Walk The Line
Another retrospecive film review.
Walk The Line (2005) - First watched February 2006
Starring - Joaquin Phoenix, Risse Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Directed by James Mangold
Walk the Line, a story of the rise and fall of Johnny Cash. Cash made his debut in 1955 walking into Sun Studios and delivering a performance that began the process of of the creation of a superstar who would change the sound and face of American music, and the industry itself.
Of course, like many a genius, and musically most would say Cash was one, he was also seriously flawed. This film tells the story of the rise, fall and rise again of Cash. Nothing is spared, as the life of Cash and his volitile relationship with June Carter is covered in a very balance way, warts and all.
The film is neither a vindication or a demolition of Cash, and the film does take a little time to warm up, mainly because while Phoenix does a good job as Cash, the real star of this show, Risse Witherspoon as Carter, does not show up later. Witherspoon delivers a masterclass performance, every scene between her and Phoenix is electric and she creates an energy that takes the film to another level.
Withersppon said this was a role she has long wanted to play and it shone through the screen. The issue deals with the gritty reality of Cash's drug taking and the extent of his decline as a result. Carter helped Cash gradually recover and regain his position at the top of the music world. The intense relationship between the two, and Carter's refusal to stop believing in Cash is a story exceptionally well told.
There is plenty of music too and if you are a Cash fan this alone will see you through the movie, but don't let that get in the way of the fact this is also a well told and directed story of the life of a music legend, along with the probably the finest acting performance of the year from Risse Witherspoon. This is well worth seeing.
MOON OF LIBERTY VERDICT - RATING 'B+' - Witherspoon went on to win the Best actress OSCAR, a fantastic story well told, get the DVD if you have not seen it.
