Tag Archives: Viggo Mortensen

GREEN BOOK (2018): The Things I Liked…

Green Book (2018),  Mahershala Ali, Viggo Mortensen
Green Book (2018), Mahershala Ali, Viggo Mortensen

Directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Mahershala Ali, Viggo Mortensen  and Linda Cardellini, Green Book tells the story of the great friendship between a working-class Italian-American bouncer / driver and an African-American classical pianist. Since Farrelly’s story is set in 1960s America, racial tensions play a significant part in the movie. Nevertheless, the main focus is very much the developing friendship between the two men.

There’s a number of heartbreaking scenes in Green Book but there are definitely far more that’ll make you smile and have you thinking about the great friends you have and / or want in your life. You may also be moved to be even kinder than I’m certain you already are. What stands out most for me about Green Book, in addition to the great performances is the understanding that Green Book is one of those movies with a rhythm so perfect that there wasn’t a single moment when I questioned any of the director / editor’s choices. Everything just flowed beautifully and my eyes gladly took in and appreciated the skilful execution before me.

Some of the music in Green Book definitely had me contemplating dressing up and showing up at the nearest jazz venue; not that the main music featured is jazz, by the way. I enjoyed Mortensen’s performance as what one might argue is the most convincingly Italian non-Italians to ever be seen on screen. 

I say, watch Green Book because it’s good and to see an example of an inspiring growing friendship and respect between to men. One that ends up altering them both.

Happy Film Loving 

G

GREEN BOOK (2018): New Trailer From Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini…

Green Book (2018), Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali

Green Book (2018), Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Greenbook (2018).


Green Book is a 1960s set story of the friendship between a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist.

Directed by Peter Farrelly; key cast includes Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini…

The dynamic of this clearly great friendship reminds me so much of The Intouchables (2011). I’m in for this reason, the beautifully edited trailer and the brilliant cast.

Don Stark, P.J. Byrne, Iqbal Theba, Brian Stepanek and Sebastian Maniscalco also star.

Green Book Release Dates: November 16th, 2018 (US); February 8th, 2019 (UK)…

Read my spoiler free review of Green Book

Happy Film Loving

G

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (2016): New Trailer From Viggo Mortensen, Kathryn Hahn & Frank Langella

Captain Fantastic (2016), Viggo Mortensen
Captain Fantastic (2016), Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen, the star of one of my favourite movies, A History Of Violence (2005) is back with something new and thoroughly intriguing. Directed and written by Matt Ross, Captain Fantastic is a story of a father who chose to raise his children isolated from the outside world…

The subject matter of this movie is very interesting to me. Not because I have ideas of one day raising children in the wilderness instead of ‘the real world,’ but because I’m curious about the events that could have resulted in such an unconventional decision. I really can’t see myself personally choosing such a life, for several reasons including the fact that bugs and I don’t get along as well as we out to.

Kathryn Hahn and Frank Langella also star.

Captain Fantastic Release Dates: July 8th, 2016 (US); July 14th, 2016 (GER); September 9th, 2016 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving 🙂

G

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005): So Good!

A History of Violence (2005), Viggo Mortensen
A History of Violence (2005), Viggo Mortensen

A small town, suddenly sprinkled with a few non local visitors can only mean trouble, and trouble does come. Especially for Tom Stall, a well regarded local coffee shop owner with a wife and two children.

Directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and Ed Harris, there’s much to love and little else left to be desired here.

For those familiar with Cronenberg’s trademark visceral style, this drama/ crime/ thriller definitely has scenes and moments that remind you perfectly of who the director is.

A well written story, that’s brilliantly delivered is the reason A History Of Violence (2005) is one of my favourite films of all time.

What’s brought to mind each time I’m reminded of it, besides the fact that it entertained me like crazy?

Push someone far enough and you’ll be awakened to the truth of who they really are. Chances are, however small, you won’t like what you find.

Happy A History Of Violence 🙂

G