Ray Charles: Junkie vs. Genius

Rating: Null/10 (29 October 2004)

So, I just got back from seeing 'Ray' and I must say, I am very impressed. As a major fan of biopics in general, I found this film to be top-notch in acting, story telling, and editing. It does a great job of portraying Ray Charles in a very realistic way -- on a constant quest for the next high, the next big hit, and next next woman to love. Some scenes gave off the impression of Ray as a sort of male chauvinist. Now, I don't now if that's true, but if it was, then I give the film makers kudos for not being afraid incorporate that negative aspect of his character into the movie. Jamie Foxx was perfect in the lead role and suited it in every way: the looks, the quirks, and idiosyncratic behaviors that made Charles who he was. But it wasn't just mastering the quirky movements that allowed him to fully encompass the role, he seemed to truly become Ray. That is one quality I have to admire in an actor who's brave and confident in their acting ability enough to undertake a biopic (and a massive one like this one to boot!) They must study the individual and know fully what it is to be them. They must be careful not to take too much license in playing the role -- Jamie Foxx accomplished all these feats with flying colors...A note must also be made that Foxx did a great job of lip singing -- so much so, that most of the time I could hardly pick up on it... All of the supporting roles in this film were spectacular and skillfully driven with emotion (especially on the parts of Kerry Washington (as Della Bea) and Regina King (as Margie Hendricks) and Sharon Warren (as Aretha Robinson) -- all in the role of very strong women) and as the saying goes: "behind every great man, is an even greater woman... And one last comment, I promise! My mom (for one) said that it was a good film but was "long in parts". Now, I don't necessarily agree (I think it was long where it needed to be) but I think it's a valid comment on her part, and I'm sure others feel the same. The part that probably added the most time was The flashbacks to the childhood horrors of his brother's untimely death and the onset of his blindness at age 7, but I say that the inclusion of these flashbacks was a vital part of the audiences understanding of Ray's drug abuse and at times haunted life... So, I joined the audience in my theater as they applauded when the credits rolled, now it's your turn to see the legend that is: RAY CHARLES!
~~10/10~~