Disco de Johnny Cash: “Hurt”

As noted in a previous review, those interested in owning this DVD can buy the special edition of Johnny Cash's AMERICAN IV: THE MAN COMES AROUND that includes a bonus dvd containing this video. The Amazon number for it is B00008IAMD; it would cost only a few dollars more than this dvd alone. However, it may have been the case that those who bought the CD before the commercial release of the dvd may be interested. This DVD has no frills; it contains only the video. A real value would be the release of all the Cash videos made for his American album releases; it's a shame that the UNEARTHED compilation does not include such a disc.

I am normally not a fan of covered songs, but in this case I make a huge exception. Cash's treatment of Trent Reznor's amazingly powerful "Hurt" truly makes it his own, and serves as the capstone to an amazing career. Filmmaker Mark Romanek knew intuitively exactly how to maximize the raw emotion in his magnificent video, filmed shortly before June Carter Cash died unexpectedly. Her presence in this video accentuates the pain in Cash's voice, and helps heighten this video to the level of true art, a level that most music videos can't even hope to attain.

As an aside, this video was originally available as an extra on the special edition of Cash's "American IV: The Man Comes Around," which if you don't own it, I would recommend instead of the DVD alone, as you can get the music CD plus the DVD video for a slightly higher price.

I have loved the music of Johnny Cash since I was a very young child, and sometimes had occasional second thoughts about where his career had taken him since his collaboration with Rick Rubin began. Although I still like the early Cash, this video by itself is powerful enough to make anyone forget any reservations about Johnny Cash's later career. This is perhaps the most perfect music video ever made; it is both beautiful and haunting, and sometimes so raw that it is difficult to confront. To see the true power of music and film combined, watch "Hurt": you will definitely be moved and certainly will never regret the purchase. There will never be another Johnny Cash.

Some people still find it hard to believe that Johnny Cash recorded a Nine Inch Nails song. For those who followed the "American Recordings" series Cash released during his final years, it comes as no surprise at all. Cash not only covered "Hurt," but he also covered songs by artists such as Depeche Mode, Soundgarden, and Danzig. It's not that Cash was in search of a new musical direction. He always searched for songs that he could give his own spin.

Not only does Cash give his own spin to the Trent Reznor composition "Hurt," but video director Mark Romanek, whose big screen credits include "One Hour Photo," creates a portrait of bright light and extreme darkness to accompany the song's message. The video shows Cash in a sadly reflective mood, wondering what has become of his life. He sadly reflects, "Everyone I know goes away in the end" as he sits among the possessions of his life in his own museum, which is closed to the public. Romanek also includes old footage of Cash in a range of moods. The newest footage shows him in a state of resignation, convinced he has been a failure in his life.

Yet, when Cash sings "What have I become, my sweetest friend?" June Carter Cash sadly, but faithfully, stands by her man. This is the one sign that his life is not as much of a failure as he might think. The man has made mistakes, and seeks atonement. However, he's so focused on his pain, he doesn't realize how close he is to atonement. In the song's final verse, Romanek turns up the sound to emphasize the pain and the desire for atonement. It's a powerful video with its combination of sights, sounds, and performances. Johnny Cash takes this song and makes it seem that Reznor had written it specifically for Cash. The video also shows that Cash never stopped trying to be a musical influence, when he could have easily have settled on being a musical patriarch.

This DVD is not only available separately, but it is also included on expanded version of his CD, "American IV: The Man Comes Around," a title which I also highly recommend. "Hurt" is one of the great moments in music video. Not only does Johnny Cash sell the song, but he sells the emotion marvelously. "Hurt" is one of the final pieces of a 50-year musical career that began strong and ended stronger.

Originally published on Epinions.com.

This is an incredible video. Very powerful and sad. He does a great job. I highly recommend.

This isn't a full leingth film, nor a 90+ minute DVD of interviews, shows, or documentaries on the life of Johnny Cash. This is basically Johnny Cash doing his video for "Hurt." That's it. It's a single 4 minute video. While one would complain that this is far too much money to pay for 4 single minutes, it can also be gotten for about the same price with the cd/dvd edition of The Man That Comes Around.

What do I think of the video/song? It does justice to the original Trent Reznor version of 1994. And while not better than the original Nine Inch Nails hit, it sure does hold a candle to it, and atleast manages to keep burning while lit.

Buy it. Even if you're a fan of Nine Inch Nails and have never even gotten much into Johnny Cash, you'll probably enjoy this video/song for the simple fact that it pays homage to Trent Reznor. And while donig so, defanantly does the song justice.