John wasn't (Jimi) Hendrix. It was real simple ... we rehearsed a lot.

) That kind of encapsulates John Cash.

John was a storyteller, ... He wasn't very metaphorical, he wasn't really abstract.

Hendrix rehearsed different drummers, before we met Mitch Mitchell.

Jim didn't want an impersonation,

In most films - especially in regards to the protagonist - really from the get-go they set up some scenario that endears that character to the audience. Or imbues him with some nobility or heroism or something.