Movie Review of “Walk the Line”
This is a biopic of Johnny Cash and his relationship with June Carter Cash, his second wife (and, of course, a singer of much repute in her own right). In order to enjoy it, you probably have to like, or at least respect, Cash’s music but that’s fairly easy to do for most people since he is considered a “crossover” performer, meaning even those who aren’t especially fond of country music often like him.
The movie centers on his famous performance at California’s Folsom Prison, telling most of its story in flashbacks, beginning with just enough about his hard scrabble childhood to show how hard it was and the influence of his older brother’s short life and gruesome death. After a stint in the Army in Germany, during which he learns to play the guitar and writes some music, he marries his hometown sweetheart, cuts a record when he can’t earn a living as a door-to-door salesman and goes on to fame and glory.
At one of his earlier performances, one that we are all the poorer for the fact that it was not recorded (so far as I know), he is on a bill with 2 other unknowns and June Carter of the already famous Carter family to whom Johnny has been listening since childhood. The other “unknowns” just happen to be Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Not only does he meet Carter, but the foursome hook up and briefly tour together (all I can say is “Wow!”).
Cash goes on to have his ups and, mostly, downs due primarily to drug use until his first wife divorces him and he finally gets Carter to marry him after a famous on-stage proposal.
What is special about this film are the performances by Reese Witherspoon as June Carter and Joaquin Phoenix as Cash. Both do their own singing and, given that both Cater and Cash were famous for their unique singing styles, it’s quite amazing how close these actors come to the real thing, easily allowing the necessary “suspension of disbelief”. Beyond the singing, the acting is otherwise extraordinary as well and a genuine joy to watch. Phoenix does not look that much like Cash, but the wonders of Hollywood recreate him well enough that Phoenix’s appearance is not jarring and it just became fun for me to watch him recreate Cash’s lopsided facial movements and other well-known idiosyncrasies. Witherspoon’s performance is equally extraordinary, but easier for the fact that most of the audience will not be as familiar with June Carter’s voice or appearance (especially in her younger years) as they are with Cash.
All in all, I found this a very enjoyable film that will not offend anyone of any age (though it may not actually appeal to the very young). It’s both a love story (for the women) and a great film for country music fans of the male gender. Hence, it may be a near-perfect “date movie”. And I’m rooting for the Phoenix/Witherspoon duo as best actor/actress in the upcoming Oscars.
–Spencer
