DVD 135 mins
PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Walk the Line
20th Century Fox (11/18/2005)
In Collection
#587

Seen It:
No

Owner:
Ben
Drama
USA  /  English

Joaquin Phoenix Johnny Cash
Reese Witherspoon June Carter
Ginnifer Goodwin
James Keach
Cathy Konrad
Robert Patrick

Director James Mangold
Writer Gill Dennis; James Mangold

A solid and entertaining biopic, Walk the Line works less as a movie than an actors' showcase for its stars. Joaquin Phoenix's total immersion into the skin of singer Johnny Cash is startling--watching it, you can't believe this is the same guy who whined about being "vexed" in Gladiator. As he evolves from a farm boy to gospel croonin' plunker to the Man in Black, Phoenix disappears into Cash's deep baritone, his way of slinging the guitar onto his back, and his hunched-up style of strumming. But it's more than just picking up mannerisms: Phoenix also sings as Johnny Cash, and it's quite impressive.

The story of how Johnny Cash became Johnny Cash traces from his childhood under a distant father (Robert Patrick) to his early attempts at a music career, during which he married his girlfriend Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin). During a tour with the likes of Elvis (Tyler Hilton) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Malloy Payne), he encounters singer June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), and his love for her--and her rejection of him through the years--spurs him into drugs, drinking, and depression. As with most movies based on real-life singers, as his popularity grows, the women come a-flockin', and the childhood demons surface. Witherspoon, who matches Phoenix drawl for drawl, plays June both as a sassy spitfire whose charm breaks your heart, and as a sympathetic friend who tries to help Cash get over--well, her. The love story is what endures, but the movie comes most alive during its musical numbers, and even if you're not a country fan, it may just get you to run out and buy a Johnny Cash album.--Ellen A. Kim

Edition Details
Edition Widescreen Edition
Barcode 024543224228
Region Region 1
Release Date 2/28/2006
Packaging Jewel w/Slip cover
Screen Ratio Widescreen 2.40:1 Color (Anamorphic)
Subtitles English; Spanish
Audio Tracks ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
ENGLISH: DTS 5.1 [CC]
FRENCH: Dolby Digital Surround
SPANISH: Dolby Digital Surround
Layers Single Side, Dual Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 1

Features
Deleted Scenes
Director's Commentary
Writer Commentary
Director Commentary by co-writer/director James Mangold 10 Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by James Mangold
Personal Details
Purchase Date 2/25/2006
Purchase Price $19.99
Store Sound Garden (Used)
Condition New (Still Sealed)
Current Value $19.99
Links Amazon US
DVD Empire