Well-made docu-drama that deserved it's Oscar nominations

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2006)

STAR RATING: ***** Jodie Marsh **** Michelle Marsh *** Kym Marsh ** Rodney Marsh * Hackney Marsh
A drama depicting the life of famed country/rock and roll singer Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) from his childhood days growing up on a ranch in Arkansas, where he tragically lost his older brother in an accident involving a saw, his time in the Air Force, trying unsuccessfully to cut it as a door to door salesman before striking it lucky and getting a hit record. From there, the glory of fame has it's highs and it's lows, including a dangerous drug dependency.
So many films get released nowadays it's hard to keep up with them all, but James Mangold's drama of the late, great rock singer Johnny Cash Walk the Line is one I'd heard a lot of praise for but had yet to get round to getting up off my butt and going to see. It did well at the Oscars too, certainly getting a few nominations in.
One thing it can boast is great performances. Phoenix captures the spirit and dash of Cash quite well. I don't know if he met the man before he died or not, but he's just as compelling as Jamie Foxx was as Ray Charles or Will Smith was as Ali. I liked Reese Witherspoon in the supporting role as well, very pretty and giving a colourful portrayal of the love of Cash's life.
The film is a thorough re-telling of Cash's life, not done with as much emotional gusto as I'd have thought and dragging on a bit towards the end (over-stretching it's running time I'd have said.) But it's undeniably well-made and deserved it's Oscar status. Well worth seeing. ****