Review of Walk the Line (2005) by Maksim B — 19 Nov 2011

A biopic of a music legend, Walk The Line may not be ultimately intriguing to audiences unfamiliar with Johnny Cash, but with stellar performances and evenly paced story-telling, it provides a piece of fine film-making.

One does not have to be a fan of Johnny Cash in order to follow up his story from his early life in the military through his inevitable alcoholic downfall and romantic happy end with June Carter. A combination of refreshing funny moments, dramatic turns and excellent music score, Walk The Line reveals the character of an iconic singer. Director James Mangold successfully depicts a legend like Cash without tearing apart his charismatic personality. His direction is not flawless, as the somehow conservative Christian nuance of the story turns into pathetic preaching.

Joaquin Phoenix may not have the perfect singing abilities, but he and Reese Witherspoon surely have refreshingly romantic chemistry between them. Phoenix, as Jonnny Cash, succeeds in convincing the audience in his long-lasting feelings for Witherspoon (Carter). At the same time Witherspoon is formidably fresh, giggling and her performances brings a much needed color to the story. I still doubt whether she really deserved her Oscar for Best Actress, but her performance is definitely worthy of being nominated.

Walk The Line is a pleasant biopic, which goes as smooth as Johnny Cash's songs. It may not be an absolute classic, but surely Phoenix and Witherspoon's performances are worth seeing !