My Father and the Man in Black (2012) User Reviews

Great voice-over; lots of personal emotion in the voice.

[annuskavdpol · 7/10 · 5 February 2014]

My Father and the Man in Black is the story of the manager of Johny Cash. The story was told from a personal perspective, namely from the son, Jonathan. (I wonder if his father named him Jonathan because he had such a close connection with Johny Cash). I remember sitting and watching this movie with popcorn in my hand and when the movie started I had only eaten two pieces of popcorn. Then the voice of the narrator of the movie came on and the voice was in the voice-over scenes as well. It described the intertwining roles of Johny Cash with his manager. It was the soul in the voice that mesmerized me. It was like I was hypnotized by the power of the narrator's voice. Perhaps it was the soul that danced through the words or perhaps it was the underlining emotion which seemed to lead me on a labyrinth through the back hallways of Johny Cash's life, including his turbulent and dark and light past. The film-maker, Jonathan, was somewhat rejected by his father (the manager) and perhaps his sadness and his own loss was traced and imprinted in the audio of the film and perhaps, as a viewer in the audience of watching this movie, I could empathize and pick-up intuitively on his personal unresolved despair. So perhaps this is not a documentary about his father and the man in black - but rather a personal story that was unconsciously told in order to process a hurt that was so deep that even a metaphorical dagger could not have touched. Perhaps the magic resides in the camera work and in the voice-over and the narrative. Perhaps this whole movie is about personal redemption after all.

Very insightful

[rick-cameron2 · 7/10 · 25 February 2014]

Saw this on a flight to Vancouver. You never hear of the back stories of the people supporting these celebrities and the crap they put the people around them through. I understand his not maybe wanting to draw his brother, mother and other family members into his documentary, it was about him and his fathers relationship. Exposing other family members may have been more hurtful. I don't think I could put myself out there as Jonathon has, but finding out that his dad was been tormented inside by the choices he was making may temper his feelings toward his father. I knew Johnny Cash had some demons/drug issues, but I think he can count him self lucky that he had a friend/manager such as Saul, to pick up the pieces.

The Father Son Conundrum as sung by Johnny Cash

[gradyharp · 10/10 · 8 October 2013]

Jonathan Holiff has courage. He has created a story about his own sense of isolation and loneliness and disregard by his father and unlike so many men who have had the same submerged life of regret, Jonathan Holiff has worked through his - through soul searching, agonizing recollections, the death of a father that was so distant, and through research that unearthed years of recorded tapes made by his father that explain many of the problems Jonathan never understood.

Jonathan Holiff's father, Saul Holiff, was Johnny Cash's personal manager from 1960 to 1973. This film is the untold story of 'bad-boy' Johnny Cash, his talented but troubled manager, Saul Holiff, and a son searching for his father in the shadow of a legend. But what the film delivers in a sophisticated approach to a documentary (mixing many clips of historic clips and conversations on tapes with live actors standing in for the featured characters of this tale) is another look at just who Johnny Cash really was - from a mediocre country singer to a drug addict and alcoholic to a wreck of a human being who failed to show up for concerts, to his gradual comeback via his unique recordings from prisons and then to his fall again as he became a radical fundamentalist born again Christian, through two marriages and a divorce, his fame with June Carter Cash and his eventual death from complications of diabetes in 2003. Tat is not the Cash the public knows and the fact that he sustained the glow of fame is in large part due to the tireless efforts of Saul Holiff, himself an alcoholic and tormented man.

But at what costs? This film allows us to connect most closely with Jonathan Holiff as he comes to grips with the man who as his father was carrying on the tradition of emotional frigidity with his son. The young Holiff knows just how far to push the buttons and when to back off, and the end result is a very powerful film on so very many levels.

Grady Harp

A film about who?

