Walk the Line
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Director: James Mangold
The film: What you expect from James Mangold's look at the life of the late country music great Johnny Cash will greatly affect what you take away from it. If you're after real insights or revelations about the man in black, don't bother. If you want a quick look at his love affair with June Carter that dominated his life, look no further.
And this works both for and against the film. When Mangold treads tried and true musicians' biopic territory, you can almost sense the filmmaker running down his list. Early childhood marred by family tragedy? Check. Finds outlet for emotions through music? Check. Wily music producer urges him to play the music that's 'in his heart'? Check. Battle with drugs and booze? Check. Long-suffering wife? Check. It plays like a highlight reel.
Thankfully, Joaquin Phoenix puts in a smouldering, scene-stealing performance as Cash, full of pent-up fury. And it's when the singer's heart is melted by Reese Witherspoon - who won an Oscar for her role as Carter - that the film finally takes off. Given screen time together, Phoenix and Witherspoon (below) bring the production alive, finding the real sense of the passion that fuelled a sometimes volatile relationship.
As a love story, then, the film has its charms. But things never go further than skin deep. This is movie-making for the matinees.