of white crowds, those who overlooked his race while he was performing but denied him when he tried to assimilate and linger with them. Shirley however, was not okay with this. When he was denied to eat at a restaurant he would be performing at he was quick to talk back to the hostesses and was not intimidated by the fact that they were white men. He used the power of being the performer to take the white men off of their high horse and threatened to cancel on the white crowd, if. he wasn’t sat. Also, Dr. Shirley was a wealthy, well educated, well dressed man which was uncommon for most African Americans at the time which caused him to be discriminated against by fellow Black people and also White people.

    3. There were multiple indicators of the time period throughout the film. For example, the Cadillac Deville is one of the most recognizable automobiles from this time period and it was used throughout the movie. The music was also very fitting to the time period, and the sets had bright colors inside the homes and common wallpaper and prints used during this time. The women had a more relaxed approach when it came to work and it seemed like Tony’s wife was a typical stay at home wife. Finally the apparent racism in the film made it clear to me that this movie was filmed in the 1960’s. At the beginning of the movie Tony and the rest of his family seem skeptical of the African American workers that were helping fix their kitchen. Throughout the movie there are many examples of microaggressions and blatant racism which emphasizes how racially segregated America was at the time.

    4. I believe that the connection these two built during their time together caused them to draw closer together and realize that they were more alike than they thought. They both positively impacted one another, as Tony was a poor white Immigrant who did not have a steady job and a proper American education. Dr. Shirley on the other hand was a wealthy, educated, black man, who assisted Tony in writing love letters to his wife and helped him improve his overall usage and understanding of the language. Dr. Shirley was irritated by Tony because he did not understand why Mr. Shirley felt too sensitive to aggressions toward him about his race, but as the movie progressed and they were able to share more about their pasts Tony became more empathetic and understood where Dr. Shirley was coming from.
19. Ari Blank May 30, 2024 at 6:16 pm

    1. Dr. Shirley was close to the front lines of the civil rights movement for many reasons while he was on his piano tour in the Deep South. First, his actions and mannerisms were uncommon for a black man at the time. He was very proper in his speech, actions, and ideas. This forced some white Southerners to question their own racist beliefs. This was further exaggerated by his extreme talent for playing the piano. Secondly, the style of music he played was a blend of different styles. His audiences liked his music which continued to gain him respect. Finally, Dr. Shirley was still subjected to constant racism on his tour. Even when he was the most famous and important person at a show or event, he was still told that he had to use a different bathroom than all of the white people. He refused to do this multiple times, and he refused to do so. During his music tour, Dr. Shirley used his peaceful actions multiple times to help the civil rights movement.
    2.The film placed hints as to what year this movie took place. The big one that stuck out to me was the reference to Robert F. Kennedy. Dr. Shirley mentions that he called Attorney General Kennedy while in the jail cell. Kennedy was the Attorney General from 1961 to 1963, so the movie must have taken place in between these times. The cars in the movie also show that the film takes place in the 1960s. The bold tail fins on the touring car are an easily recognizable icon of the mid 1900s. I also recall Tony talking about and watching some baseball in the beginning of the movie. He lived in the Bronx, and he was probably a fan of the Yankees. The Yankees happened to be in the World Series in 1962, and there were many iconic plays in that 7 game series that Tony seemed to be hung up on. The time of year this movie started in was right at the time of the World Series, in the fall.
    3.The first interactions between Dr. Shirley and Tony seem to be tense, and Dr. Shirley is clearly not happy with all of Tony’s actions. During the first car ride of the tour, Dr. Shirley asks Tony to stop smoking. Tony doesn’t really understand why and is clearly a little frustrated. Over time, the two are able to slowly get to know each other better and understand each other’s differences. The long car ride along the tour also creates bonds between the two. Dr. Shirley little by little teaches Tony how to be more proper, while Tony gives Dr. Shirley some fried chicken to eat in the car. Additionally, the police harassment and prejudice create a further bond between Tony and Dr. Shirley. Tony tries to stand up for Dr. Shirley and himself multiple times, and these actions sometimes get violent. Tony is forced to listen to Dr. Shirley to stop being violent and stay calm. Their personalities influence each other throughout the trip which brings them together to create real friendship.
20. Daphne Breen May 30, 2024 at 7:19 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirely was on the front lines of the civil rights movement in a sense because the deep south was so dangerous at that time. By performing and playing for audiences, he is putting himself out there and gaining popularity and in some cases making himself a target. It may also cause jealousy from other African Americans living there and don’t have the option to move from the deep south, as seen in the hotel when he was asked to play a game with others and refused, and again when the car broke down on the side of the road near a farm. Working on the farm are supposedly sharecroppers, and all African Americans.
    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    First, the style of music in the first scene, as well as the tone of voice and way of singing the person on stage has. It is very similar to classic songs made around the same time. The fur coats some of the ladies wear as well lets me know what time frame this is taking place in. One of the men around the gambling table refers to a woman as a “broad,” which has since not been seen in conversations. Also, the racistness seen by the husband while they are watching a baseball game, after two black men finish repairing something in the house, he throws away the glass cups they used to drink.
    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    In the beginning of the movie, Tony and Dr. Shurley are very stiff and formal, carefully choosing their words at the interview, and overall act very distant. Their personalities are different in the beginning, with the doctor being very sarcastic and serious, and Toney being extremely talkative and rude. During their time together, Tony has to learn how to use proper English, not curse as much, and improve his diction. When in the car, they discuss different artists and their songs, and Tony ends up standing up for the Doctor when the stage manager would not get the right piano for him to play. They have many arguments throughout the movie, but in the end I think they have a better understanding of each other’s lives, and the level of friendship they have is seen at the end of the movie when Tony invites the doctor to his house for a christmas celebration.
21. Robert Nelson May 30, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    3. You can tell this movie is in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement in 1962 because it’s clear that there are two contrasting sides fighting for their view of racial equality. On one hand, there are lots of white only facilities throughout the film, like the restaurant at the end and the bathroom earlier on. The scene at the bar where Shirley is getting beat up and the cops unlawfully jailing Shirley are two good examples of normal southerners living the ways of their assumed racial superiority. Another thing I noticed was that in one scene something was happening which I think was sharecropping. So, as you can see, there are many persisting racial techniques used in 1962 that made this time period similar to Reconstruction. However, the opposing force was those fighting for equal rights. Shirley made a call to Robert F. Kennedy, who actually got him out of jail, which recognized his rights. The cops at the end of the movie were good to Shirley, and the fact that there were prominent black musicians traveling around the south to perform for white people showed the contrast between acknowledgement of black rights and persisting prejudice.

    4. At first I thought Tony was racist when he threw out two cups that black men drank from, but soon when he got into the job by saying there would be no problems working for a black man, it really seemed to be true. For me it seemed like the turning point was when Tony got Shirley to eat fried chicken, which wasn’t that far into the film. Previously the two men had many debates over etiquette and morals, but when Shirley got into dangerous situations, Tony was there for him and their friendship prospered from there.

    1. Shirley said that he had no place because black people wouldn’t accept him because he was prominent, and white people wouldn’t accept him because he was black. Being a traveling musician meant that Shirley would not have any family nearby, so I think that also took a toll on him. In a way, a person like Tony was just what Shirley needed on his tour.
22. Lana O May 30, 2024 at 8:19 pm

    2. Dr. Shirley was a defiant way of being a part of the Civil Rights Movement. His actions are different from some who protest, but he still makes an impact worthy of the cause. While questioning his identity at the end of the movie. Either not being black enough, not being white enough, and not being man enough. It shows how even though he gets these gigs and is surrounded by white people a lot. They still don’t view him as another person. Him being a very talented and popular musician meant performing in front of white crowds. Meaning he exposed himself to many white people, combatting the “only whites” policies. In his own way, through music, Dr Shirley was able to do what the civil rights movement protests were doing right through his piano.
    3. Some historical elements in the film that let us know that it took place in 1963 were the outfits many wore, the cars people drove, and the “whites only” signs and restrictions that were showcased in the movie. We see that many of the outfits correspond with the era of this time. The certain styled suits that men wore with the stripes and plaid patterns on them. Also the bowties around their necks. Then with the women we see tightly curled hairstyles put up and back on their heads. Also many wore these dress shirts with a blouse cover and long skirts to go with them. But we also see women start to wear more pants and make the transition over with less dresses. Then again we see the car that Tony drives during parts of the movie. The big steering wheel and the brand of Cadillac being pressed in by the radio. The radio is also non-digital and you have to turn the knobs to change the channel to get to another station on it. Last, we see obviously whites only and racial segregation going on during the movie. One of the biggest events that came up in the movie was when Dr. Shirley refused to play in Birmingham because he wasn’t allowed to eat at the restaurant because it was whites only. Also Dr. Shirley and Tony stopped coming into town because black people weren’t allowed in certain towns during night hours. When Dr. Shirley is denied a place at the table, the manager refers him to another “black friendly” restaurant instead of eating with the white people.
    5. In this movie and time era, two individuals of different races became friends. Which was very unheard of during this time. It was common that only you would hang out with people that had the same race as you. So these two coming together and strengthening their friendship pushed many boundaries of segregation. Showing how it isn’t impossible to form friendships with anyone you want to form one with. It didn’t matter that Dr. Shirley was black and Tony was white because they got along together and protected each other’s backs when they needed to. While we have come a long way in our country, we still have a lot of work to get through. It is not impossible to live together with peace. But if we keep our assumptions about people, assumptions that were made a long time ago we are not going to progress as a society. It speaks to today’s audience as a way to prove that basic friendship is enough to change ways and change the minds of many who have a set mindset. Has our country progressed? Yes. Has it progressed enough to create an environment where everyone can feel accepted and safe? Far from it.
23. Eli May 30, 2024 at 9:58 pm

