Journey With The Man In Black

The critics were right for a change. This is a wonderful representation of the complex life of Johnny Cash. They have given a somewhat balanced insight to his life. Showing us the good and bad while leaving us connected to the main character. We feel for him even as we know what he is doing is ruining his life. They had a good story to tell and they told it well. The pace and direction of the movie keeps you interested and the acting was superb. I expect to see some Oscar nods for this movie.

Plot: This movie is about the life of Johnny Cash, a musician who is without peer. It begins with his childhood on a poor Arkansas farm, moving into his time in the air force, and then on to his marriage to his first wife Vivian. In Memphis, he and Vivian are coming to the end of his rope, and the beginning of the end of her patience. He is trying to eek out a living as a salesman (and doing a very poor job of it). With eviction nigh at hand he lands an audition with an executive at Sun Studios. He sings the gospel number he and his band rehearsed. He is told that gospel doesn't sell. So, he sings one of his originals that he wrote during his air force days and lands a record contract. Thus begins Johnny Cash's illustrious music career. He is soon touring with the like of Elvis, Jerry Lewis, and June Charter. The touring leads to alcohol and drug addictions as well as an addiction to the affection of June Carter. All of which, nearly bring him to ruin. It’s a touching and interesting story you will not want to miss.

This movie was well written and crafted. Nothing seemed out of place or overdone. The acting was excellent. I don't think they could have done a better casting job. They do credit to Johnny Cash’s legacy and life.

Joaquin Phoenix does a beautiful job portraying the complex man that is Johnny Cash. He shows the soul that propelled the artist and the heart that betrayed and tormented the man. It’s all there in his face and voice. He should definitely get an Oscar for this one. Although she is not a favorite of mine, Reese Witherspoon was great as June Carter. She portrays the southern politeness and the steel that the woman possessed. In this movie, we laugh with her and cry with her. Ginnifer Goodwin plays Vivian Cash. I think perhaps the movie does her a bit of injustice. She is portrayed as a woman who never believed in or was happy with Johnny and I have to believe she wasn't that bad. She seems always snippish and harsh, but I believe that was the effect they were looking for in the film and she supplied it in plenty with a look or a single word. Robert Patrick does a terrific as Johnny's harsh father who never approved of him. He is cold in a look and disapproving in a word. Great Job. Most importantly the characters seemed like the real people that they were supposed to be.

I have nothing bad to say about this movie. Good story, good directing, good acting. It’s a good journey, take it.