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

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

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black

Directed by Gus Van Sant

The Story:
John Callahan (Joaquin Phoenix) was a hard drinking, hard living young man who was continually drinking to avoid thinking of the mother who abandoned him when he was born.  One night with fellow drunk Dexter (Jack Black), Callahan gets into a car wreck and while Dexter got out with some minor bruises, Callahan was permanently paralyzed.

Having to rely on others, he sees his life as meaningless and continues drinking, until he starts attending AA meetings led by the charismatic Donnie (Jonah Hill), and decides he wants to quit drinking and face the past and the future sober.  He begins drawing and finds a true knack for it, and his work gets published in several magazines despite the uncouth nature of it, and finds love with Annu (Rooney Mara).  As he gets his life back in order, there's one more thing he needs to do - make amends with everyone he's wronged, including himself.

The Synopsis:
John Callahan was an interesting individual to say the least.  He created some very raunchy, very non-politically correct satirical cartoons that were published, and was often met with a mixture of praise and disgust, but that just scratched the surface as to who the real man was.  Having been abandoned by his mother after being born, he harbored deep resentment toward her and himself, leading to a life of alcohol at the age of twelve.  Combined with other reckless behaviors, it all came to a head when he was out with a fellow drunk who was driving his car, and hit a light pole.  The result was permanent paralysis for Callahan, who used this event as the kick-start to change his life for the better.  As it goes with all real-life stories, this isn't an easy fix, and not one that miraculously comes with no repercussions.

Director Gus Van Sant tells the story of Callahan not as much as a cautionary tale, but rather as a deeply flawed man who wanted to better himself, but also couldn't forgive himself for his past mistakes.  Later in life he realizes he's got a real talent for drawing and humor, and uses that to make a living, even though many saw his work as crude and politically incorrect.  We witness his life before and after the accident, and while we can see the event coming a mile away, it still doesn't take away the impact it had on his life and those around him.

Joaquin Phoenix has had a tremendous year, starring in critically acclaimed films like "The Sisters Brothers" and "You Were Never Really Here," and he completes this trifecta with "Don't Worry."  Playing John Callahan as an imperfect person, Phoenix truly shines in showcasing the man's deep-seeded turmoils as well as his offbeat brand of dark humor that perfectly blends into a stellar biopic dramedy.  You see the struggle in his eyes, as he simultaneously pushes away and moves toward bettering himself, fearful of the eventual result, and trying to find a way to escape his inner demons by any means necessary.  We see his struggle to sobriety, and it's not a pretty picture - nor is it traditional Hollywood, which is refreshing in its realness.

Equally, Jonah Hill really steps up his game as Donnie, John's sponsor.  Flamboyant and also deeply intelligent, Donnie maintains a strong presence in the film not as the personal savoir of John (although the long flowing locks make him look like an obvious Jesus), but as a fellow man who struggles like John does, but for different reasons.  Hill once again demonstrates a strong dramatic presence that allows him to not just stick with the raunchy comedy mold, but rather allows him to branch out to bigger and better things, and it's actually believable.  There's one particular moment where he talks about why he maintains his sobriety that's absolutely heartbreaking, and Hill's subdued nature helps drive that emotion home.

When it comes to the story, it's not a traditional biopic, but rather a look at at man who's trying to stay sober after many years of alcoholism, and it's something those struggling with the addiction can see as something very real and tangible.  Phoenix gives a believable performance that really drives home the idea that life is a journey, with its own ups and downs, and nothing of value comes easy.  We feel for Callahan and hope for the best, as he struggles and relapses, succeeds and advances.  There's another powerful moment in the film where Callahan meets with Dexter years after the accident, and it's a very strong moment for both Phoenix and Jack Black, who - along with Jonah Hill - manages to shed his comedic stereotype and really step up his dramatic game.

The Summary:
Led by a strong cast and a deeply personal script, "Don't Worry" tells the story of a man struggling with addiction as he struggles inside to forgive not just those who've hurt him in the past, but himself as well.

The Score: A+