Peter FarrellysGreen Booktriumphed at Sundays Oscar ceremony,taking home Best Picturedespite several weeks of controversy and criticism.
Yes, it was discouraging, but we always went back to the film, producer Jim Burke said.
Don Shirley himself told me to not speak to anyone, Vallelonga said.
He told me the story that he wanted to tell.
He protected his private life and all the other things about him miraculous things about him.
He was an amazing man.
Dont speak to anyone else.
Thats how you have to make it.
And also he told me, Dont make it til after I pass away.
So I just kept my word to that man.
I wish I could have reached out to Don Shirleys family.
I didnt even know they really existed until after we were making the film.
But I personally was not allowed to speak to his family, per Don Shirleys wishes.
But ultimately, the controversy didnt seem to affectGreen BooksOscar success.
Thats why the film is what it is.
Its because of the both of them.
