Page 14 - PGA Community News - September '24

Page 14, PGA C.A.N.! September 2024 September 2024
Film Review:

Don’t Worry: He Won’t Get Far On Foot

By Nils A. Shapiro That is the turning somewhat risqué and even the object of complaints from
Trust me on this one. If, like me, at some point in the point in the film, for it led certain social and religious groups.
first half hour or so of this film you feel like turning it off as the real John Callahan– Interestingly, although I strongly disagree, because the
being rather depressing, don’t do it! who is able to use his film shows some of these wonderful cartoons, the movie itself
Resist that urge and you will be rewarded with one of hands—to become is listed in the category of “comedy drama” despite the fact
the most brilliant acting performances and emotional screen an accomplished that the story itself is of a life that can hardly be considered
stories you will have experienced in a long time, to be then cartoonist whose as having any semblance of humor.
told in the closing credits (forgive this spoiler) that it is all wor k you wi ll But there is indeed a happy ending to this life, one that
based on a true memoir by the man who lived it! instantly recognize will reward you for staying with the film as I urged you to
The highly respected director Gus Van Sant adapted that from newspapers do at the opening of this review. A successful career as a
memoir into the screenplay for this 2018 film streaming on and popular national cartoonist…a loving marriage to Annu, caregiver at the
Amazon Prime Video. After viewing Joaquin Phoenix’s magazines—and whose hospital who understood what this patient needed at the worst
extraordinary performance in the lead role I had to do humor, while definitely moment of his life…and, as you will discover, the one-word
some research to learn why he failed to win the Academy funny and clever, is lesson learned from his AA leader that enabled John Callahan
Award that year. It went to Rami Malek for playing often considered at last to overcome his life of alcoholism.
Freddie Mercury in American Rhapsody. (Joaquin Phoenix
throughout his career has won one Academy Award, one
British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards,
one Grammy—having been nominated for 13 of those—in
addition to having been nominated for no fewer than 105
other U.S. and international festival acting awards and
taking top honors 28 times!)
We meet him here in the opening scene as John Feeling like you paid too
Callahan, onstage as a recovered alcoholic receiving an much in taxes this year?
award before an audience to whom he is telling the story
we are about to witness.
The flashback begins at a party where Jack and his friend Learn about investment strategies
(played by Jack Black), already having had too much to drink, that could potentially lower next year’s
decide to make a real night of it. After stops at an amusement tax bill. Contact your financial advisor
park and a strip club, imbibing even more at each, they pile today to learn how.
back into the car for one more stop with his totally besotted
friend behind the wheel. As the car veers from one lane to
another, the driver’s eyes begin to close. He dozes off…and
the inevitable 90 mph crash into a light pole results in them Sally S Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™
being brought by emergency ambulance to a hospital. Financial Advisor
As it turns out, the driver escapes with only minor bruises
and we see no more of him until the very end of the film. But it 1851 W Indiantown Rd Ste 106
is largely through John’s (Joaquin Phoenix’s) eyes and thoughts Jupiter, FL 33458
that we learn and experience his life from that moment on as 561-748-7600
a quadriplegic: paralysis of both arms and both legs.
Through the director’s, actor’s and cinematographer’s
skills, John’s trauma and shock are palpable. The initial
treatment by much of the hospital staff is insufficiently caring,
except for a beautiful visiting volunteer (played by Rooney
Mara) who spoon feeds him and understands that a little kiss
will make him feel human.
When John is provided with an electric wheelchair whose
movements and direction he can control with his fingers, his
world widens: He can travel around the hospital and even go
outdoors. Recognizing the reason for his disastrous situation he
decides to join a group in Alcoholics Anonymous to straighten
out his life. The group leader, portrayed by Jonah Hill, takes a
special interest in guiding John through AA’s established process.
We learn that John’s mother had turned him over for
adoption when he was a young boy and he has never
overcome the sadness and feeling of loss of self-worth caused
by that decision.

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