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The time period Walk the Line encompasses of Johnny Cash’s
life is the early years of his career through his courting
and marrying June Carter Cash. It is an interesting journey
told with much of Johnny Cash’s great music. Some of his better
known songs evolve on screen. But it is the love story of
these two legendary musicians that comes alive on screen.
In pursuit of his love, June Carter, drugs and alcohol
almost ruined Johnny. And June’s love for Johnny when he needed
her, is what saves him, that and mother Maybelle Carter standing
with a shotgun in her hand chasing off John’s dealer. A classic
scene.
Since it comes after another great musician bio movie,
“Ray”, a slice of life of the late Ray Charles, is this movie
echo moviemaking, you know, cashing in on a previous success.
Considering the length of time it takes to conceive, create,
and realize a finished movie, think of it as two great movies,
about two, no make that three great musicians.
Dramatic license may be a part of the script, but John
had a hard emotionally rocky life. The death of his older
brother, the treatment his father gave him after the death,
saying maybe the devil took the wrong son, makes for a sympathetic
character naïve in the ways of the world and of love.
There are some good moments in this film, memorable moments.
One that sticks out is Sam Philips of the legendary Sunn Studio,
urging Johnny to make his record from the “natural rhythms
of your life.” The comment causes an onscreen epiphany in
the young man. He begins haltingly to sing the way we know
and love, the sound of Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash’s contemporaries are also featured but not
in a distracting way The character of Jerry Lee Lewis is fun
to watch.
I enjoy a well written movie and this one is a joy to
watch.
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