Johnny Cash, known affectionately as the "Man in Black," continues to cast his long shadow over music and film decades after his passing. His influence is so substantial it reverberates through contemporary projects like the upcoming biopic "A Complete Unknown," which delves deep not just through the lens of Bob Dylan's early career but also through Cash's enduring impact on American music.
James Mangold, acclaimed director behind the Oscar-winning film "Walk the Line," revisits the musician biopic genre with this fresh take, highlighting the relationship between the legendary country singer and the iconic folk troubadour. Releasing on December 25, 2024, "A Complete Unknown" explores Dylan’s rise from Minnesota to New York City, but it also thoughtfully incorporates moments of mentorship and friendship between the two artists.
Cash held music dear throughout his life, which is beautifully illustrated by his legendary selections. Reflecting on his likes, Cash once mused about which albums he would take on a desert island, making specific choices from his rich musical repertoire. "Assuming your cell phone didn’t make it through the surf, but your solo-powered CD player did, I’d say Freewheelin’ [Bob Dylan] would have to be on the list," Cash wrote in his memoir, demonstrating both his personal taste and admiration for the young artist.
Cash’s connection to Dylan began in the early 1960s when he became enchanted by the latter's poignant songwriting. Both musicians initiated correspondence before they met, creating letters containing praise and encouragement, establishing the groundwork for their lifelong friendship. By the time they were set to perform together, they each were admirers of the other's work, with Dylan viewing Cash as somewhat of an idol following the release of “I Walk the Line.” Cash described his fascination for Dylan's "Freewheelin’" album, stating, "I had a portable record player... I’d put on Freewheelin’ backstage," illustrating how intertwined their careers became.
Though "Walk the Line" primarily illuminated Cash’s tumultuous romance with his wife, June Carter, it also served to revitalize Hollywood’s interest in musical biopics. Reese Witherspoon's Oscar-winning performance as June Carter alongside Joaquin Phoenix portrayed Cash's life with heartbreaking candor. The film showcased the extremes of Cash's struggles, from personal demons to family dynamics, wrapping them inside the exhilarating yet turbulent world of country music.
Conversely, "A Complete Unknown" gives audiences another perspective on Johnny Cash. Timothée Chalamet steps onto the screen as Bob Dylan, with Boyd Holbrook depicting Cash. This film explores Cash’s less publicized role as Dylan’s mentor, shedding light on their personal relationship. Cash's long-held belief advocated for artistic integrity, encouraging Dylan to stay true to his roots during transformations within the music industry. Despite Cash's own struggles with addiction, he remained supportive of Dylan’s artistry, providing valuable advice and guidance during turbulent times.
One memorable segment sheds light on how Cash once publicly supported Dylan amid controversy surrounding his shift to electric instruments, such as during Dylan’s contentious 1965 performance at the Newport Folk Festival. At the festival, which later became legendary due to mixed reactions to Dylan's electrification process, Cash stood by Dylan. This solidarity transcended mere friendship; it showcased Cash's authenticity as someone genuinely interested in fostering musical liberty.
Johnny Cash's public encouragement for Dylan was epitomized through his writings. Cash penned praise for Dylan's work publicly, stating, "Don’t bad-mouth him, till you hear him... Let him start by continuing." Such words reaffirmed Cash’s vision for unbridled expression within music, and his unwavering support likely aided Dylan as he navigated the tricky waters of artistic evolution.
This support was reciprocated; Dylan often spoke of Cash’s influence, referencing his impact during his own career development. The bond they shared led to musical collaborations, including their outstanding duet "Girl from the North Country" on Dylan’s "Nashville Skyline" album. Though their collaborations were minimal, each was undeniably impactful, entwining their legacies together through timeless music.
Even now, over two decades since Cash's passing, his essence continues to resonate within music and film. With "A Complete Unknown" set to be released soon, audiences are left to anticipate another exploration of the intertwining destinies of two American music giants. Cash’s life and legacy endure as monumental pillars not only within country music history but within the comprehensive narrative of American culture. His presence remains as complex and captivating as ever—both through the lens of newer biopics aiming to explore his relationships and through the songs he left behind.
Cash’s legacy, illustrated poignantly through films like "Walk the Line" and "A Complete Unknown," retains its gravitas and significance, inviting new generations to discover the depth of his artistry. Timothy Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan paired with the visual artistry of Mangold promises to shed light on this vibrant period, and one can only hope it does justice to Cash's multifaceted story.