"We're all going to hell for the songs we sing."

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2011)

I was somewhat apprehensive when I heard this film was being made with Joaquin Phoenix in the lead, along with Reese Witherspoon portraying June Carter. It's best to have an open mind about these things, and quite honestly, they both did a terrific job representing these legends of country music. The movie delves into Cash's early career, roughly the first decade or so following his youth, military service and first marriage. What I particularly enjoyed was seeing how the careers of other legendary singers and musicians paralleled Johnny's own - folks like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison. If true, the sequence showing producer Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts) inspiring Cash to sing what he knows and feels was a true turning point in Johnny's life, one that might easily have gone an entirely different direction had their paths not crossed.
The other cool aspect of the film were those subtle touches that would come full circle to show how they influenced some of Cash's best songs. The young black shoeshine boy turned up in the rockabilly vocals of 'Get Rhythm', while June Carter's challenge to Johnny to walk the line wound up as one of his biggest hits. Even a casual reference to Bob Dylan eventually resulted in the duo covering a surprisingly fresh version of 'It Ain't Me Babe'.
What Phoenix does here with his characterization of Johnny Cash is pretty amazing. As far as his singing voice goes, there can only be one Johnny Cash, but Joaquin's was pretty close, even if a fraction of a beat slower on a number of songs. His mannerisms also added to the perception of Cash on stage with the guitar held up to his chest and holding it out to the audience for emphasis. The big surprise however was Witherspoon's take on June Carter, and if you were only listening and not watching the picture the second time they sang 'Jackson' together, you'd swear it was really Carter herself.
Considering all the music biopics that have come down the line the past couple of decades - La Bamba, Great Balls of Fire, The Buddy Holly Story - I'd have to say this is one of the best, if not the best. Comparisons will be made with "Ray" of course, having come out a year earlier with Jamie Foxx in an equally superb performance as Ray Charles. I guess it will depend on your preference of musical styles that will determine your decision, but if it's a good story with good music you're after, you really can't go wrong with either one.