    Ali portrays Dr. Shirley is a very well educated, well dressed piano genius, however he always seems depressed and even though he tries to act like a very wise man, if you read between the lines, he can often seem a little immature or childish in his own way as seen with the lucky rock. This shows complexity because he is completely different from the stereotype at the time for most black folks and was seen to be in his words “too white to be black and too black to be white”, or in other words, a closeted black man, as he walked, talked, dressed and acted completely different from what most people perceived all black folks to be.

    Shirley was on the front lines because he was bravely breaking through the hostility to try to change the hearts of the racist folks who had a lot of power. He also often would fight against jim crow and segregation rules as he refused to eat in the supply closet in the last gig and just the fact that he chose to tour down south even when other black musicians were beaten in the same places and when he could be paid more in new york, he still chose to go to the deep south to fight racism.

    The fact that everyone is smoking constantly as well as the music, cars and clothes of the people really shows the era culturally, on top of that, the fact that there are still Jim Crow laws but the civil rights movement had really kicked up also hints at the time. Finally, at one point, someone says “6 years ago in 1956” , all of this shows the time period.

    In the beginning, both Tony and Shirley seem to not budge on their prejudices of one another and refuse to change, however as Tony watches Shirley play piano and bails him out at the bar, bribes the police and constantly backs him up, they earn each other’s trust. Furthermore, as they spend more time on the road, they learn more about each other and each other’s struggles as in the beginning they didn’t open up to each other. However as time progresses and the talk to each other more, they develop a connection, this is especially seen in the scene where tony states that he is “blacker” than Shirley and they argue. Finally, the best parts are when Tony turns down the road manager job and in the end, makes it home in time and eats dinner with shirley.

    It showed us how horribly we treated each other back in the 50’s and it seemed to make me wonder if this story would have been so exceptional and crazy had it happened today. I will argue that the difference in how we look at and treat people different from us in the last 50 years probably shouldn’t seem so impressive as it should be natural treat people well, however we have come a long way especially in how we battled so much racism, even that embedded in law, however we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go. One scene that seemed to show this was the scene where the police officer pulled Shirley over for no reason, this seems to still happen unfortunately and is definitely something that needs to be worked on. All in all, this movie represents the civil rights battles that happened on all fronts and the importance of normal friendships and interactions in battling prejudice.
24. Isabela V May 31, 2024 at 6:57 am

    Ali makes Dr. Shirley a very reserved character, but as more time passes, viewers understand his complex personality through the information he reveals. One example of this is when Dr. Shirley has a conversation with Tony about the reason he decided to become a pianist, which shows the depth and motivations of his character. Eventually, it is revealed that six years before, Dr. Shirley was beaten up for playing “white people’s music.” Ali’s seemingly quiet and shy choices make sense, because he is still cautious after this terrible experience. During an argument in which Dr. Shirley is upset with Tony’s stereotypical beliefs, Ali makes the choice to raise his voice for the first time in the film, yelling that he doesn’t feel as though he fits in with any race of people. These feelings reflect the fact that Ali’s character struggles with his identity, but yet he remains the most courageous character throughout the movie.
    As the film progresses and the pair makes their way into the deeper south, the racism towards Dr. Shirley becomes more clear. In one instance, Tony saves Dr. Shirley from being arrested, and Dr. Shirley gets upset with Tony rewarding their discrimination by bribing the officers to let them go. Later on, when Dr. Shirley and Tony are both taken to jail, Dr. Shirley argues with Tony about his choice of violence with the police, as Dr. Shirley prefers peaceful ways of resisting racism. This scene reflects the divide between violent and peaceful protests that was going on during the Civil Rights movement at the time. Throughout the film as a whole, Dr. Shirley stands up for what he knows is correct. From reprimanding Tony when he steals and hurts people to demanding his right to a phone call in jail, Dr. Shirley not only is an advocate for Civil Rights, he also has a strong moral compass for everything he knows is right.
    Many aspects of the film, from the cars that were driven to the vocabulary that was used, show that the movie takes place in the 1960s. Additionally, multiple characters smoked cigarettes throughout most of the film, which is not a very common behavior nowadays, but was very customary in the time period of this film. When characters took out what was supposed to be a lot of money, they usually had a few dollar bills, which doesn’t sound like much in today’s money, but was a lot back then.
    At the beginning of the movie, it’s clear that Tony does not like Dr. Shirley very much. Tony is hesitant to take the job, often unkind to Dr. Shirley, and even eats the sandwich that his wife made for Dr. Shirley rather than sharing it with him. Dr. Shirley doesn’t appear to like Tony very much, either, from the sarcastic tone that he uses whenever talking to Tony. As the film progresses, Tony becomes protective of Dr. Shirley, and in return, Dr. Shirley learns to rely on Tony. By the end of the film, Tony is so friendly that he invites Dr. Shirley to meet his family on Christmas. Dr. Shirley clearly feels a bond with Tony as well, even though he denies the offer at first. Ultimately, Dr. Shirley does come over to Tony’s house on Christmas and is welcomed by Tony’s entire family.
    One particular scene of the movie, where Dr. Shirley confronts Tony about the unfair stereotypes he has of Black people, seems reminiscent of America today, as many preconceived notions about different groups of people are held. Overall, the movie highlights the lives of “regular” people during the Civil Rights era, and shows a side of the movement that can’t be told solely with stories of famous activists.
25. Charlisa P May 31, 2024 at 8:02 am

    2. Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirley was defying the societal expectations for Black people at that time. He was able to succeed in wealthy white society, and loved classical music when everyone expected him to play traditional African American jazz or soul music. He didn’t like fried chicken, and was highly educated and literate. It was revealed in the middle of the movie that Dr. Shirley asked to tour down south when he could’ve made more money in the north. He was well aware that his work — being a successful Black musician, finding success, and defying stereotypes — could help shift racist attitudes and misconceptions in the south.
    3. What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    Personally, one of the most telling signs that the movie 1960s is segregation, which Dr. Shirley experienced in a number of occasions. He wasn’t allowed to eat in the same restaurant he would be performing in, but still had the courage and will to stand up for himself, not finishing the tour and giving up the chance for his money. He wasn’t allowed to try on a suit, and had to stay at lower quality hotels. Additionally, the prevalence of smoking, especially in public. At that time, smoking was more accepted in society and there had not been much medical research warning of the long-term health consequences yet. Also, cultural elements like the style of cars and fashion match with the 1960s style.
    5. How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?
    This movie is a story about an unlikely friendship. Tony has some misconceptions about Dr. Shirley and makes some racist comments/assumptions about him. However, Tony learns that there’s much more to Dr. Shirley and takes his job seriously. Dr. Shirley also has some assumptions about Tony, after hearing his poor diction and vocabulary. Eventually though, they realize that despite their differences, they can find common ground and enjoy each other’s company. This friendship is an example about how anyone can find friends in unlikely places or from different backgrounds, overcome misconceptions/stereotypes, and how race or ethnicity is no limit to friendship and making meaningful connections with others.
26. Clare G May 31, 2024 at 8:14 am

    2) Dr Shirley’s piano tour placed him on the front lines of the civil rights movement in a uniquely powerful way. The simple idea of him playing the piano in fancy venues defied the norms of the time. By excelling in something that was generally considered ‘white,’ and playing in places where he normally wouldn’t be allowed, he forced many people to confront their stereotypical beliefs about black people. In addition to this, Dr Shirley maintained his dignity in the face of discrimination and unfairness. He kept a cool head, in fact, his driver was often the one who got upset even though Dr Shirley was the one being offended. He demanded respect for himself in a calm and quiet manner, which is very impressive. His tour through the deep south, though it didn’t seem it, was a subtle but influential contribution to the civil rights movement.

