Review by Lilly Lilova/Chris Thompson
Summary:
Chronic alcoholic John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix), loses the ability to use his legs after a destructive night of drinking. John blames everyone but himself for the way he turned out and the behavior that led to that fateful car crash. His journey of acceptance is guided through a small group of misfits led by the stellar performance of Johan Hill. John finds hope and a future in his hilarious and often infamous cartoon drawings that make him famous among other artists.
OUR THOUGHTS:
DON’T WORRY HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT was a tough film to get through only because of the deeply emotional, scarring moments the characters were going through. Jonah Hill and Jack Black, typically comedic actors, give incredible Oscar worthy performances.
Jonah Hill absolutely shines as Donnie, the AA Counselor who gives Callahan ( Joaqin Phoenix) a new lease on life as he builds a sense of community around through the 12 step program. Jack Black as Dexter, who led Callahan astray in the first place, shows an about face in the film while sober during a particularly poignant scene later in the film.
DON’T WORRY HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT is an intimate look at people who face the crushing reality of the choices they’ve made and yet learn how to triumph after traumatic events.
The film explores finding yourself and forgiving not only others who have wronged you, but also forgiving yourself for being human. It also delves into the not-so-pretty lifestyle of the disabled, and director Gus Van Sant effectively put us in the shoes of Callahan. It also helps that it’s shot by world-class cinematographer Christian Blauvelt in a hyper-realistic way, almost like a documentary. It is a beautiful film and we definitely need something like this right now. A must see.
