Walk The Line is the story of musician Johnny Cash, or
rather, the story of Johnny and June Carter-Cash, two talented voices
that stood-out in a time when some magnificent tones were emerging
– like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Willie
Nelson and Buddy Holly, all who feature in the film – and
ultimately – after many, many, many obstacles and false starts
– found love. This isn’t a musical biography, perse,
but rather a touching love story about a couple of lost souls who found
each other, and a common bond, in a world full of judgment and
spuriousness. Chronicling Johnny Cash’s life from the age of 12 to his late 20’s, Line
examines how the Arkansas-raised youngster – whose younger
brother, the one the father (Robert Patrick) seemingly favoured, dies
in a freak accident– turned into the legendary musician we know
best. On tour, he meets the beautiful and talented June Carter (Reese
Witherspoon), who he’d later form a close friendship with. Always
wanting more, but either married or not persuasive enough to convince
Carter that he’d make a good husband, Cash is persistent. When
he becomes addicted to drugs (uppers), the musician starts to crumble
– and it’ll be up to Carter to help piece him back together. Joaquin
Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon immerse themselves in the role of the
troubled talent and his long-time love. With their singing voices
playing just as much a part, they unleash performances that border on
greatness – they’ve obviously studied their real life
counterparts to inestimable detail - and the chemistry between the two
would singe any Bunsen burner’s bottom. Even if you
don’t know any, or only know a couple, of Cash’s songs
– which include “Jackson”, “Walk The
Line”, and “Folsom Prison” – you’ll
hopefully know all about the film’s central theme: deep,
meaningful, love and companionship. Treat yourself to one of the best films to grace a projection booth in eons - it sings a sweet, sweet tune. EXTRAS The 2-disc DVD (there’s also a 3-disc set available, in which you get a
CD soundtrack) is a real treat. Extras are vast and wide, and range
from the captivating (the featurettes on Cash), the interesting (the
director’s commentary), and the worthwhile time-passers (deleted
scenes, extended musical sequences). All told, a brilliant DVD package. Conclusion:
Movie 80% Extras: 75% 
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