    3) I can tell that the movie took place in the 1960’s based on many factors; the way they talk and dress, but the biggest thing that showed it was 1962 was the car. It was a turquoise 1962 Cadillac Sedan DeVille and in the movie it was pointed out that it was ‘the new one.’ Other things that clued me in to the time period that the movie was set in were the people referenced such as Aretha Franklin and Martin Luther King Jr and the technology used, like rotary phones. One of the most important factors in determining the time period was the segregation and Jim Crow laws in the south. Dr Shirley faces significant racism and homophobia during his time in the south, from police officers, restaurant owners, and even from an oblivious Tony, which aligns with the attitudes in the 1960s.

    4) Dr Shirley and Tony manage to develop a real friendship despite their differences and difficulty getting along in the beginning of the movie. Dr. Shirly’s elitist attitude is a stark contrast to Tony’s manners, or lack thereof. Despite this, throughout their journey, they make a connection. Dr. Shirley helps Tony with his manners and understanding his prejudices, and Tony protects Dr. Shirley and teaches him to let people in and have fun. In addition to this, the two often find themselves in dangerous situations which tend to bring people closer, and give them common experience. The movie ends with the unlikely pair celebrating Christmas together with Tony’s family, showing off the friendship they made.
27. dylan brand May 31, 2024 at 9:08 am

    #2. Dr. Shirley was on the front lines of the civil rights movement in 1962. Throughout the movie, he embarks on an eight week long tour through the deep south. At this time, there was a lot of discrimination in the south. In addition, there were jim crow laws that prevented Dr. Shirley from driving to late and staying in “white” hotels. Throughout the movie, Dr. Shirley faces this discrimination as he is not allowed to drink in a bar and he is not allowed to eat at the place where he performs. Dr. Shirley plays a major part in the civil rights movement because by facing the discrimination, and playing excellent music, he shows the rich white people of the deep south that black people are just as capable as white people.

    #3. Some things that show that the movie takes place in the 1960s are the Jim Crow that exists in the deep south. In addition, the book that the title is named after is a book written in the 1960s that has a list of places when black people can stay in the deep south. Moreover, things like fashion and hairstyle show that the movie takes place in the past. The vehicles that are driven are also from the past. One thing that stood out to me was that the car that they drove throughout the whole tour did not have headrests on the seats in the car. Another thing that I noticed was a slight reference to JFK.

    #4. At the start of the movie, Tony and Dr. Shirly were not friends. Tony did not respect Dr. Shirly because he was black and Dr. Shirly did not respect Tony because of his eating habits and his manners. By the end of the movie they had become very close. One event that shows how Tony adapted to Dr. Shirley was when Dr. Shirley got beat up in a bar. Tony had to rescue him by threatening to pull out his gun. One example that shows how Dr. Shirley adapted to Tony was by eating Kentucky fried chicken. Dr. Shirley was eating fried chicken with his fingers which Dr. Shirley had never done before. By Dr. Shirley embracing Tony culture, they became closer.
28. Landon Lamb May 31, 2024 at 9:10 am

    2. Dr. Shirley was on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement by going against basic norms back then by becoming a black musician and playing for rich white people. Even when he was discriminated against and not given equal things as his fellow band members who were white, he was still determined to play for the rich white people even though they treated him poorly. Also, playing in the Deep South was very brave of Dr. Shirley because that is where the most discrimination occurs and he was even detained by the police, but he still kept his cool and continued to play his performances, getting better every time.
    3. There are many historical events in this film that helps us see that the movie takes place in 1962. For example, when Tony Lip and Dr. Shirley were driving in the car for the first time together, they heard on the radio about the Cuban Missile Crisis and how Kennedy decided not to send missiles over to Cuba. Tony Lip made a comment about how Kennedy should have sent missiles to Cuba. Also, the cars and the way the people dressed in the movie is how the people in the 1960s would dress, and this helps reflect the time period the movie is supposed to be based in. Also, we hear about Bobby Kennedy as an advisor for the president when Dr. Shirley calls Bobby Kennedy to help him and Tony Lip get out of jail after being arrested for assaulting an officer
    4. At the beginning of the movie, when Dr. Shirley and Tony Lip first meet, they act sort of hostile to each other and don’t want to have any conversations. As the 8-week tour progresses throughout the movie they start interacting with each other more, for example, having longer conversations and talking about musicians. The first time in this movie their bond is stronger is when they share KFC together in the car and chuck the bones outside the window. It then was created stronger when Dr. Shirley taught Lip how to write better letters back to his wife. Also, when Tony Lip saved Dr. Shirley from getting beat up in the bar and the countless times he comforted him for discrimination. Their bond was created really strong at the end of the movie when Dr. Shirley finished the drive home so Lip could make it to his family on Christmas and later joined them to eat.
29. Isabella Franco May 31, 2024 at 9:26 am

    3. There are many elements in the film that let us know it takes place in 1962. While there are obvious things such as fashion and technology, I think most importantly, the racism displayed in the film shows this. The first thing Dr. Shirley asks Tony is if he is okay “working for a black man.” Another aspect of the film are the “Sundown Towns” that Tony and Shirley drive through at night. A sundown town was a town that didn’t allow non-white people in after sundown. They were very prominent in the south during the 1960’s and in the film, the men actually get pulled over for driving through the town at night. By not looking at the racism, anyone can tell that this movie takes place in the 1960’s because of the way the characters dress, the cars they drive, and the music in the film.

    4. The time on the road allows Dr. Shirley and Tony to create a lasting friendship. At first, the two men don’t get along, mainly because they are polar opposites. Shirley is classy and established, Tony’s language and overall demeanor are off-putting to him. We learn that Shirley cares about Tony’s appearance to others when he encourages him to go pay for a rock he stole from the store. Their bond is solidified when Tony hits the theater worker for not getting Shirley the piano he wants. Tony also learns how difficult it is for Shirley and other african americans by witnessing the discrimination he faces first-hand. At the end of the day, both of the men have each other’s backs, and the trip unites them permanently.

    5. This nearly 60 year old friendship speaks to audiences today by showing just how much society has changed. Throughout the film, the friendship between Dr. Shirley and Tony is seen as shocking and unheard of. Back in this time, it really was that big of a deal for a white man to befriend an african american man. While our society is still plagued with racists, I think it is important for audiences to see how far we have come from 1962 to today.
30. Will Reynolds May 31, 2024 at 9:56 am

    As it was mentioned by Dr. Shirley’s bandmates, Dr. Shirley could have made much more money playing to larger audiences in the North. Despite that, he decided he would play in the South even though he didn’t make as much money. The logic for his decision was that playing in the South might help to make people more receptive to African Americans. He felt humiliated being seen as less than a human to the whites of the South, but he persevered, sacrificing some of his dignity to help make gains for the African American community.

    3. There are many indicators throughout the movie that allow the audience to inference that the movie takes place in the early 1960’s. One example of this is when Dr. Shirley and Tony were pulled over by the cops. Early in the interaction between Tony and the cop, it was clear that the cops were incredibly prejudiced against African Americans. They also claimed that it was a “sundown town”, where African Americans were barred from being inside the city after sundown. This clear violation of the rights of African Americans shows the audience that legislation to enforce desegregation is limited in this time period. Another example of the clear racial prejudice throughout the movie is when both Tony and Dr. Shirley were detained when Tony hit the cop. Although Tony’s arrest was warranted, Dr. Shireley committed no crime to be detained, and despite his arguments, the cops ignored him and even refused to let him call a lawyer until the urging of another officer. Dr. Shirley had to call Bob Kennedy to finally be released which was entirely unnecessary because he never committed an actual crime.

    4. In the movie’s beginning, Tony showed clear prejudice against African Americans. His prejudice was made clear when he threw away the cups that African American plumbers drank from. Additionally, his family didn’t feel comfortable leaving Dolores alone with the plumbers. Tony also was seemingly uncomfortable when he realized Dr. Shirley was an African American man. However, as they experienced life together, they mediated their differences and both became more like the other. Dr. Shirley took up some of Tony’s habits like eating the fried chicken, and Tony took up some of Dr. Shirley’s, like writing impressive letters to Dolores. The final culmination of their relationship is when Dr. Shirley arrives at Tony’s Christmas dinner and Tony’s entire family is very receptive to him.
31. Vishwa May 31, 2024 at 10:30 am

    1. Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley masterfully shows Shirley’s duality as a sophisticated artist and a deeply isolated individual. His refined demeanor and exceptional talent contrast sharply with the racism he faces, such as being denied service and subjected to degrading insults. Ali’s subtle expressions of pain and quiet resistance highlight Shirley’s internal struggle and determination to maintain dignity in a hostile environment. Scenes depicting Shirley’s solitude and reliance on alcohol to cope with his isolation and hidden sexuality emphasize the personal toll of living a double life in a society hostile to both his race and orientation, showcasing Ali’s nuanced performance. Ali’s dedication to embodying Shirley’s complexity brings profound depth to the character, making it one of his most compelling roles.

