Walk the Line, based on the book by Johnny Cash - 8.5 out of 10

Walk the Line, based on the book by Johnny Cash
8.5 out of 10


Walk the Line has enchanted critics, Academy members, the Hollywood Foreign Press and audiences alike.

Reese Witherspoon has won what looks like every possible award, from the Oscar to the Golden Globe to the BAFTA, for her formidable interpretation of the role of June Carter, second wife of the country/blues and rock singer Johnny Cash.
Joaquin Phoenix is equally outstanding in the leading role and has been nominated for all the prestigious trophies available.

In fact, it seems that his part is much more challenging, complicated and difficult, seeing that the protagonist is talented, creative, perseverent, an exceptional singer, often kind, loving, but he is also violent, alcoholic, addicted to medication and drugs at one point, unstable, vicious, impulsive and the list goes on.
Early on, he is very taken with Vivian and he wants to be with this young woman in spite of the vehement opposition of her family.

They would marry and have children, but they would soon fight and clash over so many issues, including the hanging of a photograph at one stage.
With fame and success, the singer gains a massive following, with many fans writing letters in adoration.

When these are girls,some younger even than fourteen, the wife is more than upset, albeit Johnny tries to explain and play down all this enthusiasm, which is awkward at times, but it is associated with popularity.
Indeed, he would soon give into temptation and become intimate with the girls that wait for a sign from him.

When he is at home, Vivian expects him to help in the house, be more present, while he retorts that he had bought a beautiful house and things, everything she could ever want.
When the hero attempts to hang a picture his spouse dislikes, she takes it away and smashes it.

That was excessive.
Although, the one to blame is almost entirely the man, with his gradual drifting apart and the ever increasing infatuation, perhaps it is love for June.

June and Johnny meet near the stage, when she becomes entangled with the guitar he is playing.
They would continue to be part of the same road show, singing with Elvis Presley,  Jerry Lee Lewis and other legendary musicians and singers.

Overall, June seems to have had more than a beneficent influence on Johnny Cash, maybe she even saved him from self destruction.