"Walk the Line": Phoenix IS Cash
When Joaquin Phoenix first introduces himself on stage in Walk the Line, he's not convincing. But before the movie's over -- well before the end -- you've hopelessly sold out to the illusion that he is, indeed, Johnny Cash. And there's never any doubt, from the first shot, that Reese Witherspoon is June Carter.
Remember how Jamie Foxx became Ray Charles last year in Ray? Walk the Line raises the bar considerably in terms of actors and actresses stepping into the skin and souls of real people (I understand that Philip Seymour Hoffman does the same thing in Capote). It's one thing to adopt the speech patterns and physical mannerisms of another person, but it's quite something else when you are able to perform like them, especially when you're not a trained musician. Much has been hyped about how Phoenix and Witherspoon did their own singing and playing in the movie; I'm here to tell you that it ain't hype if it's true.
Walk the Line will get compared to Ray in other ways, especially for the parallels in the highs and lows, the self-destructive behaviors, of the men they portray. Those are fair comparisons. There were parts of Walk the Line that were hard to watch; nothing was sugarcoated. But the movie's overall theme was one of redemption and I couldn't help leaving the theater wishing I'd paid more attention to Johnny Cash while he was alive.
And I'll tell you another thing...this is a predication: they're gonna sell a(nother) bazillion dollars worth of Cash's music. And that's a good thing.
Technorati tags: Walk the Line | Joaquin Phoenix | Reese Witherspoon
Like I said, Jen, the overarching theme is redemption. His faith isn't the focus during this time of his life (it all takes place before he and June even get married), but there are allusions to it and it even gets the credit, however low-key, for turning his life around.
I don't know if I'd really call it "downplaying," because I don't know if during the main period of Cash's life being portrayed, he was living out his faith. (Well, it's pretty obvious that he wasn't given the marital infidelity and substance abuse that marked that period.)
When people go looking for his music, they'll find what wasn't in the movie.
Posted by: Eric at November 18, 2005 04:02 PMBetter than "Beyond the Sea"? I haven't seen "Capote" or "Ray" even though I really wanted to. I saw "Good Night, and Good Luck" which was good. However, if "Beyond the Line" is more comparable to "Capote" or "Ray" then perhaps I should see one of those first.
Esentially, I like Bobby Darin's music, and Kevin Spacey, however the movie fell flat. Is "Walk the Line" ok?
Posted by: Brian J. Hong at November 19, 2005 03:48 PMBetter than "Beyond the Sea"? I haven't seen "Capote" or "Ray" even though I really wanted to. I saw "Good Night, and Good Luck" which was good. However, if "Beyond the Line" is more comparable to "Capote" or "Ray" then perhaps I should see one of those first.
Esentially, I like Bobby Darin's music, and Kevin Spacey, however the movie fell flat. Is "Walk the Line" ok?
Posted by: Brian J. Hong at November 19, 2005 03:48 PMBrian, I didn't see "Beyond the Sea" so I can't answer your question. I'd rate "Walk the Line" about even with "Ray," and perhaps even give it the edge for the facts that it had two amazing performances, and the actors did their own music.
The storyline of "Walk the Line" is well-written and fascinating, even if you're not necessarily a fan of Cash's music. I recommend it.
Posted by: Eric at November 19, 2005 04:07 PMI'm looking forward to seeing this and was worried that the actors' portrayals would not live up to the real Johnny and June. I have been a big fan of his much of my life and he is the quintessential story of redemption and rebirth through Christ. His early life of addiction is painful to watch, but it makes the testimony that much sweeter. Thanks for the reminder to see this movie...I nearly forgot about it!
Posted by: Gwynne at November 20, 2005 12:09 AMGwynne, based solely on watching the movie, I have to conclude that Cash was saved early in life...did a major backslide (just like many of us)...and then got rescued by his faith and the love of a good woman who also shared that faith (just like some of us).
Posted by: Eric at November 20, 2005 02:38 PMThat sounds like an accurate depiction, based solely on what I know of the man (and woman). Behind every good man is a...well, you know the rest. :-)
Posted by: Gwynne at November 20, 2005 11:41 PMAbout the publisher
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The one thing I am disappointed about is the downplaying of Cash's Christian faith. From what I hear, it's almost non-existent in the movie where in life it was central. Sad.
I am looking forward to seeing it, though.
Posted by: jen at November 18, 2005 03:52 PM