WALK THE LINE

With Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Patrick
Directed by James Mangold

The well-cast Phoenix packs in a great performance as the "man in black", Johnny Cash. The focus is on his early life and how he got started in the music business, the ups, downs, emotional turmoil, drug addiction and tense relationship with his father. But most importantly is his relationship with June Carter, with whom he performed for years on tours across America, and with whom he fell in love with while both were still married to their respective spouses. Witherspoon also pulls in a fine performance as Carter and both her and Phoenix have walked off with several awards, including a Best Actress Oscar™ for Witherspoon. They did their own singing and had to learn that as well as playing instruments. I've never been a Cash expert, yet always had a certain impression of him - but after the film one gets a brand new perspective. Copland director James Mangold delivered a fine biopic Johnny would've been proud of.

5 / B
- PB

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