Joaquin Phoenix’s career has been defined by a willingness to disappear into his roles, and his portrayal of Johnny Cash in the 2005 biopic “Walk the Line” was no exception. But a surprising anecdote reveals that the legendary Man in Black was a fan of Phoenix long before the actor took on the mantle of the singer-songwriter – specifically, for a performance in Ridley Scott’s 2000 historical epic, “Gladiator.”
The connection came to light in a 2014 Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session with John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June Carter Cash. Responding to a question about his parents’ favorite films, the younger Cash revealed, “He truly loved Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator.’ He really did. I met Russell Crowe last night and told him that.” This seemingly simple appreciation sparked a unique encounter between Cash and Phoenix.
As Phoenix recounted during an appearance on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” he found himself at a dinner party attended by Johnny and June Carter Cash shortly after “Gladiator”’s release. “I was invited over to dinner at a friend’s house, and went over, and it was an amazing experience. John and June were just beautiful people,” Phoenix said. He was preparing to leave when Cash stopped him, eager to share his admiration for the film. But it wasn’t the sweeping scope or Russell Crowe’s performance that captivated Cash. it was a particularly dark and provocative line delivered by Phoenix as the villainous Commodus.
“He said, ‘My favorite part is when you said, your son squealed like a girl when you nailed him to the cross! And your wife moaned like a wh*re as they ravaged her again and again!’ I love that part!” Phoenix recalled, clearly taken aback by the specificity of Cash’s praise. The line, delivered by Phoenix in a calculated attempt to torment Maximus (Russell Crowe), clearly resonated with Cash on a level that few might expect.
Interestingly, Phoenix offered a slightly different recollection of the encounter in a separate interview with IndieLondon. While still emphasizing the unexpected nature of the meeting and Cash’s enthusiasm, he focused on a more tender moment. He described Cash attempting to play guitar, his hands shaking with age, and how the act of holding the instrument seemed to steady him. This version highlights a softer side to the story, showcasing Cash’s enduring connection to music even as his physical abilities declined.
The contrast between these two accounts – the shocking quote versus the poignant musical moment – speaks to the complexity of Johnny Cash himself. He was a man who embraced darkness and redemption, violence and vulnerability, and it seems he found both reflected in Phoenix’s work. It’s a testament to Phoenix’s skill as an actor that he could elicit such a strong reaction from a musical icon with a performance so far removed from the persona he would later embody in “Walk the Line.”
While Cash sadly passed away before seeing Phoenix’s portrayal of him, the actor did manage to meet Cash prior to the start of production. However, the opportunity for in-depth discussion about the role was lost. Phoenix, known for his immersive but often unconventional approach to character work, had to rely on other sources to build his understanding of the Man in Black.
“Walk the Line,” directed by James Mangold, ultimately earned Reese Witherspoon an Academy Award for her performance as June Carter Cash, and garnered Phoenix a nomination for Best Actor. While the film itself has been described by some as a fairly conventional biopic, Phoenix’s performance remains a standout. He captured Cash’s brooding intensity, his vulnerability, and his undeniable charisma, delivering a performance that, even without direct input from the subject himself, clearly resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Phoenix has continued to take on challenging and diverse roles since “Walk the Line,” including his Oscar-winning performance in “Joker” and his recent portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte. But the story of his early connection with Johnny Cash, sparked by a particularly memorable line in “Gladiator,” remains a fascinating footnote in both actors’ careers – a reminder that artistic appreciation can come in the most unexpected forms.
“Gladiator” is currently available to stream on Paramount+.
