Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

In the sleepy town of Springberry, Alabama, 1946 was marked by tragedy and transformation for young Dewey Cox. A fateful moment of recklessness left his brother Nate in a state of permanent dismemberment, resulting in Dewey's loss of olfactory sensitivity. This traumatic experience, however, unwittingly instilled within him an innate talent for blues music, courtesy of a chance encounter with a wise and weathered blues guitarist.

Fast-forward to 1953, and Dewey's star was on the rise, mesmerizing audiences at a school talent show with his soulful rendition of "Take My Hand." But his father's disapproval of his musical inclinations sent him packing from home. Undeterred, Dewey hitched a ride with his 12-year-old sweetheart Edith and soon found himself exchanging vows in a hastily arranged marriage. The young couple welcomed a new addition to their family shortly thereafter.

As Dewey honed his craft at an all-African American nightclub, he discovered a newfound appreciation for the blues, thanks to a stint as Bobby Shad's replacement. His raw talent caught the attention of L'Chaim, a Hasidic Jew record executive who saw something special in the young musician. After recording a rockabilly-infused rendition of "That's Amore," Dewey faced a scathing critique from an industry insider. Seeking solace, he penned "Walk Hard," a song born from a heartfelt speech to Edith that unexpectedly struck a chord with L'Chaim and catapulted him to fame.

The success of "Walk Hard" thrust Dewey into the spotlight, surrounded by the trappings of rock 'n' roll excess. He soon found himself opening for music legends Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and The Big Bopper. A chance encounter with drummer Sam introduced him to the allure of marijuana, and he began to stray from his commitment to Edith. Tragedy struck when Dewey's father revealed that his mother had passed away while dancing to one of his songs, blaming her demise on his music.

Reeling from the news, Dewey turned to Sam for comfort, only to discover him indulging in cocaine. The temptation proved too great, and he succumbed to the allure of the drug, leading to a punk rock performance fueled by his newfound addiction. Amidst this chaos, choir-girl Darlene Madison entered the picture, and Dewey found himself producing a string of hit records with a distinctly sultry tone.

Despite his growing success, Dewey's personal life continued to unravel as he became embroiled in a complicated web of relationships. He married Darlene while still technically tied to Edith, leading both women to abandon him. A brush with the law and subsequent stint in rehab only served to further destabilize his life.

In the midst of this turmoil, Dewey found solace in the counterculture movement of 1966 Berkeley, California. As he navigated the shifting musical landscape, he discovered a newfound appreciation for the works of Bob Dylan, much to his chagrin. The seeds of this transformation were sown during a psychedelic journey with the Beatles, culminating in a surrealistic odyssey that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

As the creative fervor coursing through his veins reaches a fever pitch, Dewey becomes utterly consumed with crafting his magnum opus, Black Sheep – an audacious tribute to Brian Wilson's groundbreaking masterpiece Smile. His bandmates, however, are left reeling from his increasingly erratic musical vision and tyrannical behavior, ultimately leading to the group's implosion. The devastating blow is compounded by Darlene's departure, as she flees Dewey's toxic grasp for the comforting familiarity of Glen Campbell.

As if this existential crisis weren't enough, another stint in rehab serves as a backdrop for Dewey's visitation from beyond the grave – Nate's ghostly apparition ridiculing his self-pity and urging him to rediscover his creative voice. The spectral presence proves a catalyst for change, as Dewey begins to channel his emotions into new songwriting endeavors.

Fast-forward to the 1970s, where Dewey has transformed into a television personality, hosting a CBS variety show with flair and panache. Yet, despite this newfound success, he finds himself unable to compose a masterpiece worthy of his brother's expectations. It is here that Nate reappears, prodding Dewey to reconcile with their estranged father – an endeavor that ultimately culminates in a bizarre machete duel between the two adversaries. In the aftermath, as Dewey's father lies dying, he offers his son a poignant forgiveness and words of wisdom, reminding him to prioritize his role as a father.

As the years pass, Dewey's personal life becomes increasingly fragmented, with multiple illegitimate children demanding his attention. It is amidst this chaos that Darlene returns, her presence rekindling long-dormant emotions. In a moment of clarity, Dewey comes to realize what truly matters in life – a realization that culminates in his remarriage to Darlene and the rediscovery of his sense of smell.

The intervening years see Dewey's music experiencing an unexpected resurgence, courtesy of rapper Lil' Nutzzak's sampling of "Walk Hard." As news of his enduring popularity reaches him, Dewey is approached with the opportunity to receive a lifetime achievement award. Initially hesitant, he eventually musters the courage to reunite with his band and create one final masterpiece – a summing-up of his entire life, distilled into a single, sublime song titled "Beautiful Ride." In a stunning display of vulnerability and redemption, Dewey decides against succumbing to temptation, choosing instead to prioritize his family's love and support.

In the aftermath of this triumphant performance, Dewey's tale comes full circle – a testament to the enduring power of music and the redemptive potential of human experience. The film concludes with a title card bearing Dewford Randolph Cox's obituary: "1936-2007." A post-credits scene provides a poignant coda, as a black-and-white clip presents "the actual Dewey Cox, April 16, 2002" – a final, bittersweet nod to the enigmatic Dewey.