Film Review – Walk The Line

Walk the Line

Directed by James Mangold

Written by James Mangold and Gill Dennis

Based on The Man In Black by Johnny Cash and Cash: An Autobiography by Johhny Cash and Patrick Carr

Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix – Johnny Cash
Reese Witherspoon – June Carter
Ginnefer Goodwin – Vivian Cash
Robert Patrick – Ray Cash

I am a huge Johnny Cash fan. So going to see this film was a no brainer.

The film deals with Cash’s life from childhood through to 1968 and the Folsom Prison concert. While there is certainly enough in that time span to sustain the films 2hour plus timeline, it would have been nice to also see Cash’s re-emergence in the ’90’s with the American recordings.

One of the bravest choices made for the film was the insistence that the actors actually perform the songs featured in the film, rather than just miming to them. While this could have been an unmitigated disaster, the actors manage to pull it off successfully (with Joaquin Phoenix learning to play guitar for the role).

This is also one in the growing number of biopics that refuses to sugar coat the lives of those portrayed. We see Cash’s struggle to impress his father (particularly in light of his brothers death) his cheating on his first wife and his battle with drink and drug addiction.

While there are appearances by Mother Maybelle Carter, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, this is very much about John and June, as it should be.

Phoenix is superb as Cash and deserves all the plaudits, awards and nominations he is receiving. In the film he is not so much impersonating Cash as possessed by him. Cash himself had a say in the casting and the right choice was made.

The real surprise in the film, however, if Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. I knew going in that Phoenix is a phenomenal actor but hadn’t really been enamoured of Witherspoon (possibly because of her choice of roles up till now). However, she certainly proved me wrong and I can but hope that she picks up the Oscar she deserves.

The on screen chemistry between Phoenix and Witherspoon is electric, which is just as well. If this was lacking then the film would have failed. However, from the first moment they are on screen together, you really sense that this is a couple who are destined to be together.

If you are a Johnny Cash fan, this is a must see. But if you’re not, I’d still highly recommend it.

Peter_24601

February 5, 2006

It’s easier to give the sugar coat the heave ho when the person the bio-pic is about is deceased… though I think Johnny would have Loved this movie. It was good, and hopefully it will snare a few Oscars. Later,

I get shivers just reading Joaquin’s name. I’m such a loser. I’m soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo seeing this movie. SNOGS.

RYN: I’m not on MSN, unfortunately. It won’t seem to work on my bloody computer. Am “tamethedoughnut” on AIM and “angiethebackpacker” on Yahoo messenger. *SNOG*

Sparkle...

February 6, 2006

ryn: I’m not an idiot. I know that Islam forbids immages of the prophet as they are considered idols. However, images of Mohammed’s face rarely (if ever) cause such level of controversy. For example, a library near me is currently showing v. old Islamic books containing drawings of Mohammed. The muslim council of Ireland has said that while Muslim’s won’t be looking at them, it’s not a problem

that they’re on display. Context is everything.

ryn: I’d find it a little childish, but it wouldn’t annoy me. But then, I’m an ethnic Catholic, not a believing Catholic. And anyway, I never clamied Muslims didn’t have a right to be so offeneded, it’s what certain elements of their society did with those feelings.

Corbeau

February 8, 2006

I was never a Johnny Cash fan but my best friend is a huge fan of Joaquin Phoenix and we went to see this movie with mixed feelings. I went out with a new respect for Mr. Cash and Reese Witherspoon. Excellent Movie. I still can’t believe the Academy snubbed Joaquin. It’s a travesty. ~

Krud

Okay, I have to go see it now. (I was waffling before. Not that there’s anything wrong with waffles…)

February 9, 2006

RYN: Oy. I must have had a brain lapse or something while typing. I meant to say it was a travesty the MOVIE hadn’t been nominated … not Joaquin. : *smacks forehead* Aiyiyi. ~

quine ahin the lens

March 26, 2006

love the man in black’s music, the godfather of goth mates mum was ill then died so not been yet hoping it’s still on in the belmont

Ken Fitlike

March 29, 2006

‘some people ask me why I dress in black… it’s for all the aberdeen managers who got the sack…’ saw the film a few weeks back – excellent. best line was the Folsom Governer ‘Mr Cash, could maybe NOT remind the prisoners that they’re in jail’ JC – ‘do you think they’ll just forget!’