The other movie I watched this weekend was “Walk the Line” about Johnny Cash. I admit that I don’t listen to his music and don’t know much about his life, but this movie made me interested enough to consider buying a biography of some kind to learn more about the true details about this obviously complex musician.
Joaquim Phoenix does a nice job playing Cash as he struggles with a father who blames him for his other son’s death, a wife who resents his disappearing to go on the road, and a complicated relationship with June Carter. Reese Witherspoon gave a nice performance as June, the woman who stood by Cash’s side despite all his problems. Did they deserve Oscar nominations? Sure. Did Reese deserve to win? I don’t think so – I think Felicity Huffman deserved it for her turn in “Transamerica”, which was outstanding in comparison.
Was it a perfect movie? Nah. Some parts were really slow or repetitive and other parts I felt were highly fictionalized (although since I don’t know the true bio of Cash I’m only presuming that). I thought it interesting that Cash went on the road with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and others back in the 1950s.
I was also surprised that there weren’t more extras on the DVD – I had really hoped that they would have a mini bio about Cash and help me gain some added perspective on his life. But I guess that’s why I need to go out and find a good biography to read.
3 black shirts out of five.