Movie Review: Walk the Line

Over the Thanksgiving Weekend, I had the chance to go see the much anticipated, Walk the Line. It’s a great story of an American Icon whose effect on the music world reaches deeper than you would imagine. The film is based on his autobiography, Cash, and I would suggest that you pick it up. It’s an excellent read that dispells a few myths and has the feel of listening to your grandpa tells stories.

Anyways, about the movie. What really stands out are the performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Phoenix’s mannerisms and singing made me feel like I really was witnessing the Man in Black himself and Witherspoon does an excellent job as June Carter Cash. It’s really impressive considering they not only had to portray these people, but also be able to sing. The movie essentially is a love story that details how one man rises from humble beginnings in Dyess, Arkansas and then rises to stardom on Sun Records only to hit rock bottom due to his amphetamine addiction and then find redemption after finally marrying June Carter.

What stands out to me is how Johnny Cash was rock star at the beginning of his career, touring with Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. During his rise to celebrity, he lives it up while neglecting his home life (with his first wife Vivianne) as well as his health. Eventually, he comes around and finds redemption.

There are some spiritual undertones in the film, but you don’t get to see as much of Cash’s faith transformation since it traces only his early career. Nonetheless, it’s still a great movie and biography about a cultural icon. Both Johnny and June worked with the producers on the making of the film before they passed away and their son, John Carter Cash, also was an involved part of the movie production. It’s a wonderful tribute to one of the most humble yet great American song writers and singers of the 20th century. Go see the movie, it’s educational and entertaining.