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A mesmerizing depiction of a country legend. James Mangold's biopic on Johnny Cash, Walk the Line (2005) is a completely engaging piece of art. I'm not even a huge country music fan, though I deeply respect Johnny Cash, and I was totally enamored by Walk the Line. Every second is engrossing as a dramatic picture with lovely musical numbers. Walk the Line breathes new life into the legacy of the music icon Johnny Cash. Watching the origins of Folsom Prison Blues, I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, and other Cash classics is magical. The down to Earth style of Cash is endearing on his own, but witnessed through Walk the Line captures a passionate realism that only Cash conjured through his beautifully harrowing songs. Needless to say, Walk the Line's soundtrack is a greatest hits selection of Johnny Cash songs you need to hear to know the man's career. Furthermore, James Mangold's direction is stunning. Perfect framing of conversations and encounters between Johnny Cash and his father, June Carter Cash, and other musical figures. Mangold's style is sleek and classic with a nod to gritty realism of Cash's lyrics and lifestyle. The performances are lively and mystifying with an enchanting quality to them. Mangold makes this 2 hour movie feel like a breeze with his careful direction. Walk the Line features many neat cameos and supporting roles appearing throughout the film. Walk the Line includes Buddy Holly, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, and of course June Carter. It's amazing to think about how many excellent musicians Johnny Cash played with or alongside throughout his miraculous career. Walk the Line brings them all to life with a neat respect and fun personality. Joaquin Phoenix is the real star here as Johnny Cash himself. His thick accent and gravelly voice fit Cash perfectly. He becomes Cash so much so that you forget you are watching an actor perform his craft. Phoenix has mastered the art of becoming as he transforms into Cash in look, voice, body language, and singing. Phoenix has to be seen to be believed. I appreciate Joaquin Phoenix taking a more subtle nuanced portrayal of Johnny Cash as a tortured miserable man desperate for love. Phoenix contorts his figure and heart for the role with a tender depth and reverence for Cash that is apparent. Likewise, Reese Witherspoon gives a fantastic performance as June Carter Cash. Her willful spirit and tough attitude meet Reese's sweet personality and heavenly voice. I think her chemistry with Phoenix is palpable as they play lovers so realistically. I think Walk the Line is easily one of Reese Witherspoon's best performances. She walks, talks, and sings like June Carter Cash in a genuinely astonishing role. She is Phoenix' foil as well as love interest as she commands attention and gives the audience everything she has to offer. Witherspoon is simply outstanding! I should mention Ginnifer Goodwin's portrayal of Johnny Cash's first wife is terrifying and sad. I loved her in Walk the Line. On the other hand, you despise Robert Patrick as Cash's father for his harsh brutal ways. Patrick gives his greatest acting in Walk the Line, hands down. Watch Walk the Line for its masterful direction from James Mangold alone. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are a bonus to this wonderful film.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Love this movie! Great price for a sealed copy!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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