Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot
- Director: Gus Van Sant
- Writer: John Callahan; Gus Van Sant
- Producer: Charles-Marie Anthonioz; Mourad Belkeddar
CGiii Comment
It's not a 'gay' film per se...but, it does have a [surprising] significant storyline. That surprise is down to an almost unrecognisable Jonah Hill...as a gay guru! It is an unexpected performance that will definitely earn him [well-deserved] Brownie points!
Don't Worry...is about addiction and recovery...from alcohol abuse, from an extreme life-changing car accidence...to spirituality and atonement. Of course, it has to be angry...who wouldn't be angry when you find yourself paralysed from the chest down!?! And...then there's Jonah Hill's soothing input...and, finally...there's the comedy. Oooh it will certainly raise a few politically plucked eyebrows...but, John Callahan's message is loud and clear: If you can't laugh at yourself [in a wheelchair, wholly dependent on others]...then, you are well and truly f**ked!
Those who know his cartoons know...he took no prisoners. Those who are being introduced to his work for the first time...well, it all depends on your sensitivities!
Joaquin Phoenix gives it everything...from the wild to the broken...all the way through [serious] uphill struggles to a place of [possible] contentment. It's one helluva journey.
And...Gus Van Sant's delivery is one helluva ride too...as fast as Mr Callahan's wheelchair [seriously, this is one nippy chair]...he slaps you with anger, wallops you with humour and stabs you with emotion.
You will cry. You will laugh. You will seethe. You will applaud.
Not many films can evoke such a spectrum of emotions...job done. Respect.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
After Portland slacker John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix) nearly loses his life in a car accident, the last thing he intends to do is give up drinking. But when he reluctantly enters treatment - with encouragement from his girlfriend (Rooney Mara) and a charismatic sponsor (Jonah Hill) - Callahan discovers a gift for drawing edgy, irreverent newspaper cartoons that develop a national following and grant him a new lease on life. Based on a true story, this poignant, insightful and often funny drama about the healing power of art is adapted from Callahan's autobiography and directed by two-time Oscar® nominee Gus Van Sant.
Cast & Characters
Rooney Mara as Annu;
Jonah Hill as Donnie;
Jack Black as Dexter;
Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan;
Mark Webber as Mike;
Heather Matarazzo as Shannon;
Udo Kier as George;
Carrie Brownstein as Suzanne;
Angelique Rivera;
Olivia Hamilton as Nurse Lilly;
Ayden Mayeri as Brenda;
Jessica Jade Andres as Cindy;
Connor Skific as Cowboy;
Nolan Gross as Skateboard Kid;
Steve Zissis as Elias