Fragments from the life of illustrator John Callahan in which we are presented with the history of his alcoholism, the context in which he became a paraplegic, the discovery of his artistic talent and the relationship with those closest to him.
A bit different from other biographies and less dramatic than you would expect given the subject, this film manages to attract and keep the audience's attention through sincerity, bluntness and more or less black humour. It's not trying to inspire mercy, guilt or regret, but only acceptance and objective empathy, managing to bluntly highlight the negative effects of self-pity and the importance of trying to help ourselves before counting on others.
With a great team of actors lead by the multi-talented Joaquin Phoenix, the one who actually steals the show is Jonah Hill, unrecognisable in an atypical role of a Jesus-like figure, a romantic but rational wise-man, full of profound truths about life.
Interesting to see Beth Ditto in an unusual role; I didn't even know she ever acts in movies.
Screenplay: John Callahan
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
With: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Beth Ditto
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