    2. Dr. Shirley’s tour in the Deep South in 1962 placed him on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement by challenging segregation through his performances. At a time when Black people were barred from many venues, Shirley’s excellence and presence contradicted entrenched racial stereotypes. His insistence on performing in hostile environments and facing segregationist practices highlighted the absurdity of racism. Each performance was an act of resistance, forcing audiences to recognize his humanity and talent, thereby contributing significantly to the broader struggle for civil rights and equality. Shirley’s bravery and commitment to his art made him a powerful symbol of resilience and defiance, inspiring future generations.

    3. Green Book incorporates historical elements such as vehicles like Tony’s Cadillac, and music creating an authentic early 1960s setting. The film addresses contemporary socio-political issues, depicting segregated facilities and discriminatory practices indicative of the Civil Rights Movement era. The use of the Green Book, a travel guide for Black Americans navigating segregation, further underscores the pervasive racism and danger of the time, providing a poignant historical context to the narrative. These details enrich the film’s portrayal of the era, highlighting the courage required to confront and challenge systemic racism in daily life, thereby deepening the impact of its story. The attention to historical accuracy helps ground the narrative in its true historical significance, making the film a powerful educational tool.
32. Charles Walsworth May 31, 2024 at 10:32 am

    1. How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity as a closeted black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.
    Ali portrays Dr. Shirley as closed and isolated, as demonstrated by his sitting on a throne, indicative of his wealth and how closed off he is from the rest of the world. His isolation can be seen when the car’s radio is playing, and he hasn’t heard of any of the artists like Urethra Franklin or Chubby Checker. He seems to attempt to distance himself from black stereotypes, as demonstrated when Tony says multiple times “you people” about stereotypes that Dr. Shirley is the opposite of. He’s never eaten fried chicken and has never heard of many famous African artists at that time. Mr. Shirley wants to be perceived as polite, a good representation of African Americans, which is why he tries not to get into stereotypes such as eating fried chicken or not peeing in the woods, as he views it as a misrepresenting portrayal. Dr. Shirley wants to change people’s perspective on African Americans, and this is Dr. Shirley’s motivation for venturing into the Deep South, even though he could remain in the North and make even more money. He wants to change people’s perspectives of African Americans in the South, and this is why he’s always trying to be polite and has refrained from violence. Furthermore, when he reveals that he always wanted to play classical music, it further differentiates, and when he references the stereotype of a black musician who has a glass of whisky on the piano and is smoking during his  performance, He wants to retain his dignity, as he said in prison. He wishes he didn’t have to call Bobby Kennedy, believing he might have affected his view of him. He has an identity crisis; he’s not black enough, white enough, or man enough.

    2. What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    Foremost at the first meeting of Dr. Shirley and Tony, Dr. Shirely asks him if he would have trouble working for a black man, and Tony responds that he had some black people at his, clarifying for drink. This snippet of them meeting each other for the first time paints what it was like, as during the 1960s there was widespread racial prejudice, and Dr. Shirley inquired if he had racial prejudice, as it was normalized in the 1960s, adding evidence to this film taking place during 1962. Furthermore, Dr. Shirely’s clarification that it was for drinks demonstrates the normalized violence that could take place against African Americans in the 1960s, as he had to clarify that it was not for bad reasons with “for drinks’. Furthermore, Tony talks about Kennedy as if he were alive, signifying it before JFK’s death, during his presidency when he says Kennedy should’ve bombed them, and when he talks about the Cuban threat. Finally, the sports they talk about while walking around town can be an indicator of the period they’re with the players they’re talking to, plus the musicians that play on the radio. He called Bobby Kennedy, JFK’s brother. One of the cellist references was made six years ago, in 1956.

    3. How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.

    In the beginning, we see Tony’s wife say, “He’s coloured?” in surprise, later stating that he wouldn’t survive with him for more than a week, and Tony eating his sandwiches. This shows how Tony might have had to tolerate him at first, but the way Dr. Shirley responds to Tony demonstrates how he barely tolerates Tony. He would tell Tony to stop smoking and would keep a pretentious tone when speaking to Tony, like he was speaking down to him. An example of this is when he berates him for gambling and winning money. These conflicts are the result of contrasting ideological and characteristic differences, with Tony being scrappy and a good “bullshitter,” while Dr. Shirley is more reserved, quiet, intelligent, and pretentious. They start getting used to each other and show how Dr. Shirley reveals some of his back stories, and when Dr. Shirley tries KFC for the first time, it signifies the start of a bond between them and is further exasperated when Tony starts to appreciate his music and Dr. Shirley helps Tony write a note to his wife. Furthermore, when Tony doesn’t accept his Italian friend’s offer, it strengthens their bond, and when Dr. Shirley reveals that he wants to play classical music, By the end of the movie, when they’re going home, they’ve started joking with each other, for example, when Dr. Shirley jokes about Tony’s lucky rock, and their friendship in the end is signified by the initially isolated Dr. Shirley eating with Tony’s family.
33. Gabe Macwilliams May 31, 2024 at 10:33 am

    In the movie, Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley captures the complexity of being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America. Dr. Shirley navigates a hostile environment where his race subjects him to systemic racism and social alienation, while his sexuality must remain hidden. This dual marginalization is evident in scenes where he is denied access to basic amenities like all-white bathrooms, despite his status as a renowned musician. His sense of not belonging to any group is highlighted in moments of vulnerability, such as his outburst after being bailed out of jail, where he expresses feeling unsupported and alone.
    Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” through his courageous act of performing in the Deep South in 1962. By touring and playing the piano in a region notorious for its racial segregation and hostility towards African Americans, Dr. Shirley challenged the status quo. His very presence and success in an all-white sphere defied the norms of the era, making a powerful statement against segregation and discrimination. His performances became acts of resistance, showcasing his talent and dignity in the face of systemic oppression.
    The film includes several historical elements that place it in 1962. The presence of segregated hotels and public spaces indicates it is before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed such practices. The film also portrays significant economic disparity, with African Americans working in the fields and distinct ethnic neighborhoods like Tom’s Italian neighborhood. A pivotal detail is the reference to an attack on Dr. Shirley in 1956, mentioned as happening six years prior, which clearly places the events in 1962.
    The relationship between Tony and Dr. Shirley evolves significantly throughout the movie. Initially, they barely tolerate each other due to their vast differences in race, class, and personality. However, as they travel together, they begin to see beyond these differences. Dr. Shirley helps Tony improve his behavior and manage his anger, while Tony provides protection and companionship to Dr. Shirley, easing his feelings of isolation. Their bond strengthens through shared experiences and mutual respect, culminating in genuine friendship by the end of the film.
    This movie speaks to today’s audiences by highlighting the enduring issues of racism, prejudice, and social isolation. The friendship between Tony and Dr. Shirley, formed over fifty years ago, underscores the potential for understanding and solidarity across racial and social divides. It reflects on the progress made since the 1960s but also serves as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true equality and acceptance in our country today. Through their story, the film encourages viewers to confront their own biases and strive for a more inclusive society.
34. Alexander Chebl May 31, 2024 at 10:39 am

    How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.

    As a Black musician who is gay, he embodies all the negative stereotypes of Jim Crow America. I think Dr. Shirley must be struggling with this on the inside, and he might even be taking in some of the hate that is being directed at him. Tony claims that he believes Dr. Shirley drinks heavily because he is a depressed person. Dr. Shirley would find it challenging to live in the United States since, at that time, he would never be accepted for who he really is. Dr. Shirley was constantly being told that he wasn’t good enough by everyone, whether it was because he wasnt man enough or black enough.

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.

    Dr. Shirley’s request to play in the South demonstrates his commitment to justice. Regretfully, his impeccable speech, well-groomed attire, and piano skills appeal to white people and inadvertently suggest to affluent white people that he is more like them. They feel more sophisticated, he claimed. They are still racist, though. However, it also demonstrates that, contrary to what their racist prejudice might imply, he is equally capable of success. Dr. Shirley also doesn’t accept justifications or accept anything less than equality. He takes the necessary action and, in most cases, just walks away from people who treat him disrespectfully because, in his words, “dignity always prevails” and “violence never wins.”

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.

