What seperates the solid movie from the excellent? More often than not it is the quality and depth of the acting performances. 2005 saw a number of truly superior acting performances on the big screen, with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener in Capote, David Straithorn and George Clooney in Good Night and Good Luck, and Walk the Line, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.
Walk the Line showcases the amazing depth and emotion of its actors on the big screen. Phoenix is truly in his element in this film, full of deep brooding emotions and charisma that matches that of the real life Cash. This is a career defining role, and one that took a toll on him in real life. Witherspoon does her finest work to date as June Carter Cash, and was well deserving of the best actress Oscar. As she said in her speech, June Carter was a real woman dealing with real life issues, and Witherspoon potrays that with sympathy, grace, and spirit, and just a little dollop of sass. Visually the film is impressive, lush and rich in color palettes, but Mangold’s camera work does not overly suprise. He basically frames the actors and lets them work their magic within the scene.
Not knowing much about either Cash or Carter in real life, I enjoyed how the movie told the story well enough without becoming overly bogged down. Like Ray, Walk the Line gives you enough back story and motivation to understand the characters and the challenges they face.(Cash and Ray led eerily similar lives.) The story of Walk the Line is enough to let you sit back and watch great actors work their magic in what overall is an excellent film, and one of 2005’s Top 3 movies.
Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix - Johnny Cash
- Reese Witherspoon - June Carter Cash
- Ginnifer Goodwin - Vivian Cash
- Robert Patrick - Ray Cash
- Dallas Roberts - Sam Phillips
- Dan John Miller - Luther Perkins
- Larry Bagby - Marshall Grant
- Shelby Lynne - Carrie Cash
- Tyler Hilton – Elvis Presley
- Waylon Payne - Jerry Lee Lewis
- Shooter Jennings - Waylon Jennings