Rating of
3/4
"The Man in Black" lives on in a good biopic
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
This is the true story of one of the most beloved acts and couples in Country music -- "The Man in Black" Johnny Cash and the love of his life, June Carter-Cash.
I have to admit, biographical movies are not my favorite types of films. I watched this just because it was on my Yahoo Movies recommendation list, and I have to say I was pretty impressed with it.
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are excellent as Johnny and June. Phoenix nails Johnny's mannerisms on stage, and starts to really look like "The Man in Black" as the movie progresses. Witherspoon was so good at her performance that she won the Oscar for Best Actress in this film.
You hear some of Johnny and June's biggest hits from early in their careers together and as solo artists. What should surprise you is that they aren't lip-syncing, but each actor is singing the songs themselves. In my opinion, Phoenix sounded the most like who he was portraying, although Witherspoon does some pretty impressive vocals.
The supporting cast was pretty weak. Most of the time, especially with those who portrayed famed music performers like Jerry Lee Lewis and "The King of Rock and Roll" Elvis Presley, I felt that they were there just to advance the story.
One thing that surprised me was this was not the full story. We only get to see the very beginning of one of the greatest love stories in Country music. One thing I was kind of surprised was not touched upon was Johnny's journey to Christianity, but since this movie was targeted to the general audience, I kind of understand why this was not touched.
The wardrobes and automobiles in this movie look very authentic, and help set the time perfectly.
If you, like I am, are not a fan of biopics, I have to recommend this based only on the music and the strong performances of the lead actors. This might be a good rental for you to check out.
