Incredible Biopic

Rating: 9/10 (7 April 2005)

Ray Charles was a man with incredible talent, taste, and style. A man with humble roots in a rural area, who grew into being the most incredible influence in music, and, when you think about it, many other things. He was a master at the piano, which amazed people, being blind and all. He did things that were uncalled for such as combining Gospel and Blues, and later in his career combing classical, blues, gospel, and even country. The film Ray took a shot at portraying Ray's life, and did a wonderful job.
Jamie Foxx portrays the "innovator of soul." His performance was outstanding. I had never heard of any of his movies before Collateral and I am surprised he did such a wonderful job on this one. He was very dedicated in his role, going as far as gluing his eyes shut for the role. He watched every interview with the younger Ray he could, fearing that the older Ray would rub off on him. He has been playing piano since he was three years old, and he even went to college for Classical Piano, so he was appropriate for the role, however Taylor Hackford knew none of that when he chose Foxx. He was a carbon copy of Ray Charles, getting everything very appropriate such as the looks, voice, posture, etc. 10 Minutes into the movie, you forget it is Jamie Foxx, and believe you are looking into the life of the real Ray Charles.
Also the work of director Taylor Hackford was an amazing achievement. He has one Academy Award on his shelf, in 1978 taking home the Best Short Film Live Action for Teenage Father. It would not have surprised me if he won for this. He got the rights to this film late 1989 or early 1990, and waited fifteen years to make it. If he had made it fifteen years ago, he wouldn't of had Jamie Foxx, because he was doing his off-and-on TV series In Living Color, hardly an application for this Drama. I do believe this should have one for Best Directing.
Comparing it to other films in the 77th Academy Awards, it was a strong contender. Much better than The Aviator, on a different tone with Million Dollar Baby, and in a street fight with Finding Neverland. What's interesting is that both The Aviator, Ray, and Finding Neverland are biopics. Aviator was to focused on one thing, and unfortunately not the right thing, but Neverland and Ray were amazing depictions. Trying not to get off subject with Neverland, Ray formed a perfect molding of the life of Charles, because he had Ray Charles himself help him out. It focused a lot on the music, the women, the drama, everything all in one, beautifully balanced movie.
It tops every book ever written about the man, and will turn into a classic, along with it's contenders, in a matter of a few years. A definite must-see.
After the Oscars Ray was nominated for Six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role. It took home Two, best Achievement in Sound Mixing and Best Actor in a Leading Role, JamieFoxx.