Walk the Line Review

Walk the Line is first and foremost a love story. Director James Mangold touches on most of the standard scenes people have come to expect from movies about real-life musicians, but the material is infused with energy by two outstanding lead performances. Joaquin Phoenix passes the test that buries most performers who play famous musicians; one never doubts that he is playing a person capable of creating these fantastic songs. That he handles his own singing in the film is simply a bonus. Even if he does not sound exactly like Cash, he is close enough that - when augmented by the film’s outstanding editing and the emotional thrust of the story - the illusion is complete. As good as he is, Reese Witherspoon matches him perfectly, registering every contradictory feeling in a smart woman forced to play the fool in public. The scenes where they duet, particularly a scorching version of ”It Ain’t Me Babe,” display an emotional connection between the two that can rival any movie love story. That connection carries over when the couple is off stage, particularly in a wonderful scene early in a diner where one begins to sense the spark the two feel between each other. Walk the Line is an outstanding love story, a highly entertaining look at life of a young rock star on tour, and a showcase for two strong young actors to give great performances.