Walk the London Line

[dotinthesky]

I was looking for some soul in my Saturday and I found it in Walk the Line. I sat between Kevin and Silke, close to the screen because Kevin didn't have his glasses and couldn't sit further away, bearing the absurdly high volume (for the benefit of the iPod-deaf public), but it was worth it. I had those moments when the tears were coming down, just because the music was beautiful, because this was based on someone's real life (and what an amazing life it was), and because I'm sometimes overwhelmed by films like that... I have no shame in being a big baby dressed in black.

There were two things in the movie that didn't work for me: the somewhat sentimental subplot about his relationship with his father and the way nobody seemed to age despite over twenty years going by. But everything else made up for it in such a great way, making it the perfect movie for a cold day. Some of the scenes, like the concert in Folsom prison, or his final wedding proposal to June, were beautifully shot and executed. And both Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Wetherspoons Witherspoon did an amazing job; I can see why they were nominated for so many awards. The record company that owns the rights to his music will be glad to know that I came out of the cinema wanting to buy a CD of his; I could see myself playing it in the background while I dashed out a powerful and moving novel which lay to rest all my previous puerile efforts. I've also got this strong desire to grow my hair into a powerful quiff, dye it black, wear some boots and get butched up. And wasn't it interesting that they never showed Cash having a cigarette? Hmmmm...

If Morrissey discovered God, he could grow into an English version of Johnny Cash. Blasphemy? Not really. Think about it. It's there, it makes sense. And Morrissey would love to play a concert for prisoners. I know he would. Maybe there's still hope for him.

Comments

[tonight-we-fly.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your afternoon/evening; I personally thought that it was a lovely film. In fact, on the evening that I watched it, I rushed straight home and played my token Johnny Cash compilation CD twice through afterwards.

Although I felt for anyone whose favourite Johnny Cash song might be Jackson. The song was started twice during the film, but didn't reach the end on either occasion. Despite being hotter than a pepper sprout...

Director James Mangold once made a film called Heavy, which I would unreservedly recommend discovering on DVD at your local library. Or borrowing from me on video; that most 1990s of media...

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I saw Heavy! With Liv Tyler right? Yes, a very somber piece... probably a director to watch for, who will do other interesting films aswell. I really enjoyed this one and I hope everyone sees it.

[tonight-we-fly.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's the one!

Now that the pressure's on after Walk The Line, I wonder what he'll do next? I think he'll be up to the challenge though, you know...

[theyare45.livejournal.com]

wow, i wrote about Heavy on my film school application, years ago.

[13thofnever.livejournal.com]

I can't begin to recommend enough that you pick up something by Cash...a "best-of" or something...much like the film, great for background sometime you are doing something other than just being cemented somewhere, listening.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I'm going today to some record stores nearby and looking for his stuff. Have to give myself a break from all the gay pop that was clogging my stereo up until recently. :-)

[dawnage.livejournal.com]

Try and find some of the covers he did about 5/6 years ago, they're superb... was listening to 'Solitary Man' just last night.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Is that the album with the Depeche Mode and NIN covers? Kevin was telling me about that album... yes, will definetly check it out! I'm thinking Fop might have something of his for a fiver.

[daniel-carcrash.livejournal.com]

forget the covers... although some are damn fine.. get 'live at fulsom county prison'. it totally rocks!!
i haven't seen the film yet, but on everyone's advice am looking forward to checking it out. i do find reese witherspoon rather annoying, but hear this was a great performance by her.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I've always liked her (don't know why). She's not overstretching her acting skills, but she does a good job. If you loved "Live at Fulsom County Prison" you will dig the movie.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Holy... smoke!

Here's a gift for you: 26 February (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February_26#Births)

I hope you are having a good day.

[theyare45.livejournal.com]

hmm, intriguing. how do you know Morrissey would love to play a concert for prisoners? surely he could do it if he wanted? Ian Brown has been wanting to play Strangeways because he served time there, but apparently it's a 'higher security' prison now and they turned him down. that's what i read in NME; last i heard he was going to try to find a different prison or something.

love, math+

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I was just joking because of the many songs Morrissey has hinted at prison life. ;-)

Perhaps he would be intimidated if he actually had to face an audience of jailbirds... but I'd like to think that he'd put together a great show, just like Johnny Cash.