Jul 14, 2018
ANGRILY WE ROLL ALONG - My Review of DON'T WORRY, HE WON'T GET FAR ON FOOT (4 Stars)
There's no reason why DON'T WORRY, HE WON'T GET FAR ON FOOT should work as a movie. Based on the memoirs of John Callahan, a Portland-based, paraplegic alcoholic who takes a long 1970s-80s journey to find his voice as an irreverent cartoon artist, Gus Van Sant's film took over twenty years to make it to the screen. Originally set to star Robin Williams, it took his passing away as well as Callahan's before it could get made, and on the surface, it may come across like a conventional 12 Step, AA public service announcement. But, the devil's in the details, and, to me, this movie is an emotionally connected triumph.
Maybe we've seen this all before, but not in this way. Gus Van Sant, working in full Hal Ashby mode for this one, keeps the camera alive, dapples his imagery in sun-baked splendor, and makes a collage out of the various timelines to bring a tremendous amount of heart to what could have easily been so bland. Joaquin Phoenix, back for the first time with Van Sant since his stunning performance in 1995's TO DIE FOR, plays Callahan with deep wells of wide-open charm as well as pain. Phoenix, who tends to navel gaze with his method acting at times, is still clearly using that acting approach here, but he's operating in warmth mode much like his performance in HER, except with a vulnerable connection to Callahan's anger.
We first meet him at a type of AA meeting where he meets a core group of his fellow alcoholics. Among them we meet Udo Kier, Kim Gordon (Yes - of the band Sonic Youth), and most impressively, Beth Ditto (lead singer of The Gossip) in her film debut. Ditto makes quite an impression with her few scenes, vividly depicting a woman with her own struggles who won't tolerate Callahan's moping. They're presided over by their sponsor Donnie (Jonah Hill), a gay, long-haired hippie type who comes from a wealthy family and spouts AA aphorisms non-stop. It's the type of dialogue which would get old in anybody else's hands, but Hill has figured out a way to make his dialogue seem so intimate and true. Mark my words, he's likely to garner his third Oscar nomination with his incredible work in this film, reducing me to crying sobs late in the film.
Same goes for Jack Black. Somewhere in this fractured storytelling, we learn how Callahan ended up in his wheelchair, and that road leads us to Dexter, a hard-partying comrade Callahan meets one night. Their bender alters the course of Callahan's life, with Black in full gonzo mode. It's his stunning work later in the film which got me right in the gut in a way Black has never had the opportunity to do. It's magnificent and unforgettable.
Van Sant mixes media a lot in this film, allowing Callahan's cartoons to spring to life, eliciting huge laughs with their off-beat, off-color observations. They are the key to understanding Callahan, acting as an invitation to get on his wavelength or miss out on all the fun. He's a man who loves to banter with people, and when he meets his tribe, it's on. He has wonderful chemistry with almost every actor in the cast, including a group of skateboarders he encounters on his dangerous zips around town on his chair. Callahan treats his wheelchair as if it were a bowling ball, barreling down sidewalks and into traffic without hesitation.
One minor misstep involves Rooney Mara as Annu, a Swedish therapy volunteer at his Recovery Center who eventually becomes a Flight Attendant and develops a romantic relationship with Callahan. The role feels tacked on to give us a love interest, but Mara has precious little to work with and doesn't rise above a cool, peaceful vibe. Another oddity is seeing Heather Matarazzo appear as a receptionist at an Adoption Agency. When the camera lingers on her hurt expression during a particularly difficult scene, it seems she will reappear later, but, alas, she doesn't. I would have liked to have seen more of her, as she's been a favorite of mine ever since her debut in WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE. Could somebody please put her back in the pantheon of the greats, or do I have to do it myself?
Contributing greatly to the film are Danny Elfman, with his uncharacteristically jazzy score, and Cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt (Kelly Reichardt's frequent collaborator), who makes the 70s and 80s feel just right. Kudos also to the song choices, with extra credit going to using Billy Joel's "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me" under Jack Black's big emotional scene.
Watching somebody go through the 12 Steps may not sound like an exciting night out at the movies, but they're handled like quiet whispers to Callahan as they gently, lovingly prod him into making different life choices. It makes me appreciate the flowery hippie speak of the era and see it in a different light. Van Sant also creates wonderful images and moments, such as Donnie dancing around his fancy house or Callahan's whispered anguish when he first meets Mara. It's fragmented, and sometimes predictable, but what a gorgeous, mesmerizing tone. Sometimes that's all I need.
Verified