The Critics Speak

Walk the Line

Critic: Steph Lewis
On a scale of 0 to Awesome, I rate this: Gotta See It
Released: November 18, 2005
Director: James Mangold
MPAA RATING: PG-13, for some language, thematic material and depiction of drug dependency.

Synopsis: Primarily the story of the love that grew between country stars Johnny Cash and June Carter during the early years of Cash's career, WALK THE LINE is the result of intense collaboration between director James Mangold, co-writer Gill Dennis, Johnny Cash, and June Carter Cash. Though both Cashes died in 2003, they oversaw the script’s development for seven years. Mangold and Cash’s insistence that the film’s stars would actually sing paid off. Witherspoon’s singing (as June) is lovely, and Phoenix’s contains the raw energy and soul that defined Cash’s sound. Even as a child on a cotton farm in Depression-era Arkansas, Cash shows a strong interest in music, escaping from his no-frills life and strict father (Robert Patrick) through hymns and listening to the radio. When his brother dies in a freak accident, young Johnny feels responsible, and worries that he will never live up to his brother’s goodness. The film follows Cash through his first marriage with Vivian Cash (Ginnifer Goodwin) and into the early stages of his touring career alongside such musicians as Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and most importantly, June Carter. As Cash’s success grows, so does his relationship with drugs, alcohol, and Carter, putting a strain upon his family life. From his initial audition with Sam Phillips of Sun Records on through his legendary 1968 concert at Folsom Prison, Cash is transformed from a hesitant singer riddled with demons to a man whose uniquely bold style would make music history. WALK THE LINE never attempts to paint a full picture of Cash's prolific career, but instead focuses on the passions that drove his music and on the woman who gave him strength. With magical performances by Witherspoon and Phoenix, a haunting and inspiring American romance is brought beautifully to life. --Taken from Rotten Tomatoes

My Take: The best part of this movie is that Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon do a phenomenal job not only acting the parts of Johnny and June, but in singing the parts. Wow! Though several critics complained that the movie was too long, I loved the length. See, most directors would probably cut the long drawn out songs and give us some kind of cheesy "look at all the songs they did" kind of montage. But, Mangold shows us long stage shots of Johnny and June in concert. In fact, the movie felt more like a concert with interwoven dialogue. That was a unique and spectacular choice since that's essentially what their life and love was about -- the music they made.