Posted on 01/04/2006 8:46:15 AM PST by SirLinksalot
The event was organized by Chuck Colson's PRISON FELLOWSHIP ....
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Actor's tribute to Cash jail show
Joaquin Phoenix, tipped for an Oscar for his portrayal of musician Johnny Cash, has followed Cash by performing at Folsom State Prison in California. More than 50 prisoners watched a screening of Walk the Line, in which Phoenix plays the late country star.
Phoenix then played several songs at the prison's Greystone Chapel, including Cash's Folsom Prison Blues.
Referring to absent co-star Reese Witherspoon, Phoenix said: "I know you guys would probably rather see Reese."
Hit live album
Cash famously played in the prison yard in January 1968, a performance which became a hit live album.
Dressed in Cash's trademark black, Phoenix apologised for his "rusty" performance on Tuesday, saying he had not played since the movie's completion.
"I don't know if you've noticed, but I've messed up like 40 times," he said. "I'm all over the place."
One inmate asked Phoenix whether he had learned to play guitar for the movie.
"John wasn't (Jimi) Hendrix," Phoenix replied. "It was real simple... we rehearsed a lot."
He was joined by musician Shooter Jennings, who plays his father Waylon Jennings in the movie. After the screening inmate Gary Lopez, who has been incarcerated 11 years for attempted murder, said: "I've always been a fan of Johnny Cash."
The 61-year-old inmate added: "I grew up in the country picking cotton... all we had was a radio. All we listened to was country music. All through the movie I had a lump in my throat."
The event was organised by Prison Fellowship, a group that runs Bible studies and other educational programs in prisons.
Fellowship spokesman Joe Avila said the movie's message would be good for inmates because Cash's "whole life was a message of redemption".
US film magazine Premiere has predicted that Walk The Line would receive Oscar nominations for stars Phoenix and Witherspoon, for best picture and director James Mangold.
The nominations for the 2006 Academy Awards will be announced on 31 January.
This isn't about money.
It's about having more of a life than just politics.
I haven't seen the movie yet, but I just might.
If the guy gave a good performance, so be it. If it sucked, then say that too.
but to act like you can't separate anyone's politics just because you disagree with them really isn't a good thing IMO.
I never heard of it before your post, but I looked it up on the boxoffice numbers. It must not have made much of an impression. It looks as if you were about the only person that saw it. Sorry you suffered through it. 353,743 dollars is hardly anybody saw it...
Released in US July 25, 2003 (limited)
Total US Gross $353,743
Production Budget $15,000,000
MPAA Rating R for violence, drug content, strong language and some sexuality
Genres Military Life
Distributed by Miramax
Source Based on Book/Short Story
Major Genre Comedy
Country United Kingdom
Production Method Live Action
Creative Type Historical Fiction
It was interesting how sites like Aintitcoolnews made a lot of noise about it, which actually warned me off from seeing it--I don't feel the need to watch a "black comedy" about US soldiers selling drugs and such. But you can be sure the DUmmies approved of it.
I will go see the movie, I heard it was good and Phoenix did a great job. My only disappointment was reading that the film had stripped away almost all of Cash's faith in God.
Anyone who really wants to know what Johnny Cash was all about near the end of his life should watch this video:
Actually when I see a great movie, my money goes towards the MWR Fund of the U.S. Navy so I never worry myself about making this one or that one rich. Besides they are paid before they make the movie.
You must never leave your home if that is your standard. Never deal with democrats. I will not forgo a movie because somebody MIGHT have voted for somebody that I don't know or like. How do you deal with going out to dinner and the guy who owns the joint voted for a guy you don't approve of. Your life must be awful. I pity you little guy. I hope that maybe my post reminded you of how silly your post was. I understand going against a person for an act against America (Jane Fonda, Clooney, etc) or something like that, but to go against something because you believe that he may have voted for another person is just not realistic view IMHO.
I agree with you and would not see it either because it is against Americans. Seeing Walk the Line is awesome. It is pro America and a great flix. You will enjoy it. In fact, you won't even think is Joaquin when you watch it. You will think it really is Johnny (a little strench), but still you might be able to forgive (or maybe not) him for making that horrible movie back when he was 20 or so.
This summer I plan on watching Pirates of the Carribean II. Why, cause I think it is going to be a good movie.
A good Christian line in the movie did have Phoenix say this when asked about Christians not liking him playing in jailhouses, "Then they arent very good Christians."
*zing*
you don't need to pity me naps, but I appreciate your concern:-) Just fyi, I spend most of my time outdoors when I am not working. My life is certainly not awful...
So how did Shooter do acting as his daddy?
Actually SkyPilot, while the faith aspect is not pushed to the forefront, it is evident that his faith in Christ is what turned his life around. Obviously to Cash, his faith was first in his life and indeed it would've been nice if it were portrayed a bit stronger in the movie. But then again, this movie was geared for broad appeal.
Good to hear that. I respectfully recommend that you go see Walk the Line. I think you will really like it. It really is as close to a Christian movie as hollywood can produce. A previous poster did say that they took out some of the Christian aspect of Johnny's life, but their still was some there. Whatever you decide is great. Have a Happy New Year out in the great outdoors!!!!
1. Music
2. Drugs
3. June Carter
4. Jesus Christ
I am drawn to Cash's story because he is "real" - he screwed up a lot in life and sought forgiveness and redemption from God. He didn't join a Karballah cult or go around complaining about the lack of macrobiotic products on supermarket shelves. He was a sinner who turned to God, and he emerged a bigger man than almost anyone in the music business.
He was @25 when he made it, but no matter, I judge movies on a case by case basis. I don't see Johnny Cash when I look at the pictures from this film, but I will see it, anyway--there's nothing else out there I want to see.
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