Cast
View AllJoaquin Phoenix
as John Callahan
Jonah Hill
as Donny
Rooney Mara
as Annu
Jack Black
as Dexter
Tony Greenhand
as Tim
Beth Ditto
as Reba
Mark Webber
as Mike
Ronnie Adrian
as Martingale
Kim Gordon
as Corky
Udo Kier
as Hans
Carrie Brownstein
as Suzanne
Ethan Tindukasiri
as Skateboarder #1
Sunny Suljic
as Skateboarder #2
Cree Kawa
as Skateboarder #3
Nolan Gross
as Skateboarder #4
Crew
Director
- Gus Van Sant
Producer
- Charles-Marie Anthonioz
- Mourad Belkeddar
- Nicolas Lhermitte
- Steve Golin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Gus Van Sant brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 186 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rabbit-Proof Fence, which focuses more on action than character development, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Romy and Michele's High School Reunion and Most Beautiful Island explore similar territory, Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 4, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Budget: $3,500,000
- Revenue: $4,200,000
Where to Watch

