2008 Woodie Awards
Director's "Line" leads straight to the Oscars
By Nick Gligor
Rocket Staff Writer
Issue date: 12/2/05 Section: Entertainment
Hollywood has been on a role churning out hit biopics. Last year's smash Ray was a gigantic success and this year's Capote is already knocking on Oscar's door. Philip Seymour Hoffman is going to have some tough competition, however, thanks to one Joaquin Phoenix, who masterfully stars as Johnny Cash in the newest biopic of the lot, Walk The Line.
Director James Mangold (Identity, Kate & Leopold) does a tremendous job in telling Cash's story. From a childhood accident that estranged him from his father, through his days in the service, to his big break at Sun studios, and the pill-popping addiction that nearly ruined his life, Mangold tells it all quickly and effectively.
The main focus, however, is the love story between June Carter and Cash. Because the filmmakers went this route and are so detailed with it, the film has a tremendous amount of humanity, with feelings of self-doubt, acceptance, hope and forgiveness.
Just as Jamie Foxx embodied the spirit of Ray Charles in Ray, Phoenix does the same for Johnny Cash. He channels him and literally becomes him with finesse - not to mention that he resembles Cash so greatly at times it's downright scary. He owns the stage until the moment he walks off.
Reese Witherspoon is anything but Legally Blonde in this film, reminding us of what a great actress she truly is. In her portrayal of June Carter, Witherspoon jumps back and forth between a quirky and energetic stage persona and a mature, straightforward behind-the-scenes attitude seamlessly. She's absolutely irresistible. You can't help but fall in love with the character yourself.
The veteran Robert Patrick (a personal favorite) plays Cash's bitter, abusive father with seemingly no sense of compassion. Even when he arrives at Johnny's new house, the only accolade he can muster up is "Jack Benny's is bigger". It's heartbreaking to witness. And though he does sober up by the film's end, the images of the past are impossible to erase from your memory - yet, still forgivable.
Director James Mangold (Identity, Kate & Leopold) does a tremendous job in telling Cash's story. From a childhood accident that estranged him from his father, through his days in the service, to his big break at Sun studios, and the pill-popping addiction that nearly ruined his life, Mangold tells it all quickly and effectively.
The main focus, however, is the love story between June Carter and Cash. Because the filmmakers went this route and are so detailed with it, the film has a tremendous amount of humanity, with feelings of self-doubt, acceptance, hope and forgiveness.
Just as Jamie Foxx embodied the spirit of Ray Charles in Ray, Phoenix does the same for Johnny Cash. He channels him and literally becomes him with finesse - not to mention that he resembles Cash so greatly at times it's downright scary. He owns the stage until the moment he walks off.
Reese Witherspoon is anything but Legally Blonde in this film, reminding us of what a great actress she truly is. In her portrayal of June Carter, Witherspoon jumps back and forth between a quirky and energetic stage persona and a mature, straightforward behind-the-scenes attitude seamlessly. She's absolutely irresistible. You can't help but fall in love with the character yourself.
The veteran Robert Patrick (a personal favorite) plays Cash's bitter, abusive father with seemingly no sense of compassion. Even when he arrives at Johnny's new house, the only accolade he can muster up is "Jack Benny's is bigger". It's heartbreaking to witness. And though he does sober up by the film's end, the images of the past are impossible to erase from your memory - yet, still forgivable.
