Susan Granger’s review of “Walk the Line” (20th Century-Fox)
If there’s any justice, both Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon should receive Oscar nominations for their portrayals of Johnny Cash and June Carter. Yet it’s hard not to compare this extraordinary biopic with “Ray,” for which Jamie Foxx deservedly won an Oscar. But I think Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is even more impressive and Reese Witherspoon is a revelation.
Like “Ray,” the story begins with Cash’s rural childhood and the tragic death of his beloved brother. It follows him through an Air Force stint in Germany, an ill-fated marriage to Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin) and on to Sun Studios in Memphis, where he cut his first record and acquired that Man in Black look. Then there are his touring encounters with Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Malloy Payne), Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton) and, of course, tough ‘n’ sassy June Carter. Cash’s booze/pill-popping addiction eventually fells him but, by then, June’s at his side. Above all, this is a love story – not only about the attraction between a country/rock/blues legend and his songbird partner but also about a solid friendship based on their mutual love of making music.
Both stars do their own singing. Phoenix’s impression of Cash is uncanny, beginning with his shy, signature: “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” – and his Folsom Prison concert is thrilling. Reese Witherspoon embodies Carter’s grit and grace, along with her chirpy humor, and her vocal work dazzles. Working from Cash’s autobiographies and extensive interviews, writer Gill Dennis and director James Mangold capture the distinctive tone and pace of the period, while T-Bone Burnett expertly handles the vibrant music. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Walk the Line” is a terrific, toe-tappin’ 10. It’s an extraordinary life and love story, a must-see!
