Don’t Worry, He Won’t Go Far On Foot

THE clocks go back soon, the weather is on the turn and an A-list actor has climbed into a wheelchair…

The end of October is the beginning of the fishing season in Hollywood and to a cynical critic, this inspirational drama about paralysed, alcoholic cartoonist John Callahan looks like pure awards-bait.

After all, it’s the true story of someone overcoming disability.

Along with British monarchs and World War II, these are the subjects most likely to get Oscar voters to bite.

The cast also looks awards-friendly. Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix plays Callahan, fellow winner Jonah Hill is his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor Donnie, and two-time nominee Rooney Mara plays his Swedish girlfriend Annu.

Sadly, the story lacks potency. Callahan lost the use of his legs in a car accident at 21 and battled alcoholism for most of his life, but he channelled his energies into a series of searingly honest and shockingly

ANDY’S RATING: ★★★ In cinemas on Friday

politically incorrect cartoons for a Portland newspaper.

Writer-director Gus van Sant uses Callahan’s 1989 autobiography as a source but scrambles the timeline.

One minute we’re listening to him telling his life story from a motorised wheelchair to a theatre audience; next he’s mumbling a less accomplished version in front of an AA group.

Then we’re in the swinging 60s, where Callaghan is an able-bodied but haggard 21-year-old who is boozing with a moustachioed Jack Black.

All sections have their moments, but the chopping and changing is more confusing than enlightening.

Phoenix does his best to keep us hooked as the troubled, vulnerable and self-pitying cartoonist.

Hill is almost unrecognisable as the guru-like Donnie, but provides warmth and occasional humour. While Mara’s Annu is so unbelievable I mistook her first scene for a dream sequence.

This engaging but frustrating drama is unlikely to trouble the Oscars.