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« General Motors' Big Turkey | Main | "The Deadweight Loss of Christmas" » November 24, 2005Movie Review: Walk the LineJoaquin Phoenix likes to play roles as conflicted characters with a dark side, and Johnny Cash was certainly one such character. But in James Mangold's recently released "Walk the Line," Phoenix did more than play Johnny Cash. He became Cash. Phoenix's flawless performance of J.R. Cash and Reese Witherspoon's portrayal of his eventual wife, June Carter, are destined for Oscar nominations. The stellar acting and gripping real-life plot make this movie a definitive "must see" during the holidays. Cash's roots are both humble and traumatic, defined most by an abusive father and the untimely death of his older brother. Cash would always feel some responsibility his brother's death, and his dad didn't help matters by proclaiming God had taken the "wrong son." Against this backdrop Cash would fall to obscurity as a salesman before finally signing with Sam Phillips of Sun Records. From here on out we see the bulk of the film, comprising of Cash's rise in popularity and simultaneous decline in health and purpose. Through it all is June Carter, who keeps her distance - because he's married, and later because of his substance abuse - but nevertheless ends up his "angel" and anchor. Reading the plot as I have presented it may make it seem cliche. As Roger Ebert wrote, "'Walk the Line' follows the story arc of many other musical biopics, maybe because many careers are the same: Hard times, obscurity, success, stardom, too much money, romantic adventures, drugs or booze, and then (if they survive) beating the addiction, finding love and reaching a more lasting stardom. That more or less describes last year's 'Ray,' but every time we see this story the characters change and so does the music, and that makes it new." The comparison to "Ray" is apt, but I'd be remiss if I didn't opine that "Walk the Line" is a much better film, and that's saying a lot. Along with a more compelling plot line, Phoenix and Witherspoon both sing their own vocals. The performance is so well done that Ebert initially thought Phoenix was lip syncing Cash's recordings. In virtually every category - acting, music, plot, etc. - "Walk the Line" is excellent, making it the best movie of the year thus far. Whether that distinction will hold remains to be seen, but for now rest assured that it's worth the price of admission. Posted by Joshua Claybourn at November 24, 2005 12:01 AM CommentsGood review. Since I "hijacked" the Harry Potter post to talk about "Walk the Line" I wonder if someone else will hijack this post to get back to Harry Potter. A Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends at ITA. Posted by: Joel Thomas at November 24, 2005 01:17 PM | permalink We went to see 'Walk the Line' on opening day because our musically interested son wanted to see it from the first time we saw the previews. I was never a Johnny Cash fan and didn't know much about his life apart from the highly publicized parts. Let's just say when we left the theatre we drove straight to Circuit City and bought the soundtrack! I have been walking around for the past week singing 'Jackson' and 'Ring of Fire' ... excellent movie! Posted by: jennie at November 24, 2005 06:26 PM | permalink I saw an advance screening of Walk the Line a few weeks ago, I was very impressed with Joaquin Phoenix' and Reese Witherspoon. I agree, Phoenix and Reese both nailed it. This film painted Cash and Carter's relationship and Cash's rise to stardom exactly as it was. Some parts of Cash's life were decidedly unglamorous, and I appreciated the honesty of the film. Cash's substance abuse and adultery are portrayed in an unglamorous light and I thought that was great. The plot line was great, but even if it was not, the film was still well worth it just to see the amazing performances by Phoenix and Witherspoon. Posted by: Sarah Angeline at November 24, 2005 10:05 PM | permalink I've yet to see Ray and I wouldn't necessarily call myself a Johnny Cash fan, but I agree with the rest that this was a great film and well worth the ticket price. Moving and entertaining. Posted by: Kelly at November 27, 2005 01:20 AM | permalink Posted by: Adam Packer at November 27, 2005 12:49 PM | permalink Have seen the movie 3 times and every time I go I just want to see it agian. It's very addictive. My sister is crazy about Joaquin! I enjoyed both Joaquin and Reese's acting and singing. This movie will be one of the best DVD sellers, mark my word. I actually went to buy the soundtrack as soon as I left the theater. Great performances! DO NOT MISS IT! Posted by: Anna Lee at January 13, 2006 01:34 PM | permalink Post a comment |
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