Tell Me, What I Say?

Rating: 3/10 (10 May 2005)

This lavish and overlong story of the (arguably) most productive portion of R & B legend Ray Charles' life scores in a big way on many levels. A top flight almost Oscar-worthy performance by Jamie Foxx in the title role, perfect period settings and a good feel for those times, and a totally unbiased view of the subject.
On the minus side, the music comes off a bit flat, and the picture is, as stated above, too long; perhaps by about one-half hour. There is also an absence of any memorable supporting players or performances. In fact the two women in Charles' life, his wife and his mistress, are so similar as to be hard to distinguish at times. The very watchable Bokeem Woodbine is seriously underutilized (again!).
Charles himself is not examined in any great detail. We are told nothing of his creative processes, but are allowed to witness his business sense, in which he is loyal to no one and nothing but the almighty dollar; sensible but not sensitive. Charles is seen not to have any friends. We are shown how his sainted mother made him tough, a cruel regimen that would be the envy of any Marine Corps DI.
The best thing this movie offers is Foxx's performance and its unerring feel for the times in which it takes place. A worthwhile watch for any evening.