The 2019 Oscars ceremony is memorable for many reasons. However, what still stands as one of the most unforgettable parts of the awards show is the very end, when “Green Book” took home the Best Picture trophy. The backlash the film received was harsh and immediate, with folks like Spike Lee voicing their disapproval. Now, almost two years after the award was given out, “Green Book” star Viggo Mortensen is still upset with the negativity thrust at his film.
Speaking to The Independent, Mortensen, who is also dealing with controversy surrounding his new feature “Falling,” talked about his frustration with “Green Book” critics that talk about how terrible the film is and how it didn’t deserve its Best Picture win.
“It’s become a cliché to say, ‘Is this movie going to be the “Green Book” of this year?’ ‘Green Book’ has become a pejorative,” he said.
He added, “Much of the criticism that was leveled at that movie was not only unreasonable, but it was inaccurate, mendacious, and irresponsible. It’s based on a load of bullshit and an ax to grind and little else. Does it affect what I’m doing, or how people perceive me as an actor? Maybe it does. But I can’t really do anything about that.”
Mortensen doesn’t explain what “bullshit” he’s speaking about and what ulterior motives people would have for bashing “Green Book.” Most of the criticism seems rooted in the film’s story, which those critical of the film say promotes the “white savior” trope that seems prevalent in dramas tackling the issue of racism in the United States. On top of that, the film is written and directed by white people, who many believe aren’t equipped to accurately paint the picture of what racism in the US feels like. But sure, maybe there are other, less honest reasons? \
READ MORE: ‘Green Book’ Producer Says Oscar-Winning Film Was Intended For “Older, White People”
Either way, it’s safe to assume that “Green Book” joins “Traffic” and “Shakespeare in Love” as modern films that draw the ire of people that believe they weren’t deserving. Regardless of what Viggo Mortensen believes is accurate or not.
