March 22, 2007

Walk the Line (2005)
Director: James Mangold
Writer: Johnny Cash, Patrick Carr, Gill Dennis, and James Mangold
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon
Co-Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, and Dallas Roberts
Description: Johnny Cash grew up in Arkansas, and served in the Air Force in Germany, where he bought a guitar. He returned from the war and married. Singing and playing with two other men, he cut a record in Memphis. His reputation growing from airplay and live performances, Cash became a star, touring with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and others. On tour, he suffered the effects of drug addiction. He also met June Carter, who would later become his wife. Responding in part to the fan mail he received from prisoners, Cash played a legendary concert for the inmates at Folsom Prison in California.
Rating: A
In a word... essential.