    There were several scenes in this film that fit the 1962 setting. Racial prejudice includes, but is not limited to, the men’s fear that Dolores would be left alone with black handymen, the fact that the Copa was initially exclusively frequented by wealthy white people, the outdated cars and attire, Tony’s smoking inside, and the racial discrimination experienced during the piano tour in the South. Dr. Shirley is informed by a white man that he must use an outdated outhouse rather than the lovely restroom inside the motel and that he is not permitted to try on suits in stores. He is also forced to stay at a motel that is reserved for people of color. The fact that Dr. Shirley was detained for seeing a man demonstrates the homophobia in the 1960s.
35. Em Rito May 31, 2024 at 10:47 am

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    By going on a tour in the Deep South in 1962, he showed that he wasn’t affected by the viewpoints that white Americans had towards him. He went against being in the safe north, places where racism and violence towards black people wasn’t nearly as prominent, to show that he felt like he shouldn’t have to be confined to one place because it was ‘safe’ for him. On top of this, he went against the people that he met that were racist towards them and would not just obey them because they were ‘better’ due to race and had ‘control’ over him because they hired him to play for them. Him not conforming to the societal norms expected for black people put him “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement”.
    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    In the Green Book, there were many very evident signs that the movie was sent in 1962, the prime time of the Civil Rights Movements. Starting off with Tony “Tony Lip” Vallenlonga and his prejudiced view points against African American people, as a whole. To begin with, he was very adamant on the fact that Dr. Donald Shirley should be a fan of popular black musicians and should be knowledgeable of all of their music. He also was relentless about getting Dr. Shirley to try fried chicken and said that he was lying when Dr. Shirley stated that he had never had fried chicken before. Other groups that Dr. Shirley played for played into these stereotypes as well by serving him fried chicken at a formal meeting that they were holding to celebrate him. On top of this, multiple cops that they ran into wrongly imprisoned or hurt Dr. Shirley just because he was black and relentlessly called him slurs for the fun of it.
    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    Starting off with Tony having a lot of stereotypical views of all black people and making them very adamant to Dr. Shirley, they got off on a very wrong foot. But, Dr. Shirley still attempted to be civil and later improve Tony as a person, including making him return a stolen good, pick up trash that he chucked out a window, and teach him how to be a kind person to others. Tony helped him as well, due to him protecting Dr. Shirley and bailing him out of many different situations when he was unable to do it himself, due to the prejudice and racism of the Deep South. On top of this, Dr. Shirley also helped him with teaching Tony on how to write love letters to his wife, which is where their friendship started to bloom. They continued to bond and protect each other and later became close friends, to the point where Tony put his racism aside and took Dr. Shirley to meet his entire family, like he would to any other friend.
36. Robert Morgan May 31, 2024 at 10:56 am

    3. There are many historical details that let you know the movie takes place in 1962, one is right after Tony assaults the police officer when he is called the n word because he is Italian. After this, Tony and Dr. Shirley is placed in a jail. Dr. Shirley uses his 1 call to call the president of the time, John F. Kennedy. Not just with JFK being the president can we know this takes place in 1962, but also earlier on in the film when Dr. Shirley and Tony are about to go to the Pittsburgh show. Before they leave, Dr Shirley talks to Oleg in Russian, but Tony misinterprets it as German. This turns into Tony saying that Kennedy should’ve bombed the Germans when he had the chance, and now the “Cuban bastards”, implying events close to or the event known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Another historical detail that lets us know the movie takes place in 1962 is when Dr. Shirley and Tony travel deeper into the South, the segregation becomes increasingly more apparent, like when Tony is eating at the restaurant and Shirley also wants to eat at the restaurant, but the manager consistently insists that he can’t eat because of “long-time traditions”, these traditions being based on racist beliefs.

    4. An example of Tony and Dr. Shirley barely tolerating each other is at the beginning of the film when Tony is smoking while driving Shirley, and Shirley gets mad saying he can’t breath and to put it out. This makes Tony angry and Tony ends up eating the sandwich that was marked for Dr Shirley. During the middle of the movie, we can see that their friendship is developing like when they have an argument about how Tony is “blacker than Dr. Shirley.” This develops into Dr. Shirley says that if he isn’t black enough, and he isn’t man enough, then what is he? They make up and this experience that they went through together improves their relationship. At the end of the movie we can see a clear example of how Dr. Shirley and Tony’s friendship has bloomed because of Tony’s offer to Don asking him to come inside for Christmas dinner, which Don declines. Eventually, Don caves and goes to Tony’s house and when Tony sees him, they share a hug and are happy that each other are there.

    5. This movie speaks to today’s audience because even though Tony was a white italian, and Don was a black man, they created a friendship through their troubles and this speaks to the audience today by saying that you can create a friendship with anyone out of anything.
37. Josh Peltz May 31, 2024 at 12:33 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirley’s piano tour in the Deep South in 1962 placed him “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement”, even though he wasn’t marching or making speeches like some prominent figures like MLK. By playing classical music, which white musicians mostly played at the time, he challenged the racist ideas and stereotypes of the time. His performances showed the white people in the South that black people could be just as talented and sophisticated as them, which made some white people question their prejudices. Shirley desired to be treated with the same respect as white performers. For example, he demanded always to use the Steinway piano and have decent accommodations, instead of settling for less. He didn’t accept being treated like a second-class citizen, even if it made white people uncomfortable. A scene that shows his fight against segregation is when he’s told he can’t use the “whites-only” bathroom at intermission in a North Carolina venue where he was performing. Instead of backing down, he stood his ground and refused to use the bathroom designated for black people outside and went back to his motel to use the bathroom there. By refusing to use the segregated bathroom, he made a strong statement arguing for respect in a peaceful way. While Tony was at dinner with Dr. Shirley’s associates, an associate said to him that Dr. Shirley plays because of this; “Genius is not enough, it takes courage to change people’s hearts”. When Dr. Shirley got rejected to eat at the venue he was supposed to play at, the country club in Birmingham I believe, he refused to play there unless he got to sit at a regular table with good service. He didn’t care about the club’s tradition of segregation and wanted change and respect. When they didn’t allow him to eat he left for another place that was more accepting and wouldn’t perform at the venue that refused him dinner.

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    Many historical elements in the movie show that it is set in 1962. For example, there is a scene where a group of black people are working in a field, likely as tenant farmers, which reflects the socio-economic conditions in the 60s. Also, there is a scene in a suit store with a white mannequin. Inside the store, Dr. Shirley gets told by a white person that he doesn’t “fit” the suit. The most obvious indication that the movie is set in 1962 is the segregation in bathrooms, hotels, stores, and other public places. Also, when the police pull over and arrest Dr. Shirley and Tony in the rain, their racist behavior, like using the N-word and saying that Dr. Shirley couldn’t be out at night in that southern area, illustrates the racial tensions specifically in the South in the 60s. Tony punches the officer for using the N-word, but Dr. Shirley does not retaliate and still gets arrested alongside Tony. Dr. Shirley then has to call Robert Kennedy to be released from jail. Another scene takes place at a country club where Dr. Shirley is scheduled to perform. Despite being the main act, he was denied dining there because he is black, which again shows the widespread racism in the 60s. Another indication was the name-dropping of baseball players who played in the ’60s and the racist guy at the country club mentioning that he denied Bill Russell dinner who played in the ’60s and won the championship in 1962.

    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    In the beginning, it seemed like it was nearly impossible for Tony to be friends with a black guy. He had two black men working in his house who had glasses of water, and he threw them away just because the black men drank out of them. Also, when he was being interviewed by Dr. Shirley, he had a hard time processing that he would be working for a black man and even refused to move Dr. Shirley’s luggage shortly after he got hired. Then later in the trip, some tension built between the two because Dr. Shirley wanted Tony to be more classy. He got mad at Tony for stealing the green rock at the gas station, not looking at the road, and smoking too much. Although, eventually those issues were settled. However, to become friends, Tony had to learn how to accept Dr. Shirley for who he was, a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America. He had to stop saying Dr. Shirley isn’t black or isn’t “cultured”. Dr. Shirley got mad that Tony wouldn’t accept him as black enough or white enough so they had an argument which resolved the issue and made Tony accept him for his uniqueness and not his culture. Also, multiple times as the movie progresses, Tony chooses Dr. Shirley over money and refuses to get bought out, making Dr. Shirley eat somewhere else but still get to perform. He also had Dr. Shirley’s back at the bar at the beginning of the movie with the fake gun. In the end, Tony invites him to Christmas dinner with his family, and Dr. Shirley after going back to his place, realizes that he is lonely and could use Tony’s support an company so the movie ends with everyone on good terms eating Christmas dinner together.
38. Kaylen C. May 31, 2024 at 12:38 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano on a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” by playing the piano on a tour of the Deep South in 1962 because being a black man he was showing the generally extremely racist South that a black man could be successful and could do what they want to or are doing. Being a black man going into the Deep South was putting himself, and his life in some ways at danger. This is shown in that one bar scene where we see him get beat up by a group of white men. He was in a different way than you may think when you first hear this phrase, “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” by doing this tour in the Deep South.

