Ray Charles was exceptional; Ray reminds us why
Jamie Foxx delivers an astoundingly rich performance as Ray Charles, a musical
legend who overcame a childhood of almost debilitating poverty, the loss of
his eyesight at age 7, and the racism of the Deep South. Working from a script
by James L. White and collaborating with Charles himself before his death earlier
this year, Foxx and director Taylor Hackford give us an all-too-human portrait
of the man who, though he radiated optimism, wrestled with many personal and
private demons.
Ray recounts how Charles made his way to Seattle in 1949 after studying music theory in northern Florida only to find himself working in one small Southern club after another with a traveling band. His distinctive style on the piano caught the ear of executives at a small label, Swingtime Records, who signed him to his first recording contract. Eventually his contract was purchased by Atlantic Records, and it was during his tenure there, from 1952-59, that Charles created modern soul music, a melding of traditional rhythm and blues with the passion and format of gospel music. Though initially controversial, this innovative style marked Charles as a true visionary and opened the door to further experimentation.
As Charles finds his way musically, we see him succumb to the temptations of cocaine, which he uses to fill the many lonely hours he’s forced to endure on the road as a result of his disability. This and his penchant for the ladies prove the major obstacles to Charles’ complete happiness with Della Bea (Kerry Washington), a gospel singer Charles marries and attempts to build a life with. With all of these dramatic elements in play, it’s nearly impossible not to become engaged by the film. Charles’ struggle to succeed professionally and personally is affecting, but the movie’s true power comes during flashbacks to his youth, when his young mother (Sharon Warren) instills in him a sense of pride and strength that will give him a fighting chance. The emotional power of these scenes eventually permeates the entire film and helps provide a poignant and powerful conclusion.
As one would expect, the music is great, and seeing the birth of some of Charles’ biggest hits re-created on screen is fascinating. The cast is exceptional, with Warren, Washington, and Regina King (playing one of the musician’s many lovers) particularly good.
But in the end, this is Foxx’s film, and he makes the most of it. Far from an impersonation, his performance is a respectful and accurate tribute to the man, suffused with passion, love, and pain. The actor doesn’t portray Charles; he becomes Charles, capturing the genius and failings of an all-too-human man.
Foxx makes Ray exceptional.
Also in theaters this week. . .
Friday Night Lights [PG-13] Chronicles the 1988 season of the Permian
High Panthers in football-obsessed Odessa, Texas. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace
East
The Grudge [R] An American nurse living in Japan is exposed to a mysterious
virus that locks people in a powerful rage before killing them. ShowPlace West,
ShowPlace East
I § Huckabees [R]A husband-and-wife team helps others solve
their existential issues — as in “the meaning of life,” and all that. Parkway
Pointe
Ladder 49 [PG-13] A firefighter trapped in a fire that’s likely to
kill him, reviews his life. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
Raise Your Voice [PG] Terri Fletcher is a girl from a small town who finds summer romance at a performing arts high school. Parkway Pointe
Saw [R] A man wakes up in a dark room, chained to a pipe. On the other
side of the room, another man, also chained. A recorded message says the second
man must kill the first, or his wife and daughter will die. Parkway Pointe,
ShowPlace East
Shall We Dance [PG-13] Frustrated middle-aged accountant has a troubled
marriage, spots a dancer, and discovers his passion of, um, ballroom dancing.
ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
Shark Tale [PG] The son of the shark mob boss is found dead and a
fish named Oscar is at the scene of the crime. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
Shaun of the Dead [R]A man tries to turn his life around by
winning back an ex-girlfriend, reconciling with his mother, and dealing with
an entire community of zombies. Parkway Pointe
Surviving Christmas [PG-13] A depressed record executive (Ben Affleck)
returns to his childhood home and asks the family who lives there to take him
in for the holidays. They have their own problems. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace
East
Taxi [PG-13] A rookie cop tries to connect a bank-robbing beauty to
a series of recent burglaries. He gets his tips from a mouthy cab driver. Parkway
Pointe
Team America: World Police [R] Marionette superheroes are on a mission
to end terrorism and eliminate tired celebrities. From the creators of South
Park. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
Woman Thou Art Loosed [R] Chronicles a woman’s struggle to come to terms with abuse, addiction, and poverty. Adaptation of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ self-help novel. Parkway Pointe
This article appears in Oct 28 – Nov 3, 2004.
