Review of Walk the Line (2005) by Gregory G — 20 Dec 2014
Musical biopic on the career of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) that centers on a love story involving his romance with singing partner June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). Writer-director James Mangold introduces us to a young Cash traumatized by the death of his younger brother and an abusive, alcoholic father (Robert Patrick).
The rise of Cash's career parallels the beginning of rock n roll so we see musical performances of stars like Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison. Mangold is unable to avoid the conventions of showbiz biopics so we see cliched sequences of drug addiction, love affairs, familial squabbles.
But the musical numbers are exhilarating and there is great chemistry between the two leads. Phoenix embodies the physicality of Cash and the diminutive Witherspoon is charming and sassy as June Carter.
The film chronicles their fifteen year on again off again romance as it becomes apparent these two need each other. Mangold films the music performances in close-up so we can feel the attraction. There is no lip synching.
More than an impersonation, Phoenix and Witherspoon do their own signing and even if the notes aren't exactly right the spirit is. Songs performed include: "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," "Cocaine Blues," and "Ring of Fire.
" Witherspoon won an Oscar for Best Actress. With Ginnifer Goodwin, Larry Bagby, Dallas Roberts, Tyler Hilton as Elvis, Waylon Payne as Jerry Lee Lewis, Shooter Jennings as his father Waylon Jennings.
This review of Walk the Line (2005) was written by Gregory G on 20 Dec 2014.
Walk the Line has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