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    One aspect of this film that shows that this movie does take place in 1962 is the mention of Robert F. Kennedy being in office. Being that Kennedy was in office from 1961 until 1964, this narrows down the time period in which this film could take place, and 1962 does fall within this period. Another aspect of the film that signifies that this film took place in 1962 is the depiction and description of Sundown Towns, which were towns where African Americans were required to stay in their houses after sundown. These towns were most prominent during the early 60s which also limits down the time period in which this film can take place, and 1962 also falls within this period.

    How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?
    This movie shows a friendship between Dr. Shirley and Tony over 50 years ago. In the beginning of the movie they seemed to have a large amount of tension between them two and weren’t rude to one another, but at the same time, they were not overly friendly to each other either. But, as the film goes on their relationship evolves into a friendship after the two of them ended up moving past their differences and embracing their differences. This can speak to today’s audience because it shows that even if you are drastically different from someone else doesn’t mean that you can’t be friends with or associated with them, you can embrace your differences and be friendly with one another. This shows that our country today has in some ways developed in this sense that in some ways we are better as a society at embracing our differences and trying to be fair and kind to one another, but at the same time, there are still many different ways in which society has stayed semi-similar to what it was then in that there is still a large amount of racism and discrimination towards different groups in society today.
39. Henry Macwilliams May 31, 2024 at 12:43 pm

    2. Dr Shirley was on the front lines in the movement for civil rights because he fought to serve as an example of a brilliant and talented black man to people who thought of non-whites as inferior to them. His band member said that if he were touring up north, he’d be praised and paid 3 times as much as he made in the South. Despite this, he wanted to tour in the south. While the reason wasn’t explicitly stated in the movie, it’s obvious as a viewer that he wanted to endure the horrors of racism in order to make a change down south. A powerful black genius with white men working for him was unheard of in some parts of the South. This was seen when Shirley and Tony stopped on the road and every farmer stared at them. Being poor and working for a rich white man, they had likely never seen such a distinguished black man. Although Shirley claimed that he was only hired by white men so that they could “feel good about themselves”, he still courageously exemplified his brilliance, helping the civil rights movement.

    3. While it’s challenging to pinpoint the year to exactly 1962, it can be pinpointed to the early 60s. Most obviously, the segregation Dr. Shirley faces shows that it takes place before 1964. In 1964, the civil rights act was passed that overturned the Plessy vs Ferguson “Separate but equal” decision, ending segregation (in law). Shirley wasn’t allowed to stay in the same hotels as Tony (the green book), wasn’t allowed to try on a suit, and was denied service at the venue he was playing at, all on the basis of race. While racism still was very alive after the act was passed, those things would all be illegal. Also, the existence of the civil rights movement mentioned briefly in the film shows that this film more than likely occurred between 1960 and 1963, as that’s when the movement was at its strongest.

    5. In 1962, although the country was prosperous, the civil rights movement brought lots of internal battles. In the beginning of the film, Tony had been seen holding prejudice against the black workers in his home. Also, when he was discussing the opportunity with Dolores, she said “you wouldn’t last a week with him [a black man]”. On top of the racial stigma, a majority of people in the US were extremely anti-LGBTQ. Despite the differences Tony and Dr Shirley had though, they were able to create a good friendship, which culminated in Tony letting Dr. Shirley into his home for Christmas Eve. The country was more divided then, with many more prejudices existing. If two polar opposites could become friends back then by trying to understand each other, any two people could get along in today’s world.
40. Ella K May 31, 2024 at 1:26 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Although Dr. Shirley is a musician, through his work he is on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the film it is mentioned how historic it is for Dr.Shirley, as a black man, to be the performer at many of the events he plays in. Most of the places he plays in and visits throughout the tour still have racist policies and ideals. During his tour Dr. Shirley is consistently discriminated against by being told he is not allowed to buy certain items, sit at restaurants, and he and Tony have to go out of their way on many occasions to take measures, such as only going to certain hotels, to ensure Dr. Shirley’s safety. Although he faces many aggressions he keeps a calm demeanor and continues to act polite and professional. Despite how he is being treated he believes violence is not the answer which truly shows how he represents the Civil Rights Movement.
    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    When Dr. Shirley first hires Tony he questions whether or not Tony would be okay with working for a black man. Tony assures him he doesn’t care who he works for, but at the beginning of their time together it is hard for them to connect. Throughout their car rides both of them are confused and annoyed by the other, Tony doesn’t understand some of Dr. Shirley’s habits, and Dr. Shirley thinks Tony is too loud and impulsive. Although they had some extreme conflicts, like a fight where Tony insulted Dr.Shirley causing him to get out of the car to try to drive to their hotel, the fight eventually strengthened their relationship because it allowed Tony to further understand Dr. Shirley’s life and his struggles. By the end of the movie their time together has allowed them to both trust each other, and Dr. Shirley is even welcomed into Tony’s family’s house and thanked for “helping” Tony write his letters home to his wife.
    How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?
    This movie shows the story of an unlikely friendship and how we can have biases and premade assumptions about someone, but once we get to know them and understand their life we can become better people. We can see this because of working for Dr. Shirley taught Tony how difficult the lives of African Americans are.
41. Logan Albritton May 31, 2024 at 1:47 pm

    Question 3: There are no regulations at all on smoking. No worries about smoking inside or around kids. 50 bucks is also a lot of money to have lost according to Tony’s wife. There’s an issue with Tony working for an African American man, so much so that Dr. Shirley has to ask about it. Dr. Shirley also has enough worry about going into the deep South without a body guard. Also, Tony was mad about the African American men drinking out of his cups and threw them away. It’s also evident of the 60s because $100 a week is enough for Tony to work for Dr. Shirley all day everyday, whereas minimum wage today would end up being way more than that. Working minimum wage 12 hours a day for 8 weeks today, would get you more than the $800 you’d get working with Dr. Shirley. There’s a book for how to travel with an African American without aggression, which becomes the title of the movie.

    Question 4: Just by spending more and more time with each other, they become accustomed to the way the other acts. Dr. Shirley relaxes more on Tony’s smoking, or Tony adheres to Dr. Shirley’s other requests like his diction. They get used to the way the other acts and their mannerisms. They change themselves a little to the things they admire in the other. That’s why they end up getting along so well. They’re so different they find qualities in each other that they admire. Dr. Shirley learns to be more loose and have more fun, and Tony learns to be more civil, and less shady. A good example is the jade stone scene where Dr. Shirley makes Tony put the stone back because what Tony did was wrong. We can see Tony’s development through his letters to his wife. Dr. Shirley learns how to deal more with his sadness and drinking problem through Tony and his relaxed attitude toward the world. This is shown when Dr. Shirley enjoys the piece of chicken in the car, even though it goes against his principles with his blanket and the plate. Then starts throwing the chicken bones outside and it’s the first time we see Dr. Shirley smile and laugh in the movie.

    Question 5: The movie shows today’s audiences that our differences in culture, ethnicity, home life, are what bring everyone closer together. Being different is what makes life interesting and it’s how we learn new things. It’s relevant today because there are more people in America and furthermore, instant access to the internet. Which is infinite information and millions of different people to talk with. Social media allows people to talk to people that they would never talk to otherwise. Because of this it’s important to accept different ideals and principles and how to get along even though you’re different. This movie shows that with the differences between Tony and Dr. Shirley.
42. Nauman May 31, 2024 at 2:05 pm

    1. Dr. Shirley’s complexity is shown in many aspects. In my opinion, he seems solely focused on music and cold and uncaring. But as the movie progresses, he changes. For example, at the end of the movie, he drives instead of Tony because he is cold and sleepy, so Tony could make it home during Christmas. Additionally, even if he is shown as solely focused on music and smart, he went into a bar without Tony in the Deep South. This shows that he can make bad decisions.

    2. Dr. Shirley actively tried to change the perspectives of white people in the Deep South. He showed that all black people are not criminals and stupid and that they also deserve respect as human beings. This can be seen when he leaves a restaurant at the end of the movie when the restaurant refuses to let him eat inside.

    3. You can see the cultural elements in the movie. For example, Tony saying that he was more black than Dr. Shirley because he was born in the Bronx. This shows his perspective that all black people are poor and live in poor cities/slums. This is a racist and uneducated opinion that was common and stemmed from ignorance.

    4. At the start of the movie, Tony viewed Dr. Shirley as a rich, arrogant person, and Dr. Shirley viewed Tony as an uneducated brute. This changes by the end of the movie. For example, Dr. Shirley arrived at Tony’s home to celebrate Christmas with him. This would be completely impossible at the start of the movie.

