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‘Because you’re mine … ”

September 06, 2007

lchamplin

If you haven’t seen “Walk the Line,” do yourself and a favor and watch it. Now!

Why, you ask? It’s because that movie changed my life. After repeated viewings, I still get inspired. That’s good movie-making. Give it a chance, even if you’re not a fan of Johnny Cash.

The movie is about his life — his struggles, redemption and most importantly, love. The Man in Black was a rebel and one of the biggest legends in music. 

The casting is brilliant, with Joaquin Phoenix playing Cash and Reese Witherspoon playing June Carter. Their chemistry rocks from their first meeting, when they collide backstage before a concert. The fact that they sang their parts makes them even more respectable. It’s no wonder Reese won the Best Actress Oscar, and Joaquin was nominated for Best Actor. He might have deserved the Oscar over Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who won for “Capote”), but I can’t say because I haven’t seen “Capote.”

I became a fan of Joaquin after seeing him as the villain Commodus in “Gladiator,” and I think he was born to play Johnny Cash. No one can ever copy Cash’s deep-as-the-night voice or persona, but Joaquin put his heart and soul into this movie.

However, on some online message boards, people argue that Russell Crowe would have been a better Johnny Cash. What do you think? Was Joaquin the best choice?

Director James Mangold (“Girl Interrupted,” “Identity”) shows his ability to shine in many genres. He explains in the commentary (I recommend listening to this) how he used close-up shots so you feel like you are part of the actors’ conversations. The concert scenes are my favorite, especially at Folsom. Joaquin was at his best in that infectious, rocking show.

This movie gets better every time I watch it. That’s what makes it one of my top 10 movies. Tell me why you like or dislike it, and check back to learn the others on my list.

“Walk the Line” is rated PG-13 and runs 2 hours and 16 minutes.

My rating: Five out of five stars

Cash memorabilia: I have a Johnny Cash T-shirt that I wear proudly and a Cash album cover (thanks Daddy!).

Interesting tidbit: Johnny and June approved of Joaquin’s and Reese’s casting before their deaths in 2003.