Saw Green Book last night. I have noticed the "identity" problem that comes from racism. Identity is simply what Tony calls "I know actually who I am" . Although Tony is poor at the bottom, but because he has seen the vast world, he is open-minded and calm, living a real and confident life. He should "pick up" stones and "pick up" stones. If he should drive to eat fried chicken, he will drive to eat fried chicken. He doesn't care what other people think. Anyway, I am who I am. In contrast, although the black Shirley is expensive as a pianist, he is lonely and depressed outside the stage. On the one hand, he shows his intellectual upbringing (to distinguish himself from ordinary black people) by self-discipline and politeness, but on the other hand, he is entangled in the experience of his black identity. . As Shirley himself felt: "I play highbrow music for white people on stage, to entertain them, to be respected by them, and I'm not 'old black' when I come off stage?"
This is "identity confusion" - when "I" unfortunately finds out that I belong to a group oppressed by society and culture, how can "I" carry this weak "identity" and still know "who I am" with certainty. . In fact, this is not only a problem faced by black people under racial discrimination, but also a self-examination that must be faced by all "minority" and "inferior" groups marginalized by mainstream values in any social context.
Some film critics said that "Green Book" tells us to "accept our imperfect selves". I think the "imperfection" that needs to be accepted should be "identity" - a distorted form of social culture and society with strict hierarchies The value system, the pressure exerted on the individual. In this case, Shirley has a big task: how to "talk" to the external environment? His way of talking is to give up high-paying gigs in the North and go to the racially racist South to tour, hoping to change people's perceptions with his performances. This shows his courage, but it seems too "gentle" and moderate, which is the way people who live in a "castle" away from the scene of life will choose. If it can really change anything, it is bound to be more symbolic than practical. Facing the unfair treatment of others during the tour, Shirley used to be arrogant. He gradually learned to compromise and find a way. He obviously grew up - Tony taught him the complexity of the world and the smoothness of life, which is true - fortunately , he finally found that, rather than gently touching people's ideas and accepting people's "conditions" against his will, he should clearly mark his dissatisfaction and resistance! It was only when he showed the courage to protest that he overcame his inferiority complex, believed in his own worth, and recognized his pride as a black man.
Towards the climax of the end of the film, Shirley came to the black hotel, played the piano and had a carnival with his compatriots. He had a great time. There was no longer the psychological barrier when playing for white people. ——At this time, Shirley finally recognized his black identity, and his loneliness disappeared at that peak moment...
The film is based on real events, but I tend to think of it as an art, a story. If writing a story, I'd love to see Shirley write a letter to his long-lost brother when he gets home on a snowy Christmas night -- and from there, he continues his family and begins to accept his black blood -- Then go to a friend's house for a party. But things didn't work out, Shirley finally didn't drink alone, but came out to accept friendship, and spent a good night with a group of white people - for Shirley himself, it was also a hopeful ending.
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