    5. This movie shows how our country has grown. For example, segregationist policies like not allowing African Americans into certain restaurants or other establishments has ended. Systematic racism has been greatly countered, even if it still lingers. The racism and ignorance shown in the movie has been mostly erased. African Americans and White people are now broadly seen as equal. This shows how our nation has evolved in a positive way. In a way against racism and discrimination. We still have to work on the lingering policies of Jim Crow and racism, but I’m still so proud of how our country has largely shed its racist past in place for a better and more egalitarian future.
43. Rocco Firth May 31, 2024 at 2:08 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    The way he was on the front lines was because he was being used by white people so they could feel cultured, but as soon as he wasn’t performing they saw and treated him as just another black person. This led to him being exposed to lots of racial inequality as seen in the movie when he is not allowed to eat in the all white dining area.
    How does this movie about a friendship made over 50 years ago speak to today’s audiences and what does it say about our country today?
    The film reflects on various aspects of today’s society in two main ways. Issues of racism and discrimination exist in even today’s society. The film’s portrayal of the systemic racism faced by Dr. Shirley, including the use of the Green Book to find safe places for black travelers, shows the challenges and dangers people of color still confront. This parallels ongoing discussions about racial inequality, police brutality, and the BLM movement. They also use the friendship between Tony and Shirley and how it shows the potential for personal relationships to break down stereotypes and prejudices that were worked into society at the time. This is a powerful message for audiences, emphasizing that empathy and understanding can bridge cultures and racial divides. It encourages viewers to look beyond their differences and build connections based on shared humanity.
    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    The racism in this movie allows you to understand how the civil rights movement is affecting the world and what accomplishments have not been made at the time of the movie. These show what life was like for colored people before the civil rights movement gained them most of the rights they have today. This helps us understand how difficult and unfair life could be back then and why it was so wrong for us to do to other humans.
44. Ian Whan May 31, 2024 at 2:12 pm

    2. Dr. Don Shirley, the profenanally classical trained African American pianist, was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” during his 1962 tour of the deep south by challenging racial barriers through his music. Touring in a time and age of segregation, he played in venues where black artists were often unwelcome, while doing so, he directly confronted the significant long lasting ecco of racism since slaves were first brought to America. His performances in fancy settings, typically reserved for white audiences, defied racial norms and stereotypes. Also, his dignified presence and amazing talent showed the intellectual and artistic equality of Black Americans, countering prejudiced notions. By navigating some very hostile environments, he brought light to the struggle for civil rights and equality, using his art as a form of peaceful resistance and diplomacy.

    3. “The Green Book” portrays its 1962 setting through several historical elements, one being segregation and Jim Crow laws. The film shows the era’s segregation, showing “Whites Only” signs and the use of the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide that showa all safe places for black people to stay and eat. Another could be the period’s music and cars. The movie’s soundtrack includes music from the early 1960s, while everyone drives what now are vintage cars, showing the era’s time period. Some more is fashion and also technology. The clothing, hairstyles, and lack of modern technology, like cell phones, or any computers, reflects the early 1960s. And finally the last couple are social attitudes and use of language. The dialogue and social interactions shows the prevalent racial attitudes of the time, highlighting the systemic racism and social norms that Black Americans faced.

    4. In “The Green Book,” Tony Vallelonga and Dr. Don Shirley transitioned from slight tolerance to genuine friendship through shared experiences. At the start, Tony, an, and Dr. Shirley, are kind of walking on eggshells around each other due to their different backgrounds and initial prejudices. Tony’s casual racism and Dr. Shirley’s distant demeanor creates a strained relationship. Tony begins to recognize and challenge his own prejudices, while Dr. Shirley learns to appreciate Tony’s straightforwardness and loyalty, like when Tony stands up against the one racist manager at the end of the movie, and when Dr. Shirley helps Tony write the letters to his wife.
45. Mia R May 31, 2024 at 2:13 pm

    Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirley was on the front lines of the Civil Right movement just by playing a piano tour in the deep south because he was trying to change peoples’ minds about African Americans in the South. As we all know, the deep South was discriminatory against African Americans. Throughout his whole tour, Dr. Shirley was faced with discrimination and microaggressions at every stop in his tour. Dr. Shirley knew that this would be a regular occurrence while on his tour, and although he was offered a tour in a different area of the country, he still requested one in the South so he could make a change. He was performing in venues that wouldn’t let him even eat in the establishment that he was playing in. He was treated with hostility from almost everyone he met and interacted with. White people acted aggressively because he is African American, and many African Americans acted against him because they believed Dr. Shirley thought he was superior to everyone else. Overall, despite knowing everyone would be against him, Dr. Shirley still had the courage to go to the deep South and just attempt to change the minds of even just some of the people living there.
    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.
    The style of all the different cultural elements helps show that the movie takes place in the 1960s. The style of clothes that the characters wear helps show us that the movie took place in the 60s. Other aspects of the culture also helped us visualize the 1960s atmosphere. For example, hair and makeup were two other things that helped show us the time period. Dr. Shirley’s style didn’t really show us very much, but when they were at more public places like the bar/restaurant and hotels, it was easier to tell. Similarly, at the bar/restaurant, the music style and the type of dancing that was happening was also indicative of the time period. One specific piece of evidence that the movie took place in 1962 was the car that Tony drove Dr. Shirley around in. The car was a 1962 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, which means that it was a newly released car, which would make sense for the standard of living that Dr. Shirely was paying for.
    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    I think that the reason that Tony and Dr. Shirley moved from toleration to friendship is because they both learned from each other. Tony learned from Shirley about being respectful to those who are different from you. He also learned about not feeding into stereotypes and keeping an open mind to those he does and doesn’t know. I think that Dr. Shirley learned from Tony about not being so uptight, and how to let other people in after being hurt.
46. Carly R May 31, 2024 at 2:25 pm

    1. Dr. Shirley’s presence challenged the norms of racism, segregation, and discrimination against black people in the Deep South. He contributed to the Civil rights movement by frequently not conforming to the roles and expectations that are forced on to black people. When he is asked to use a disgusting outhouse instead of an actual bathroom, he refuses and just drives to the hotel to use the bathroom there. He also refuses to play piano for an establishment that won’t let him eat in the restaurant.
    3. We know this movie takes place in 1962 because of the segregation laws in the venues that Dr. Shirley plays at. He was denied service at restaurants multiple times or forced to use maintenance closets as dressing rooms. Dr. Shirley was also forced to use a separate bathroom outside of the establishment, which was basically just an outhouse. Another instance of segregation in this film is when Tony and Dr. Shirley are forced to sleep in separate hotels. Dr. Shirley also experiences a lot of racism while he’s on his tour in the south. While he’s in a bar, he got beat up simply for just sitting there.
    4. In “Green Book,” the relationship between Tony Vallelonga and Dr. Don Shirley develops from skepticism to friendship through a series of transformative experiences. Forced into close proximity during a concert tour through the racially segregated Deep South, they gradually break down barriers through cultural exchange and shared adversity. Tony introduces Dr. Shirley to his Italian-American heritage, while Dr. Shirley gives his knowledge to Tony. They rely on each other for support. Throughout the movie, both of them go through personal growth, and Tony challenges his own prejudices and forms a deep bond with Dr. Shirley. Dr. Shirley helps Tony by helping him write letters, and Dr. Shirley confronts his feelings of isolation by allowing himself to become closer with Tony. They both help each other and build a true friendship built on trust. By the end of the movie, Tony and Dr. Shirley have deeply connected and formed a friendship, and we see this when Dr. Shirley returns to Tony’s house for Christmas dinner.
47. Margaux Nollet May 31, 2024 at 4:58 pm

    1. How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America?  Give specifics.
    Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley shows the complexity of being a closeted black musician in Jim Crow America by highlighting how he constantly tries to look professional and contain his emotions, even when he is disrespected. For instance, he is lynched and beaten, and in one scene, Shirley puts down his makeup and just looks at himself. In this moment, we can see he is tired of everything and just wants to be free from oppression and constant fear. Additionally, in one particular scene, he and Tony get into an argument where Tony says he is blacker than Dr. Shirley, and then Shirley steps out of the car, saying he’s too white for black people, he’s too black for white people, and he’s not masculine enough, so he doesn’t fit in anywhere. This demonstrates how drained he is and how he has to act in a specific way in order to fit in, even if he does not want to. Another moment that emphasizes the intricacies of being a closeted black musician back then is when Dr. Shirley gets arrested by the police after being caught with another guy, and the policemen mock him. This highlights how he is also unable to love the person he wants, affecting both his everyday and romantic lives. Likewise, Shirley’s alcoholism is one of his coping mechanisms for these constant challenges since being drunk is his only way to escape from the world.

