Joaquin Phoenix is on a bit of an incredible acting run, lately. This year along, Phoenix has already wowed audiences with his heart-stopping performance as Joe in Lynne Ramsay’s dark thriller “You Were Never Really Here.” However, before that, he gave remarkable performances in films like “Inherent Vice,” “Her,” and “The Master.” And it looks like he’s about to unleash another world-class acting performance in the upcoming film, “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.”
In the first trailer for the Amazon Studios film, we meet John, a struggling alcoholic, who, after a car accident, is left in a wheelchair. The film is based on the true story of famous cartoonist John Callahan, and in the footage, it’s clear that Joaquin Phoenix has brought his A-game to the role.
In our Sundance review of the film, we said, “…Phoenix is almost otherworldly here. It’s his charismatic performance that often carries the film through its repetitive moments as he expertly takes Callahan on an emotional roller coaster filled with the highest highs and the lowest lows.”
‘Don’t Worry’ also stars an almost unrecognizable Jonah Hill as Donnie, as well as, Rooney Mara and Jack Black. The film is written and directed by Gus Van Sant, who is best known for his work on “Good Will Hunting” and “Milk.”
“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” opens July 13.
Here’s the synopsis of the film:
John Callahan has a lust for life, a talent for off-color jokes, and a drinking problem. When an all-night bender ends in a catastrophic 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 an international 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.
