Now, this is first class acting...

Rating: 8/10 (9 February 2006)

Director James Mangold seems to be back in shape after the mediocre "Identity" and the awful "Kate & Leopold"; the story of the love of country legends Johnny Cash and June Carter fits perfectly that old style Mangold displayed in earlier films like "Copland" or the award winner, "Girl, Interrupted".
Mangold is not alone in this endeavor, the movie would not be the same if it weren't for the outstanding performances of Joaquin Phoenix as Mr. Cash, and specially Reese Whiterspoon as Mrs. Carter. They go beyond acting and completely capture the character in a way not seen since Jim Carrey's performance as Andy Kaufman in "Man on the Moon".
Based on both Cash's autobiographies, the movie starts with the tragic even that killed Cash's older brother, and we get a glimpse of his harsh relationship with his father, superbly played by Robert Patrick. Years later, we follow Johnny Cash through his period in the air force and his time as a door-to-door salesman when he started composing the songs that would give him a contract with legendary producer Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts).
During all this time the image of June Carter is constantly present in Cash's life, and when they finally meet each other the amazing chemistry on screen between actors Phoenix and Whiterspoon seem to mimic the real Carter & Cash chemistry on real life.
If Phoenix is amazing, Whiterspoon is out of this world, as her portrait of June Carter is what makes this movie special. She goes beyond acting and give a performance larger than life, that not only is appropriate in itself, it also serves a backbone for the whole storyline.
Because this is not only a Cash biography, it is the tale of the love between two talented musicians that had to overcome hard times such as their previous marriages, June fading fame and most important, Cash's addiction to drugs. Director James Mangold makes the movie flow easily and takes enough time to show the several events in their life without compromising artistic value and historic realism.
However, the movie is not perfect; its biggest flaw is that it follows the typical formula of a biopic, and even with the terrific acting of both Phoenix and Whiterspoon, the movie falls in the same sentimentalism trap as "Girl, Interrupted". Nevertheless, the movie is still superior to most biopics, as very few capture the soul of the real persons it portrays.
While probably is not the best picture of 2005, the couple of lead stars gave the best performances of the year and probably, the best performances of their careers so far. 8/10. Really good.