    2. Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirley is on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement just by playing piano during his 1962 tour of the Deep South because he performs in places where the only people inside are white while black people are forced to stand outside and watch or serve the people listening. By performing, Dr. Shirley challenges racial norms, as most people there are white and still hang on to the belief that black people are inferior. Plus, by performing in front of large crowds of white people who hold racist attitudes, he proves that black people are equally capable and could be great if given a chance. Additionally, in a scene where he and Tony are in the jail cell, Dr. Shirley speaks about facing aggression with dignity and peaceful protest, demonstrating his commitment to nonviolent resistance, which is exemplified when he decides to drive to his hotel room to use the restroom because he is not permitted to use a regular bathroom since it is only for white people or when he refuses to eat in a closet at the Christmas performance.

    3. What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962?  Explain with details.
    There are several historical elements in “Green Book” that let you know that this movie takes place in 1962, such as the continued segregation of black and white people. When Tony and Shirley drive throughout the Deep South, we can see there are designated hotels, bars, and restaurants for white and black people that are labeled either “white only” or “colored only.” Another example of segregation in the movie occurs when Dr. Shirley performs, since he is the only black person in the room, while black people watch from the outside or are working as waiters, cooks, and chauffeurs. Additionally, we can see the ongoing racial discrimination and economic disparities when Tony and Shirley’s car breaks down and they see black people working in fields, and even throughout the movie, black people rarely have well-paying jobs. The cars are another indicator that this film is set in 1962. They are extravagant and different from those we have now, as old cars had unique designs , such as the pointy fins.  Plus, Tony also explains that he lives in the same ethnic neighborhood as his grandparents and father, demonstrating the lack of social mobility and the large influx of immigrants, which were common before that. We can also see phones on the wall, and Carnegie Hall was built, implying that the film is set before the 2000s but after the industrial revolution with Carnegie and Rockefeller.
48. Maddie Z May 31, 2024 at 6:28 pm

    1. How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.
    Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirly shows the complexity the character was faced with being Black and gay. Throughout the movie, Dr Shirley was seen as a very put together person who acted with a lot of class. This is shown in many of the interactions between Tony and Dr. Shirley and how their characters are sharp contrasts of each other. It can be assumed the effects of being a part of two minority groups during Jim Crow America would severely weigh down on a person and part of Shirley’s character is him seeming to always be professional in public settings. He plays his character in a way that realistically shows the struggle of Black people trying to even exist in the south at this time. The scene where the car breaks down on the road and Dr. Shirley looks out onto a field of Block sharecroppers is a powerful one and the way Ali portrays this realization in Shirley is incredible.
    2. Explain how Dr. Shirley was “on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement” just by playing the piano in a tour of the Deep South in 1962.
    Dr. Shirley was on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement by breaking down stereotypes by being as successful as he is and having the means to go on a tour in the deep south and hopefully change some people’s views. However as the movie goes on Dr. Shirley mentions rich white people only watch him play so that they could feel “cultured’. Even with this in mind the fact he is allowed to play at all was a large step for the Civil Rights Movement. Later in the movie too when Shirley refused to play the Birmingham show since the establishment refused to serve him multiple times. Dr. Shirley was able to show he was not going to tolerate the discrimination he was facing.
    4. How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.
    Tony and Dr. Shirley’s friendship grows a lot since the beginning of the movie, especially in terms of Tonys prejudice. At the beginning of the movie when two black repairmen come over to his house, they drink out of two glasses which Tony immediately tries to throw away. When Tony meets Dr. Shirley for the first time he feels looked down upon as Shirley sits in a throne in front of him while he’s trying to make ends meet. Throughout the movie their bond grows over Shirley helping Tony write letters to his wife and Tony ‘taking care’ of any trouble Dr. Shirley gets in. While they struggle with each other, they both reach a point of not understanding each other but being able to grow together from what they experienced.
49. Helena Zweig May 31, 2024 at 7:37 pm

    How does Ali’s portrayal of Dr. Shirley show his complexity at being a closeted Black musician in Jim Crow America? Give specifics.

    Ali’s portrayal is an example of fantastic acting, but its beauty is in the depth of the character he allows to be seen on screen. At first glance, Dr. Shirley can be seen as stoic and distant, surrounded by a treasure trove of wealth and praise. But peel back the layers of both him and humanity, and you find someone who dealt with bias on so many fronts. This is clear at one point in the film, as he calls Vallelonga out on his claims that he is surrounded by affluence: “Yes, I live in a castle, Tony! Alone. And rich white people pay me to play piano for them because it makes them feel cultured.” In this moment, he can be seen as the man who lives to play, who loves it, but is denied his rights nonetheless because he is Black. Across the movie as well, Dr. Shirley eventually admits he’s wanted to play Chopin all his life, but the record company stereotypically believed he would only sell as a jazz musician. In addition, when he is caught in the pool locker room, he has been severely beaten up and police are on the scene after catching him having sex with another man. He married a woman, but multiple sources say that he was gay and simply never came out to the public, another depiction of the hidden pain Shirley suffers from in the 1960s. Because being gay was such a taboo topic, fear turned to rage and people’s homophobia reached new heights. Dr. Shirley was a complex individual, and a pioneer of the Civil Right movement. He sends a message of revolution to all who find fault with the way things are. He went against all odds and did what was right, not what was easy.

    What historical elements in the film let you know that this movie takes place in 1962? Explain with details.

    Costumes are one of the main giveaways for me that this was in the 1960s. Almost everyone in that time period dressed much more formally than people do today, walking out with suits for casual occasions. However, there are many other signs that also point to the 60s. The amount of smoking on Tony’s part, and the fact that many people he met along their way also had their own cigarettes or lighters proved how common smoking was in that time (and indeed it was before the 1964 Surgeon General’s report that really informed the US on the dangers of smoking). CARS are a huge one! The iconic winged vehicles driving down the road (showcased best in the main car, a Sedan DeVille) are from an iconic period, where transport looked more boxy and bright pastels were used as car colors. On a societal level, it’s even more apparent in the racial divides both in New York and in the South. Neither place is without racism, with segregation of hotel and restaurants based on race and the treatment of Dr. Shirley expressed how ingrained racism was in American culture.

    How do both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie? Explain with details.

    In the beginning of the movie, it’s clear that Tony has a deep prejudice against anyone not white, as seen by him tossing glasses that two Black men used in his house, but upon meeting Dr. Shirley, Tony’s desperate search for money and his tough reputation bring them together into a coworker atmosphere. While on the road, they both grow closer and closer as they work together to get Dr. Shirley through his tour. For example, Tony learns how disastrous stereotypes can be (from at first being surprised that Shirley has never had fried chicken to seeing it served as a main dish in the south, marketed as an alleged “kind” gesture). Tony learns to write letters with Dr. Shirley’s inspiration, and begins to get angry when people are prejudiced against Shirley and not just mean to him (such as in Birmingham, Alabama, where the Dr. Shirley refuses to play at a venue that doesn’t allow him to dine there). Ultimately, what brings both of them together is the life they have to share in order to move forward. With just them and the open road, they are forced to get to know each other and confront their fears, each becoming a stronger person because they’ve met one another. Even before they worked together, they both made generalizations about the other, generalizations that had to be overcome in order to form such a strong bond.
50. Kabir Kapur May 31, 2024 at 9:58 pm

    There are many historical elements in this film that let you know the time period that this movie takes place in. For example, the cars used in the movie all range from the time period that it is supposed to be set in. The car that Tony drives is a 1962 model of a Cadillac which is accurate to the time period. Additionally, segregated places throughout the movie show the difference between that time period and present day. We can see that various locations throughout the film are segregated between black and white people which lets us know the time period this movie is set in. An example of this is the restaurant at the end of the movie.
    4. Both Tony and Dr. Shirley move from barely tolerating one another to a place of real friendship by the end of the movie through many things. One of the most important is when Tony stands up for Dr. Shirley at a bar. Dr. Shirley was being attacked because of racist reasons and Tony was there to protect him which helped make their friendship closer. Additionally, both of them share knowledge with each other. For example, Tony teaches Shirley about every-day middle class life and Shirley teaches Tony about proper etiquette. Additionally, the scene where Tony gives Dr. Shirley fried chicken and encourages him to eat with his hands shows his willingness to become friends. Dr. Shirley eating it with his hands also shows that he was becoming closer to Tony. The movie’s ending portrays their real friendship by showing how Tony invites Shirley over for Christmas dinner with his family.
    5. This movie, while based on a friendship from over fifty years ago, speaks greatly to today’s audiences. Tony was white and Dr. Shirley was black, which at the time meant that they’d be segregated and no one would have ever thought they could become friends with each other. However, in today’s society, a friendship like theirs is common and accepted. They broke past these racist barriers and became friends. This speaks highly of the United States in the present day because today’s United States encourages diversity and doesn’t have any problems with people of different races coming together to be friends.