<P> Walk the Line is a 2005 American biographical drama film directed by James Mangold . The screenplay , written by Mangold and Gill Dennis , is based on two autobiographies authored by singer - songwriter Johnny Cash -- Man in Black : His Own Story in His Own Words and Cash : The Autobiography . The film follows Cash 's early life , his romance with June Carter , and his ascent to the country music scene . It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Cash , Reese Witherspoon as Carter , Ginnifer Goodwin as Vivian Liberto , and Robert Patrick as Cash 's father . </P>
who starred in the film walk the line
Joaquin Phoenix Reese Witherspoon Ginnifer Goodwin Robert Patrick