'Green Book' star Dimiter Marinov on his 'Cinderella moment' and the timeless quality of a beautiful friendship set in the '60s
'Green Book' is one of the most popular movies of 2018, as it has received many compliments from the viewers and critics. It has also proven to be a favorite in the award show circuit, having won the Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. It has also bagged five nominations at the 91st Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Viggo Mortensen), Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
Dimiter Marinov, who plays the pivotal character Oleg in the film talks to MEAWW about working on the film, realizing early on that he has something special in hand and the joys of working with Mortensen and Ali. Check out the edited excerpts from our interview with Marinov.
Congrats on the success of ‘Green Book.’ Why do you think the movie has resonated so well with the people despite the fact that it is set in a time that most of us cannot relate to?
Thank you! The success of this film even though is set in the ’60s, a time that most of the audience today cannot relate to, is not a surprise. The issues of racism, polarization, and resistance do still exist today. Of course, the racism during the “segregation” period has no comparison to today, but it still exists and it is not as we all wish it to be - nonexistent. The ability to understand the other side regardless of one’s ethnicity is essential. So, to realize that what my character says at the end, “Genius is not enough, it takes courage to change people’s hearts!” is truly profound. But most importantly, to make the change within ourselves first, individually before asking or approaching others is what matters. So, all the above issues, to most extent, are tackled in “Green Book”. That is the true success! Mind you, it is a true story too.