Ray Charles Remembered.

Rating: 10/10 (9 October 2015)

Ray (2004): Dir: Taylor Hackford / Cast: Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Sharon Warren, Larenz Tate: Fascinating account of the life of R & B musician Ray Charles who became blind at the age of seven and orphaned at fifteen. He developed a fear of water as a traumatic result of witnessing his brother drown. He becomes tremendously successful by blending gospel music and soul but he also struggles with a heroin addiction. There is a lot here and the detail that director Taylor Hackford puts forth is convicting. Jamie Foxx is absolutely brilliant in speech and posture. As Charles we witness his upbringing, relationships and the switching of record labels, which is played out almost like a breach of trust since one company has remained loyal while the other has a bigger offer. Strong supporting work by Kerry Washington as his wife who puts up with his shortcomings and aids when addiction surfaces. Regina King plays a singer whom he has an affair with. The difference between the two women is where he remains. Sharon Warren plays his mother with authority who commanded that he not become a cripple and to face life's challenges. Larenz Tate appears as the legendary Quincy Jones among other musicians gracing this project. Film demonstrates the physical and emotional defects of one great American icon who overcame it all. Score: 10 / 10