Eye For Film >> Movies >> Walk The Line (2005) DVD Review
Co-writer/director James Mangold grabs the mic for the DVD extras. With a full-length feature commentary and selection of deleted scenes to annotate, there is plenty of scope to wax lyrical.
Much of his commentary is enlightening. The toughest skill in making biopics is deciding which parts of the subject's life to slow down and which to speed up. Mangold's decisions are crucial to the pace - and success - of Walk The Line and fascinating for any budding cinematographers.
Less gripping are the gushing descriptions of his stars' performances. But when he knuckles down to the method, rather than the critique, he opens up whole new dimensions on a memorable film. His discourse isn't just for film students., either. With the late June Carter Cash involved in making the movie, he has plenty of true-life anecdotes at his disposal.
Finding out which scenes were left on the cutting room floor is equally absorbing. But with just these two bonus features, the extras feel a little light. What you want most after seeing Walk The Line is a genuine Johnny Cash concert. A shame they couldn't find some room for the real man in black.
Reviewed on: 30 May 2006