Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018)

On the rocky path to sobriety after a life-changing accident, John Callahan discovers the healing power of art, willing his injured hands into drawing hilarious, often controversial cartoons, which bring him a new lease on life.

Director:

Gus Van Sant

Writers:

John Callahan (based on the book by), John Callahan (story by)

Stars:

Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joaquin Phoenix	...	John Callahan
Jonah Hill	...	Donny
Rooney Mara	...	Annu
Jack Black	...	Dexter
Tony Greenhand	...	Tim
Beth Ditto	...	Reba
Mark Webber	...	Mike
Ronnie Adrian	...	Martingale
Kim Gordon	...	Corky
Udo Kier	...	Hans
Carrie Brownstein	...	Suzanne
Ethan Tindukasiri	...	Skateboarder #1
Sunny Suljic	...	Skateboarder #2
Cree Kawa	...	Skateboarder #3
Nolan Gross	...	Skateboarder #4

Storyline

After Portland slacker John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix) nearly loses his life in a car accident, the last thing he intends to do is give up drinking. But when he reluctantly enters treatment - with encouragement from his girlfriend (Rooney Mara) and a charismatic sponsor (Jonah Hill) - Callahan discovers a gift for drawing edgy, irreverent newspaper cartoons that develop a national following and grant him a new lease on life. Based on a true story, this poignant, insightful and often funny drama about the healing power of art is adapted from Callahan's autobiography and directed by two-time Oscar® nominee Gus Van Sant. Jack Black, Carrie Brownstein, Beth Ditto and Kim Gordon also star.

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Plot Keywords:

disability | therapy | alcoholism | wheelchair | drawing | 

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Taglines:

Don't just sit there. Do nothing.

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, sexual content, some nudity and alcohol abuse

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Germany]

Country:

France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 April 2018 (France)

Also Known As:

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

Filming Locations:

Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$83,339, 15 July 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,441,705, 13 September 2018

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,066,633, 16 August 2018

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amazon Studios, Anonymous Content Media, Big Indie Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Gus van Sant has a cameo role as the Willamette week editor.

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Goofs

When John and Annu meet in the bookstore, the time frame would appear to be the late 1970s or early 1980s. While the focus on the shelves is blurry, there are clearly recognizable covers, including Norton's 1995 reissue of A Clockwork Orange and Chris Cleave's 2008 novel Little Bee.

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Quotes

Donnie: I think there's a very fine line between creating chaos because of the adventure, and creating chaos because of a dependency on it

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Connections

Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Joel McHale/Beth Ditto/Nimesh Patel/Emmanuelle Caplette (2018)

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Soundtracks

Images of Heaven
Written and Performed by Peter Godwin
Courtesy of Peter Godwin by arrangement with Fine Gold Music

User Reviews

Simply put - Honest and well made.

From a technical viewpoint, very well executed - lighting and Cinematography were excellent. As for writing - every character in this is so well conveyed that the actors are able to do the story justice. Joaquin Phoenix did an excellent job as expected - both him and Jonah Hill really showed some emotional range in their roles. Rooney Mara's performance was great and her chemistry with Mr. Callahan was palpable; although not nearly as much so as Mr. Callahan's screen chemistry with Donny. Even the time Jack Black and Joaquin have on screen together is magical - and weirdly enough I don't think they could've cast anyone better for Jack Black's character.

The movie ended up being more of an exploration of 12 step program than I expected, but by the end it actually gave me deeper insight and understanding of those struggling with alcoholism who seek help. Knowing tons of people who've gone through the program (recurring ones and success stories) it's given me a slightly deeper appreciation for anyone's struggle/experience.