He really *does* walk the line

Rating: 8/10 (24 October 2009)

I do not know much at all about Johnny Cash, his life or even particularly his music. From what I know, however, Phoenix completely becomes him, and sounds a lot like him when he performs(and I understand that it really is him singing, in this). Witherspoon is excellent, quite possibly her best work thus far. In general, the acting is marvelous, and they found the right types for the various musicians. I've yet to be taken by storm by anything I've seen which was directed by James Mangold, but this is definitely the best of them, the others being Girl, Interrupted, and Identity. The plot is great, engaging and keeps moving nicely throughout. Characters are well-developed, credible and consistent. The dialog is good, and well-delivered. This is well-paced, and the contrast between the normal home-life and the fast world of rock 'n' roll. The cinematography and editing are effective and never flashy, and this manages to balance being a tribute to, and biography of, the man in black rather well. There's not a lot of language, and the depiction of drug addiction is not as strong as it is seen elsewhere. I recommend this to any fans of anyone involved in the making of it. 8/10