Loss. Addiction. Love. Grace. Redemption. These are all uniquely human experiences that most people will face at one time or another. 2005’s Walk the Line weaves together a beautifully (sometimes, heartbreakingly) honest story of the life of groundbreaking musician Johnny Cash (played by Joaquin Phoenix).
Based on Cash’s own autobiographies, Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words and Cash: The Autobiography, the biopic covers a span of approximately 25 years, from the early 1940s until the late 1960s. The film briefly recounts his childhood, highlighting his love of music from an early age, the loss of a loved one, and the way that affected his relationship with his father. Most of the film, however, examines the struggles that he faced during his rise to fame – from unresolved issues with his father to substance abuse and infidelity – and his love story with musician June Carter (played by Reese Witherspoon).
Based on Cash’s own autobiographies, Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words and Cash: The Autobiography, the biopic covers a span of approximately 25 years, from the early 1940s until the late 1960s. The film briefly recounts his childhood, highlighting his love of music from an early age, the loss of a loved one, and the way that affected his relationship with his father. Most of the film, however, examines the struggles that he faced during his rise to fame – from unresolved issues with his father to substance abuse and infidelity – and his love story with musician June Carter (played by Reese Witherspoon).
Phoenix’s portrayal of Cash was absolutely mesmerizing. It was as if I were watching the real Johnny Cash on a home video. Every time he got onstage, he spoke life to Cash’s signature introduction, “hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” Not only did he perfect Cash’s slow Southern drawl, but he also brought a raw authenticity to the performance. In one of the best scenes in the movie, Cash is experiencing withdrawals from an addiction to prescription pain medicine. The intensity that Phoenix brings to the scene is like no other. He moves around the room, in obvious physical and emotional torment. Each time he looks out the window, he realizes that Carter and her family are still there, looking after him. It's obvious that he is thankful she is there, but also feeling quite undeserving of her love.
Witherspoon’s performance in the following scene demonstrated why she so richly deserved her Academy Award win. As she comes into the room to check on Cash, he can’t believe that she has decided to remain his friend, despite all his mistakes. He looks like a man worn down with a great magnitude of guilt and shame. She says, simply, “I had a friend who needed help.” There is pain and concern in her face and voice, but also an obvious hope. Phoenix and Witherspoon’s chemistry is wonderful, as it brings to life a love founded on friendship and deep respect for one another.
Witherspoon’s performance in the following scene demonstrated why she so richly deserved her Academy Award win. As she comes into the room to check on Cash, he can’t believe that she has decided to remain his friend, despite all his mistakes. He looks like a man worn down with a great magnitude of guilt and shame. She says, simply, “I had a friend who needed help.” There is pain and concern in her face and voice, but also an obvious hope. Phoenix and Witherspoon’s chemistry is wonderful, as it brings to life a love founded on friendship and deep respect for one another.
Phoenix and Witherspoon also recorded and performed songs by Cash and the Carter family, which only added to the genuineness of their performances. In what must have been a very difficult feat, both actors somehow managed to sound much like those they were portraying. The music very much functioned as a supporting character, as many scenes focused on on-stage performances. Witherspoon, although she already has a Southern accent, made the uncanny transition to June Carter’s twangy high-pitched voice, both in speaking and singing.
One of my only complaints about this movie is that during the middle, the pacing is a little too slow. I thought that for the most part, the filmmakers did a great job of choosing the best scenes to highlight the complicated life of Johnny Cash. However, there were several similar scenes that dealt with Cash’s addiction. I think that one or two of these scenes could have been taken out.
My only other criticism is a small one. At the end of the film, the frame freezes on an image of Phoenix’s face. Although it is barely perceptible, he seems uncomfortable, on the verge of unhappy. Because of the context of the scene and the fact that it was the last thing viewers see, I felt that it would have been better to choose a frame with him smiling. Again, it’s a small complaint that didn’t change my overall view of the movie, but I felt that it left unexpected implications for the audience.
I loved the film, especially the standout performances by the lead actors and the way in which they proved the message of the film: Times of desperation and grief will come, regardless of your status in society. However, if you surround yourself with good people who love you and remind you to love yourself, you can uncover who you were meant to be.
Check back here in two weeks for more reviews!
Film Grade: A
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
3/7/18
Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358273/soundtrack
https://www.target.com/p/walk-the-line-ws-dvd-video/-/A-11351156
http://www.closerweekly.com/posts/did-reese-witherspoon-sing-walk-the-line-140055
https://bamfstyle.com/2015/02/26/walk-the-line-cash-black/
One of my only complaints about this movie is that during the middle, the pacing is a little too slow. I thought that for the most part, the filmmakers did a great job of choosing the best scenes to highlight the complicated life of Johnny Cash. However, there were several similar scenes that dealt with Cash’s addiction. I think that one or two of these scenes could have been taken out.
My only other criticism is a small one. At the end of the film, the frame freezes on an image of Phoenix’s face. Although it is barely perceptible, he seems uncomfortable, on the verge of unhappy. Because of the context of the scene and the fact that it was the last thing viewers see, I felt that it would have been better to choose a frame with him smiling. Again, it’s a small complaint that didn’t change my overall view of the movie, but I felt that it left unexpected implications for the audience.
I loved the film, especially the standout performances by the lead actors and the way in which they proved the message of the film: Times of desperation and grief will come, regardless of your status in society. However, if you surround yourself with good people who love you and remind you to love yourself, you can uncover who you were meant to be.
Check back here in two weeks for more reviews!
Film Grade: A
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
3/7/18
Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358273/soundtrack
https://www.target.com/p/walk-the-line-ws-dvd-video/-/A-11351156
http://www.closerweekly.com/posts/did-reese-witherspoon-sing-walk-the-line-140055
https://bamfstyle.com/2015/02/26/walk-the-line-cash-black/