Rokumentti: The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash (2020)

Thom Zimny:

The Gift: the Journey of Johnny Cash

(USA 2019)

94min – English. K12

Tapio 3: SU/SUN 17.11. 17:20

The Man in Black: In His Own Words

The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash is Thom Zimny’s brand new documentary which offers a deep dive into the man behind the legend. The recently discovered archival materials give the audience an opportunity for a closer exploration of the country legend’s artistic victories, personal tragedies and struggles with addiction. The remarkable Folsom Prison recording acts as the film’s central motif and a turning point in Cash’s career. The Gift is anchored in the Folsom performances as Zimny takes the viewer on a journey through Cash’s early years and all the way up to the iconic recordings at the end of his career.

The archival materials feature interviews with family, friends, collaborators, and admirers such as Bruce Springsteen. However, the most significant narrator is the Man in Black himself, Mr Johnny Cash. What is thrilling about the film is that Zimny managed to get hold of the interview tapes that were recorded for Cash’s 1997 autobiography. The strong, unique voice of Cash tells the whole story, warts and all.