A leaky urine bag of a movie—and I mean that as a compliment—this uninhibited biopic immortalizes John Callahan, who was left quadriplegic by a drunken auto accident at age 21 but managed to swear off alcohol and, holding a pen between his paralyzed hands, forge a career for himself as an inspired sick cartoonist. Joaquin Phoenix gives a rollicking performance as Callahan, a lusty philosopher who refuses to be pitied, and a slimmed-down Jonah Hill, wearing a beard and long golden locks, disappears into his role as Callahan’s ethereal, bullshit-dispelling AA sponsor. Gus Van Sant directed, bringing a distinct sensibility to this impersonal genre just as he did with Milk (2008); the strong supporting cast includes Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Udo Kier, Carrie Brownstein, and Kim Gordon.
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot
R • 1 hour 53 min • 2018
