Joaquin Phoenix superb in “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot”
“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot” shares its title from late comic John Callahan’s memoir and a caption from one of Callahan’s comics. The image features an empty wheelchair in the desert surrounded by three sheriffs on horseback.
The newest film from director Gus Van Sant (“Milk,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Finding Forrester”) is a dramatic-comedy meets biopic that dives into themes of faith, addiction, disability, storytelling, recovery, personal evolution, the search for meaning and of course, irreverent comic strips.
Much like Callahan did when he awoke from a horrific car accident that left him a quadriplegic, Van Sant doesn’t dwell. For a plot that features such heavy content and soul searching, the film isn’t overly sentimental or flowery.
“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot” isn’t bound by a linear timeline and the passing of time is marked by steps in AA’s 12-step program.
These chapters are explained by sponsor Donnie Green (skillfully acted by Jonah Hill).
John Callahan’s life wasn’t easy. He grew up adopted, suffered through abuse and battled alcoholism through his early years. “I used the alcohol to hide the pain of the abuse,” he once told a reporter. At 21, his car hit a telephone pole at 90 m.p.h. during an all-night bender in California. His life would be forever changed. No longer bound to the bottle, Callahan was paralyzed and bound to a wheelchair.
Van Sant manages to artfully navigate these dark scenes paired with the superb and thoughtful acting from Joaquin Phoenix. Jack Black plays Dexter, Callahan’s reckless drinking buddy who walks away from the fateful crash. His performance as the crass enabler with a softer side is reminiscent of his role as Georgie in the often overlooked “Jesus’ Son.” The stand-out cast also features an enigmatic performance from Rooney Mara as Annu, Callahan’s Swedish rehabilitation nurse and love interest.
The film finds its heartbeat with solid performances from three indie rockers turned actresses: The Gossip’s Beth Ditto, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Sleater-Kinney/“Portlandia” double-threat Carrie Brownstein.
Van Sant continues to explore Callahan’s awakening and his evolution as a cartoonist by breezing through some career highlights and playfully bringing life to his single frame creations. This visceral exploration of life, combined with remarkable performances makes “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot” a truly inspiring watch.
“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot” is now playing at The Film House, located in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre until Aug. 21.