Making a biopic about a person is knowing how to choose which moment of their life was most relevant to focus the film there. Director Gus Van Sant knew this well when he decided to work on the life of the successful cartoonist John Callahan (played by Joaquin Phoenix).
In conversation with the press, Van Sant says: "I think there were three parts of his life. His childhood, which
was interesting and funny. And then the last part where he was an acclaimed artist. He was doing television, publishing books and he was a celebrity."
But those moments were not relevant for the director. The key was in the second part of the cartoonist’s life: "his accident occurred in the middle, to see himself in a wheelchair. He could hardly move, except his shoulders and hands. And the worst part was his alcoholism," he revealed.
What really changed Callahan was to stop drinking because "his art as a draftsman flourished, which had started when he was a child. So the middle part seemed to be the main story for me," said the director.
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot. Everything changes with a decision
John Callahan (Phoenix) is in a wheelchair after a car accident. His deep depression will change when he starts drawing sarcastic cartoons.
A true story!