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

2 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 | paralysis | therapy | drunk driver | alcoholism | 

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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

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,Big Indie Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Gus Van Sant originally planned to make this movie in the 1990s, with Robin Williams starring as John Callahan.

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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: Drink water.

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Connections

References Rosemary's Baby (1968)

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Soundtracks

Blowin' in the Wind
Written by Bob Dylan

User Reviews

Brilliant, especially Joaquin Phoenix

I found it to be a strangely dark comedy. Or rather it was funny despite the subject manner.

So technically a true story about a man named John Callahan who was an alcoholic and became paralyzed in a car accident because of his addiction to the bottle, but ends up living his best life due to his involvement with alcoholics anonymous.

So maybe not so dark now that I think about it as the story was uplifting and inspiring.

Joaquin Phoenix was a pleasure to see on the screen. Very lively and believable as a man chasing some demons, but keeping his sense of humor and positive attitude.

And we needed that liveliness as some of the 12 steps in the movie were not that flush out as well as others.

Gus Van Sant's ability to do such a serious content and give it to us in a humorous way makes for an Impressive film.