Dirtylogy
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
cultfilmfan
In telling the true story of cartoonist, John Callahan, the new film, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, is not a conventional biopic in the sense that it follows a simple formula from beginning, middle and end, but here director Gus Van Sant cleverly uses segments from Callahan's past and the current time when the film is taking place and often it is out of sequence with how things actually happened, but it is still marvellously coherent and it makes for not only one of the most entertaining films of this year, but also one of the most thoughtful and moving as well. I think where the film primarily puts it's focus is Callahan's goal of becoming clean and sober after years of alcohol dependency. We see other aspects of his life as well, but the extraordinary thing about it is that how his life really did not start to come together till he realized he had a problem and sought help for it. Callahan is assisted on his troubling journey by a compassionate and yet honest group leader for a local Alcoholics Anonymous group and while going through this group he has to confront and come to terms with aspects of his life that he probably wishes he could leave behind, but with encouragement and following the steps of the program we see how Callahan now only discovers the strength inside himself, but also learns to have forgiveness for himself and the mistakes he has made in the past. He needs to seek forgiveness for the people he has wronged and most importantly also learn to forgive himself for what has caused him to become a quadriplegic and bound to a wheelchair and also how unwillingly his alcoholism spun out of control. Callahan never unfortunately develops a higher power in the sense that I was personally hoping for him, but at the same time I think he does develop a different way of looking at life and instead of hating his past and the things that at one point he blames for his decision to start drinking, he stops making excuses and blaming everyone and thing for how life turned out and instead starts to realize that maybe everything that has happened in his life was not an accident at all, but instead to cause growth not only as a person, but in maturity as well and help him to become the person he would later become and not only escape the tight grasp of alcohol abuse, but also to become one who would later speak and write this book about his own battles which has helped many a person who has suffered from the same troubles as himself. We see his growth and how he not only reaches out to people, but also becomes more aware of himself, his feelings and others as well. We see him develop relationships and also discover a hidden talent in cartooning and whilst his cartoons were quite controversial and brought in the same amount of praise and criticism, it gave him an outlet for expressing himself and also finding a way to support himself to not have to rely on welfare payments alone. This is a story that is brought to life with tremendous Oscar worthy performances, especially from the multi talented Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan and also Jonah Hill, who has certainly come a long way from his crude comedy days and here delivers a subtle and yet nuanced performance as John's sponsor and leader of the Alcoholics Anonymous group who we later learn has had his own share of troubles in life and yet how he used his goal of helping others because of a will inside of him, but at the same time having the incomparable joy of helping others and seeing people overcome their goals whilst helping them even in the midst of your own troubles. Joaquin delivers an impassioned performance that is at times full of humour and at other times where your eyes well up with tears because of the great emotion and empathy we develop for Callahan who at first is not so likable, but later becomes someone we are truly hoping to achieve and conquer the goals he has set forth. This is a film that is moving for anyone trying to overcome any number of addictions, or illnesses and it proves that with the right mindset and people to help you along your journey that you are never helpless and that somehow even our darkest moments can be used for good not only in our lives, but also that of others as well. This film truly has a zest for life and living and it's positive spirit is certainly contagious and even the darker moments also ring true with authenticity and a mood that will certainly stimulate your emotions and deeply move you. This is not only a film for great entertainment, but also a film that shows that you can overcome your obstacles no matter how great they may seem and offer a little encouragement as well as top notch entertainment along the way. One of the year's best films.
beastlypinky
Gus Van Sant's "Don't Worry, He won't get far on foot" is a great telling of about famous cartoonist John Callahan. But this movie follows his journey and his life to getting to becoming a cartooninst. But the movie overall is about this mans life and how crazy and awful it can get at times. (He is a alcohol addicted quadriplegic and it only seems to be getting worse) But the movie shows the how bright and happy it can become too. Joaquin phoenix and Jonah Hill give fantastic performances in the film and the best scenes are when they are together. I saw this movie in a small theater with about 8 other people. This small intimate theater felt perfect for this movie for it felt we were a group being brought together by the movie. We all laugh out loud together and we all cried together. This movie and it's great editing keeps the movie moving at a good pace. Sometimes it can feel slow or have some scenes that seem to go nowhere. But overall I cared for all the characters and opinions even if they were shallow sometimes. This is a great movie (8) that shows one mans life and the obstacles he has to overcome to become happy. Highly recommend.
Alexander_Blanchett
It was a tolerable drama about a alcohol addict who is bound to a wheelchair after a drinking caused car accident. The film shows how he cope with both his addiction and the new situation with the wheelchair.
It is also a biopic about artist John Callahan. Joaquin Phoenix wonderfully portrays that troubled character and gives a great performance. He is one of the main reasons why this movie should be seen. Another powerhouse performance he can add to his resume. Jonah Hill also absolutely shines. He has one emotional scene towards the end that once again proves what a great and talented character and drama actor he is. I am glad this talent is noticed after his two Oscar nominations and that he keeps getting those roles. Rooney Mara was a bit wasted. She was lovely and had a lovely character but really not all that much to do in the film.
Gus Van Sant delivers most of the time, but the film had too many lengths and I wasnt a fan of the time shifting he used. Still a good film for sure, especially to watch Phoenix and Hill.
