The Home of Steven Barnes
Author, Teacher, Screenwriter


Sunday, November 27, 2005

Walk The Line (2005)

This musical biopic about the life of the legendary "Man In Black" Johnny Cash, is simply smashing, deeply affecting, superbly performed by all concerned, and a success on virtually all counts.  As portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, the romance of Johnny and June Carter Cash is brought to life in such an affecting way that it is impossible not to suspect that there is truth here, that the movie touches on the essence of these human beings in all of their brilliance and mundane humanity.  Funny, tragic, entertaining as heck, sexy, and simply one of the best movies I've seen all year.  The unavoidable parallels with last year's "Ray" are unavoidable and appropriate.  This is American filmmaking at its best, with a performance by Robert "T-1000" Patrick as Cash's distant, emotionally haunted father that is a revelation.  See it.  An easy "A" for all concerned.

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