Movie: Walk the Line (B)

It's almost impossible to discuss Walk the Line without comparing it to the previous year's Ray; both have the same kind of Behind the Music timeline so common among young artists ill-prepared for wealth and fame.

Both men come from poor families and must deal with a childhood tragedy. They grow up, become famous, and begin to womanize and use drugs. Their musical genius continues to emerge despite their human frailty; it is bigger than they are, yet sadly drives them past their limits.

Of course, their music is also shaped by their personal experience. In many ways, Johnny Cash's music is a way to reach out to the hurting, because he himself is in so much pain. There is also his exceptional love for June Carter, whom he has "known" since listening to her radio program as a child. Of course, June won't settle down with a (married) man whose life is such a mess, so she decides simply to be his friend. It is that friendship that makes their growing love seem so real, because it has endured trials instead of destroying families or giving up when things get difficult.

Joaquin Phoenix does an outstanding job portraying Cash, and his singing was dead-on! Reese Witherspoon's Oscar-winning performance of June Carter Cash is amazing as she presents a woman who is strong and loving and good and kind. These aren't just singers from the history books; these are real people who made a difference in other people's lives, who saw their own lives as a calling to reach out to others. The movie ends with Cash giving a performance in a prison, offering hope and kindness and music, and so was able to do something Ray did not: it made me want to be a better person. Grade: A+