Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot
2018
***½
Director: Gus Van Sant
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Beth Ditto, Mark Webber, Tony Greenhand, Kim Gordon, Udo Kier, Carrie Brownstein
John Callahan is a carefree young man whose life takes a drastic turn after a car accident leaves him a quadriplegic. Struggling with alcoholism and self-loathing, he finds purpose in drawing irreverent and darkly comic cartoons. This biographical drama, which follows in the footsteps of American Splendor, is based on Callahan's 1989 memoir. Gus Van Sant tells the story in non-linear form, which feels aimless and confusing in the first half, further complicated by Joaquin Phoenix, who looks the same age in all of his scenes. Callahan's story does eventually find its feet and it all leads to a moving ending. However, the dreamy physiotherapist cum air stewardess girlfriend played by Rooney Mara feels totally scripted.