[patricia-alberts123 · 4/10 · 13 September 2012]

I was excited to see this film since I'm a huge Cash fan, I discovered his music when I was 15 and haven't stopped listening since. But the film really let me down man.The reviews said how it was great and a must see and whatever and i found the film to be completely self serving.Dude, its like if you made a film about Katy Perry's manager.Who cares? and where are johnnys kids to have a say in this film? I've got my own family troubles too, doesn't mean you make a film about it and expect it to be gold. the narration is robotic, the film is flat. only thing that saves the film is the visual effects which are interesting at first but then appear to be the directors crutch to hide the lack of content on our man in black.

An unexpected treasure

[smudder · 9/10 · 23 October 2013]

I loved this film! It spoke to me on many levels, because it has so many shades and layers. On the surface, it is a fascinating biopic of Johnny Cash that offers genuine insight into the dark side of an icon (in a way the filtered, Hollywood blockbuster barely attempted to do).

That is just the first layer, however. The turbulent, codependent relationship between Johnny and his manager (and driving force) Saul Holiff is totally absorbing and central to the story; and the underlying dysfunction between these two men highlights a heartbreaking parallel portrait of Saul's strained and abusive relationships with his sons, especially Jonathan, the film's director. As tortured as he was by Johnny's indulgent and self-destructive behavior, and as much as he showered his client with time and attention, so did Saul torture and neglect his own family. By appearances a level-headed businessman with a charmed life and family; on the inside, Saul was controlling, abusive, alcoholic and self-destructive in his own right.

The film drew me in immediately with an unexpected bang: a dramatic reenactment of Saul's calculated and unexplained suicide. No, he did not leave a note, which led the director on an unintended journey to rediscover his estranged father. He found answers in a long-forgotten storage locker that housed a treasure trove of original Johnny Cash memorabilia, newspaper clippings, photos, gold albums, and written correspondence and never-heard audio recordings between Johnny and Saul. Interweaving reenactments with a wealth of found materials, archival footage and the original audio recordings, Jonathan allows the story to unfold through his own voice and the actual words of Johnny and Saul. I was particularly impressed with his attention to detail and unique production style choices, from his artistic use of stills and found materials, to shooting with actual film in trueness to the era.

True, the story is wrought with tragic undertones, but crafting this film was clearly a cathartic experience for the director, who through its making was able to come to terms with his father's complicated life and death, and ultimately break the cycle of dysfunction. This alone makes the film incredibly poignant and, ultimately, even uplifting.

Tell all film is more about Saul than Johnny

[tonywohlfarth · 3/10 · 18 October 2014]

I knew this film was a "tell all" about the relationship between Johnny Cash and his only manager, Saul. Headlines suggest it revealed behind the scenes details like Cash's proposal to June on stage in London, Ontario. Salacious details about Johnny Cash's remarkable career are as good as this film gets............ Two aspects did not sit well with me. Jonathon Holiff's discovery of his absent father leaves out more than it tells. We learn where Saul was when Jonathon was born (on tour) but what was Saul's relationship with his mother? (who is only mentioned in passing, never interviewed on screen). His brother? Did he provide financial support for his family? (At one point we learn that Saul earned $300,000 per year and preferred to fly 1st class, which suggests he was more self absorbed than protective of his family). Towards the end of the film, Jonathon suggests that Saul's difficult relationship with Johnny was because Johnny was antisemitic. Excuse me? The director throws this speculation out based on the fact that Johnny cast Saul as a Jew in his self-made film in Israel. That's pretty thin gruel, and Holiff never interviews the Cash family. Time to wrap up. Saul was not the "Supermensch" Shep Gordon, & Jonathon is definitely not Mike Myers.

My Father and the Man in Black

[ody4 · 9/10 · 22 October 2013]

This heartfelt documentary is as much about family as it is about showbiz. I particularly was intrigued by the recorded letters, telegrams, diaries, home movies and audiotapes that Jonathan brought to the screen. This was a well written labor of love about a son's search for the understanding of his own father. You cannot help but be a part of Jonathan's journey to learn more about his father who was never home. His father's audio diaries tell a sad story of a father who was never around always distracted and somewhat distant. I felt a deep connection to Jonathan's struggle to find answers as to why his father acted the way he did. Perhaps he will never know the 'real' reason...however in my heart, I believe he found some closer while sifting through evidence of a life he never knew. Kudos to you Jonathan for a job well done!

