Walk the Line (2005)

DVD CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  136 Minutes (Extended: 153 Minutes)

Rated: 12A

Genre: Biography, Drama, Music, Romance

Director: James Mangold

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Dan John Miller

IMDB Rank:7.8 /10

Part 1 Time: 93 Minutes (Extended: 107 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 43 Minutes (Extended: 46 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Vivian Cash (Ginnifer Goodwin) leaves Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) for good, driving off in a car with all of their children.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Johnny chases the car down the driveway shouting, “girls, no, girls girls!”

First line of dialogue on the second part: A year has passed, Johnny now lives in Nashville with a roommate. The roommate plays acoustic guitar singing “I’m a long way from home and so all alone,” as Johnny wakes.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Johnny’s addictions to amphetamines and destructive behaviour has not only brought an end to his marriage with Vivian, but has also caused strife with his band mates and June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). Will Johnny Cash be able to make a comeback?

Which part is better? Although the second part has Johnny become clean from amphetamines and begin touring again with June. The first half highlights the early success of Johnny as he tours alongside other rising stars from the likes of Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton), Carl Perkins (Johnny Holiday), Roy Orbison (Johnathan Rice) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Payne). For this reason, part one is given the slight edge.

Academy Awards: 2006- Best Leading Actress (Winner– Reese Witherspoon), Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Joaquin Phoenix), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Sound Mixing (Nominated)

Other Awards: 2006 BAFTA- Best Leading Actress (Winner– Reese Witherspoon), Best Leading Actor (Nominated- Joaquin Phoenix), Best Sound (Winner); 2006 Golden Globes- Best Comedy or Musical Actor (Winner– Joaquin Phoenix), Best Comedy or Musical Actress (Winner– Reese Witherspoon), Best Comedy or Musical Picture (Winner)