Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot

On the final day that John Callahan, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, can walk, he wakes up without a hangover, still intoxicated from the previous night. At a raucous party, he encounters a humorous fellow drinker named Dexter, played by Jack Black, who persuades him to join an even more exhilarating gathering. However, when Dexter falls asleep at the wheel, John finds himself awakening to the harsh reality of being confined to a wheelchair, with only limited use of his arms.

Despite his initial reluctance to embrace sobriety, John soon joins a 12-step meeting guided by a dynamic and devoted sponsor, Donnie, brought to life by Jonah Hill. During this journey, he reconnects with Annu, a compassionate therapist played by Rooney Mara, whom he met during his hospital stay. Inspired by their support, John taps into an unexpected gift for drawing, using his mischievous spirit to create irreverent and often hilarious cartoons that capture a national audience and provide him with a revitalized sense of purpose.

This captivating film, based on a true story, intricately weaves themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of art. Adapted from Callahan’s autobiography, it is helmed by the acclaimed two-time Oscar nominee Gus Van Sant, known for masterpieces like Milk and Good Will Hunting. The stellar cast features other Oscar nominees such as Joaquin Phoenix with prior works including Her and Walk the Line, Jonah Hill recognized for his roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and Moneyball, alongside Rooney Mara, remembered for Carol and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and is bolstered by talents like Carrie Brownstein, Kim Gordon, and Beth Ditto.

The film is brought to life through the production talents of Oscar winner Steve Golin, alongside Charles-Marie Anthonioz, Mourad Belkeddar, and Nicolas Lhermitte, with Brett Cranford serving as executive producer. The visual journey is captured by Christopher Blauvelt, with design by Jahmin Assa and costumes crafted by Oscar nominee Danny Glicker. Editor responsibilities are shared between David Marks and Gus Van Sant, while the memorable score is composed by Oscar nominee Danny Elfman. This film is sure to evoke laughter, tears, and reflection on the profound impact of one man’s journey through adversity and self-discovery.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:37