Lacks depth

[Scoul_T · 3/10 · 20 October 2013]

Is this a film about Cash or about a father son relationship? Because it misses the boat on either themes. If this is a film about Cash, it's narrow in scope. If this is a film about an estranged father-son relationship, the film-maker lacks "heart". He lacks emotional depth. Where are any unscripted interviews with his mother or family members or with himself? Would have been more emotional to hear about his feelings. Seems the film-maker could have made this a much more emotionally touching film. Instead it appears he tried to capitalize on his dad's past as Cash's manager (who cares). Film has a couple interesting moments but quickly becomes a bore. It's also hard to feel any sort of compassion for the story as it's not really unique. Considering today's family, most of us grew up with absent parents in some way. Hard to feel bad for an upper-middle class son of a successful entertainment manager - boo hoo. Maybe the film-maker should volunteer his time and help the homeless.

In Search of the Father

[clarkj-565-161336 · 8/10 · 16 June 2012]

Just saw the premiere of this movie at the NXNE Music/Film festival in Toronto last night. This is a very personal tale for the producer, trying to recreate the life and experiences of his late father, the manager of Johnny Cash. I think many of us who grew up in Canada during the 50's and 60's had fathers who were reclusive and uncommunicative. At the time it is easy to criticize and make judgement calls. In the case of Jonathan Holiff, he is stunned to realize that his father has left a storage locker of material summarizing his management career with Johnny Cash. When he listens to the numerous tape recordings that his father has made as a running dialogue, he begins to realize the accomplishments that his father made along with the nightmare reality of managing a supremely talented but incredibly self destructive artist such as Johnny Cash. The movie is made in quite an original way, with actual video footage, photographs and real recordings. I think the important point in the movie is when Cash crosses the line and really insults Saul Holiff. He immediately resigns. This is the important lesson we learn from our fathers. Some things are not negotiable in life, like your honour.

Who Cares?

[sheldon_greenglass · 1/10 · 20 October 2013]

Being an avid film and Cash fan I eagerly anticipated watching this film.

I'm not sure what the intent of this film was. It seems that the only point was to exploit the tragic life of Jonny cash to make a few bucks. It lacked any relevant material and brought nothing new to light regarding Cash and seemed to me to be a cry for help from a whining spawn of a workaholic. The filmmaker is too far removed from the story to bring anything of value to the table. The only redeeming thing about this movie is that it put me to sleep about 45 minutes into it. I tried watching it again the next night with the same result. This shouldn't be marketed as entertainment it should be sold as a sedative. Unless you have a severe sleep disorder I wouldn't waste time or money on this DVD.

Sheldon Greenglass

A great documentary!

[Pepper-LaGregory · 10/10 · 26 October 2013]

A great documentary! The director is really brave to publicly expose his painful past, then take that and turn it into a positive. I work below-the-line in the entertainment industry and am very familiar with demanding stars! This is a really interesting study of a crazy working relationship between artist and manager, and good example of how managers (or publicists and personal assistants etc.) have to clean up very messy situations. And all of it thanklessly! It also shows some of the far-reaching negative effects on many lives – artists, their teams, the families alike – that can result from being or dealing with someone famous. It is really touching and well done, and I recommend everyone on the backside of Hollywood see this film.

My Father and the Man in Black

[d-skrogman · 9/10 · 1 October 2012]

I saw the documentary when it was shown in London, Ontario. This is a very captivating documentary which gives great insight into the man behind Johnny Cash. I came away with a new appreciation of what it takes to be a manager in the entertainment business. This is a film which shows the struggles and the sacrifice and the hard work. So much went into the making of this film and the result is great detail and very professional work. From the opening scene to the very end this film will hold your interest. I believe it is a very important piece of entertainment history. I highly recommend this documentary. You will not go away disappointed.

