DRESSED IN BLACK, HEART OF GOLD

By: B -- 11/21/05

The comparisons between Walk the Line and Ray are inevitable. Both films are ostensibly of the biopic genre, detailing the lives of recently-deceased larger-than-life musicians as they battle with childhood tragedies, adulthood addictions and women (of course) while rising to their eventual legendary status. But where Ray was a comprehensive study that adhered closely to the genre’s formula, Walk the Line specifically sets its sights on protagonist Johnny Cash’s formative years spent wooing his eventual wife June Carter.

And woo her he does, with only a few obstructions blocking his path: booze, methamphetamines, a critical family and an insecure shrew of a wife (who, in hindsight, had plenty reason to act like such a bitch). Walk the Line shows Cash managing all those issues (mostly inappropriately), but make no mistake: the story is less about Johnny’s rise to fame and more about his persistence in winning over June. It is a biopic, but just barely.

Joaquin Phoenix, River’s younger bro, doesn’t so much impersonate Johnny Cash as he embodies his demeanor and fiery personality. Phoenix’s Cash is a tortured, lovesick, thin-skinned soul; nothing like the tough-as-nails, man-in-black persona for which Cash is known. He develops an on-stage sneer and off-stage bravado as his popularity soars, but never so much that viewers give up on him, and never so much that it overrides his sensitive disposition. Reece Witherspoon’s Carter is a sympathetic do-gooder who sticks with Cash despite his fuck-ups, and is equally strong, though less challenged, in her role. Both actors do their own singing and are superb. Phoenix doesn’t have the famously deep voice, but by handling singing duties brings an authenticity to the film.

Despite a few lazy editing shortcuts (Cash goes from go-nowhere evictee to established artist in just a few scenes) and necessary formulaic leanings, the Johnny-June chemistry and engaging story in Walk the Line make it a winner, easily surpassing the conventional Ray.

POP RATING: 8

CRITICAL RATING: 8

B’S RATING: 8

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