Where have all the Johnny Cashs gone?
When they said "Walk the Line" was going to be this year's "Ray", they were right. But really, all biopics centered around music careers follow the same basic outline anyway. The difference with this one, for me, is that I felt more connected to it than any other biopic I've seen.
It wasn't as if I grew up just like old J.R. Cash, but it was the little things here and there about the way he dreamed, the love he shared and the passion he had. I think everyone can find something there to relate to.
On the other hand, the bamboo fishing rods completely struck a nostalgic chord in my heart. My Grandma and I used to catch catfish with those same damned rods.
But I'm drifting off the point here.
I felt intertwined within his grandeur dreams and attempts to fight for what he felt he needed in life. Sure, he was ultimately selfish and broke hearts along the way, but he knew what he truly wanted and didn't back down. Not even when others tried to push him off.
Despite all that, deep down inside he was still a cowardly little boy trying to find his way. Lost, like most of this world, he needed someone to keep him together and keep his head up. I think we've become such an independent world now, and it makes me sad that it's almost illegal in our society to need someone the way Johnny needed June.
And June, don't even get me started on how much admiration I have for that woman. The strength and patience she had to uphold with as much baggage as Johnny had... well, she was a damn fine woman.
It's true that it's just a biopic based on books... and yes, it probably got stretched for entertainment value. But it remains a great story that will touch anyone's heart who has long dreamed of finding someone to love and understand you, stand by your side through all the thick and thin, and will love doing all the things you love to do.
Those two loved each other, I mean REALLY loved each other... all the way until the end. Now those Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash songs I grew up on mean so much more to me.
And yeah, my Joaquin Phoenix crush has multiplied.