Directed by James Mangold
Written by James Mangold and Gill Dennis
Based on The Man In Black by Johnny Cash and Cash: An Autobiography by Johhny Cash and Patrick Carr
Cast:
Joaquin Phoenix – Johnny Cash
Reese Witherspoon – June Carter
Ginnefer Goodwin – Vivian Cash
Robert Patrick – Ray Cash
I am a huge Johnny Cash fan. So going to see this film was a no brainer.
The film deals with Cash’s life from childhood through to 1968 and the Folsom Prison concert. While there is certainly enough in that time span to sustain the films 2hour plus timeline, it would have been nice to also see Cash’s re-emergence in the ’90’s with the American recordings.
One of the bravest choices made for the film was the insistence that the actors actually perform the songs featured in the film, rather than just miming to them. While this could have been an unmitigated disaster, the actors manage to pull it off successfully (with Joaquin Phoenix learning to play guitar for the role).
This is also one in the growing number of biopics that refuses to sugar coat the lives of those portrayed. We see Cash’s struggle to impress his father (particularly in light of his brothers death) his cheating on his first wife and his battle with drink and drug addiction.
While there are appearances by Mother Maybelle Carter, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, this is very much about John and June, as it should be.
Phoenix is superb as Cash and deserves all the plaudits, awards and nominations he is receiving. In the film he is not so much impersonating Cash as possessed by him. Cash himself had a say in the casting and the right choice was made.
The real surprise in the film, however, if Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. I knew going in that Phoenix is a phenomenal actor but hadn’t really been enamoured of Witherspoon (possibly because of her choice of roles up till now). However, she certainly proved me wrong and I can but hope that she picks up the Oscar she deserves.
The on screen chemistry between Phoenix and Witherspoon is electric, which is just as well. If this was lacking then the film would have failed. However, from the first moment they are on screen together, you really sense that this is a couple who are destined to be together.
If you are a Johnny Cash fan, this is a must see. But if you’re not, I’d still highly recommend it.
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