2008 Woodie Awards
The James Q Film Review: "Walk the Line"
New film shows Cash wasn't afraid to 'Walk the Line'
James Q Sheehan
Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: Entertainment
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Telling the tale of one of the most prolific songwriters of the 20th century, Johnny Cash, "Walk the Line" gives the viewer an intimate view of a very talented and disturbed musician. Focusing largely on his struggle with addiction and his dramatic love life with June Carter, the film seems to give an accurate portrayal of how Cash coped with painful childhood memories and a tense relationship with his father.
Joaquin Phoenix's performance as Johnny Cash is amazingly convincing. He has the look, the attitude and the vocal ability to make the audience believe he is indeed the man in black. Reese Witherspoon also does well, playing June Carter. The musical performances for the film were re-recorded by the actors which is impressive.
The film isn't afraid of making the now deceased legend seem like a pill popping, self-absorbed rock-star. This is probably what makes the film so attractive, and Cash such a relatable character; his faults are exposed almost more than his admirable qualities. The film doesn't make Cash into something he wasn't, a hero, however June Carter might deserve that title. It shows him as what he truly was, a sincere songwriter and performer and perhaps most vividly, a man hopelessly in love.
Joaquin Phoenix's performance as Johnny Cash is amazingly convincing. He has the look, the attitude and the vocal ability to make the audience believe he is indeed the man in black. Reese Witherspoon also does well, playing June Carter. The musical performances for the film were re-recorded by the actors which is impressive.
The film isn't afraid of making the now deceased legend seem like a pill popping, self-absorbed rock-star. This is probably what makes the film so attractive, and Cash such a relatable character; his faults are exposed almost more than his admirable qualities. The film doesn't make Cash into something he wasn't, a hero, however June Carter might deserve that title. It shows him as what he truly was, a sincere songwriter and performer and perhaps most vividly, a man hopelessly in love.