Written & Directed By: Gus Van Sant
Based On The Book By: John Callahan
Story By: Gus Van Sant, John Callahan, Jack Gibson & William Andrew Eatman
Cinematography By: Christopher Blauvelt
Editor: David Marks & Gus Van Sant
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Beth Ditto, Kim Gordon, Carrie Brownstein, Udo Kier, Mark Webber, Emilio Rivera, Angelique Rivera, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Tony Greenhand, Matt Bennett, Mireille Enos
On the rocky path to sobriety after a life-changing accident, John Callahan discovers the healing power of art, willing his injured hands into drawing hilarious, often controversial cartoons, which bring him a new lease on life.
I can see the attraction for this film. As I have read the book and it’s subject is a great character and person to make a film about. Though the route here is not to tell his life story and continuing adventures but to showcase the tragedy that made him a paraplegic and his journey to become sober and the film mainly follows him on the path to sobriety and his struggles with it. While sprinkling in characters who become important in his life as well as biographical tidbits.
This seems like the type of film that has Oscar bait written all over it for all involved, but is so offbeat in it’s own way. That it comes across like the black sheep of the family because while feeling conventional. It seems to go out of it’s Way to display it’s own quirkiness of side notes. Yet feels a little too safe and while it goes for emotions it never quite feels as honest as it tries to present itself. As it tries to present a different flavor but comes off bland.
While it is obviously a film that seems like a labor of love for those involved. As it is a project writer-director Gus Van Sant has wanted to make for a while. Originally with Robin Williams starring. Where as with him this would have been a more subdued performance. With Joaquin Phoenix in the role while he is good it seems to tamper the wildness and originality of his usual performances. Here it seems so simple that it seems not only tame but a little uninspired and plain. Though this is the most normal so to speak of his performances in some time.
The style of the filmmaking is noticeable. The sudden and sometimes subtle close-up’s in the middle of scenes when others are talking are jarring at times but also gives you a true close up and break down of the character. No looking away from the truth they are telling us about themselves.
The casting in this movie is stocked with some recognizable musicians who show they also have the talent when it comes to acting.
Maybe as the film plays fragmented, freewheeling and eclectic. It seems a film more artistic in it’s vibe despite it’s other shortcomings.
Jonah Hill is really good In this film in a role you have never seen him play before. While he has always been a credible actor and playing a tow we have seen before not by him. It also kind of showcases his physical transformation once again. That is showing one of the reasons why he is an actor to be respected.
Rooney Mara has what could easily be called the love interest role. As she doesn’t have much to do but play a character who is a stewardess who John sometimes dates and has a romantic and sexual relationship with. So her role here is mainly thankless. As like the film she seems to be in and out of the film during certain scenes and passages. As she also seems more here as a bigger recognizable name added to the cast.
One of the reasons why this film might not have knocked one out is once again I read the boom in which it is based recently before seeing the movie and the Book was so vivid and revealing. It was still fresh in my head when I saw this film version. Unfortunately it doesn’t feel as strong or nourishing.
Director Gus Van Sant doesn’t seem to put much enthusiasm or use his more experimental natural eye. The film comes off more conventional. If not for it’s only Saving grace of the leading character, his attitude and perseverance.
Believably the film will be enjoyable to those who go into the film blind. As it stays more middle of the road. Not necessarily inspiring. Nor does it make it’s central figure a saint or without flaws. If anything his flaws are what make him interesting and remarkable.
The film hits the audience by showing the catch 22 situation of receiving welfare and disability income. As if you go out and work independently and make too much money. The government wants to take away benefits. It always want you to work to try and get off of it and if you don’t they will try to investigate you. Also if you use your wheel chair too much they don’t want to pay for your chair repairs and maintenance. So they want you to sit around. And not use it.
It’s Audacious what he is trying to do and the filmmaking should be just as inspired. Especially as the film is about a man confined to a wheelchair and an alcoholic losing his freedom to a degree and most scenes feel closed off or closed in. As there are a lot of interior scenes in terms of space. While the characters deal with their interior wounds. Though through this confining accident it sets ablaze a natural talent and allows his imagination to roam more free then ever.
Though the film might come off as more comedic at times. It is rather dramatic and serious. Which sneaks up on you and isn’t As cynical as his cartoons and cartooning. It’s more a tale of overcoming alcoholism and it’s results of being a paraplegic rather than a story dealing with women f a newly paraplegic and having to try and overcome alcoholism. Taking responsibility and not becoming too emotionally sensationalistic. As some other director might maybe made it or lured the audience into.
GRADE: C +
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