Every Father, Every Son should see this film

[tomo-12 · 9/10 · 11 September 2013]

This inspirational film makes compelling viewing as the story of the impact on the lives of effected by the erratic behavior of Johnny Cash is played out. Jonathan Holiff, the son of Saul, manager of Johnny Cash who was air brushed out of history, picks up the pieces following the premature death of his father by suicide. The resentment Johnathan felt after a life of emotional estrangement from his dad is tempered as he discovers the interminable pressure inflicted on Saul by the erratic, reckless behavior of Cash. The film is moving in a way you perhaps wont realize as the drama plays out but which will have you re-examine your relationship with your father / son and the results might not be as you would imagine. Compelling viewing.

An exploration of one of the world's great country singers, his manager, and the manager's young son.

[spaikin · 9/10 · 11 September 2012]

Jonathan Holiff has created a wonderful documentary, exploring the torturous relationship between Johnny Cash, his father (who was Cash's manager), and himself. He's very nicely mixed real audio recordings with re-enacted scenes to put us in the middle of this complicated relationship. Full disclosure: Jonathan is my cousin. But that takes nothing away from the marvellous way he's pulled back the curtain to explore this often wonderful, often awful relationship among the three of them. The tangled web includes Saul Holiff's difficult relationship with an increasingly out of control Johnny Cash, and Jonathan's increasingly difficult relationship with his father, who was not much of a father at all and knew it.

collateral damage

[smurph2010 · 8/10 · 17 June 2013]

I watched the premiere on CTV, June 17, 2013. It was great to see a story about Johnny Cash's dark celebrity with the focus on his back-room power broker and the lynch-pin that appears to have been an at-times tormented friendship. Caught up in the whirlwind of fame, Saul Holiff appears to have been a man willing to compromise many things in his life that he was sadly unable to reconcile. Kudos to Jonathan Holiff for an unemotional, non-blaming story-telling about the father-son relationship that was clearly collateral damage. The locker full of memorabilia could have been a roomful of pain, and perhaps it was, but the film shows that Jonathan instead chose to receive the content as a gift from a father to his creative, talented son.

A story of Johnny Cash's relationship with his manager.

[mjaysm2198 · 10/10 · 17 June 2013]

Excellent movie!!! Even if you are not a Johnny Cash fan or a music fan, you will enjoy "My Father and the Man in Black.". It tells the "rest of the story" about Cash that goes beyond the film "Walk the Line." Although told in documentary style, the movie is spellbinding and dramatic and weaves between the story of a difficult and sometime strained father and son relationship to the little known story of Cash and his longtime manager, Saul Holiff. The movie uses actual recordings of conversations between Holiff and Cash to set up an incredible tale of Cash's rise to stardom, his relationship with June Carter, his battles with addiction, his Christian faith plus his stormy relationship with Holiff.

11 out of 10! It was off the scale!

[randyowenca · 10/10 · 17 June 2013]

11 out of 10. It was off the scale! First, it revealed stories about Johnny Cash most fans don't even know. Second, it had the Canadian connection, with London, Ont.'s Saul Holiff managing JR's career during it's most turbulent and probably most creative as he carved his own niche in country music during this period. Third, it told the very moving story of a father and son, moving for the truthful way it dealt with parental neglect and abuse. The Johnny Cash I met in the late 1980's and early 1990's was NOT this same man, but a man who had grown from these experiences. I can't wait to see it again and I can't wait until the DVD comes out!

TV Premiere

[luvdollie · 10/10 · 17 June 2013]

I think anybody who can write a film about his father, that was non- communicative at times, deserves a 10. To live through the pain of the process and to find healing speaks greatly for the man who was a hurting boy. Yes it was enjoyable when telling the story of Johnny Cash and his relationship with his Manager Saul. But to see a troubled manager who struggled not only with his client Johnny Cash, but also with his own children, brought tears to my eyes. How can people not find empathy for those that lost the most. It wasn't so much his client, as it was his own sons who deserved more than they got. I think this film will help others to identify their own past hurts with family and how the cycle whatever it may be, can be broken. Its about finding peace, love and healing through much hurt and misunderstanding. Good for Jonathan to bring it out to the open, talk about it and for sharing this remarkable story.