Cynical Nation

If someone had told me a year ago that Joaquin Phoenix would play Johnny Cash in a major theatrical release and do his own singing to boot, I would not have known whether to laugh or to cry. See, I have been a huge Johnny Cash fan for literally my entire life. Some of my very earliest memories are of hearing his music and watching his television show. He was so distinctive in voice and style and manner that it's a daunting prospect to try to capture his essence on film. Handled badly, it could almost become sacrilege.

Even after reading a number of positive reviews, I approached the movie with trepidation. I need not have. "Walk the Line" was the most pleasant cinematic surprise since "Lord of the Rings." Phoenix positively channeled Cash's distinctive style and voice. And I have a whole new respect for Reese Witherspoon as well. She became June Carter, as anyone who remembers her from those pre-Johnny days can attest. Mother Maybelle was also uncannily accurate in both look and speech. It was almost like seeing an apparition.

If you're not a Johnny Cash fan, you should go see the movie anyway, simply because it's a great film. But if you are a fan, I can pretty much guarantee you'll get chills.