Ray

reviewed by Charles Markee

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    Ray Charles Robinson, known to us as Ray Charles, rose from obscurity to international stardom and died in 2004 after collaborating on his life story as depicted in this film.  If for no other reason, you should watch this film to experience the music.  And although the biography of someone's life doesn't necessarily follow the plotline of good story telling, it can sometimes and this is one of those times.             

As a biographical sketch, the storyline is not wholly linear.  There are flashbacks that depict Ray's childhood life with a single mom who is struggling to earn a living.  These episodes, in particular the one with his brother, are important because of their psychological effect on Charles in his later life.  But the real thrust of the story is Charles' music and his creativity as an adult.  The screenplay portrays this and it also captures the difficulties of Ray's life as a musician, the good and bad things about the music business and how Charles managed to take control of his life and not be constantly swindled.  That is not to say that his life was romanticized.  It was at times graphically unpleasant including his drug addiction and the havoc it wrought on his life. 

            In the screenplay, the lyrics of his songs are connected to events in his life, much the way Cole Porter's lyrics were connected to Porter's biography in De-Lovely (2004).  And the story emphasizes his particular musical genius; how he knew what would work and what audiences would like.  The film also dramatizes the effects of stardom on the performer.

            I already liked Charles' music so I knew I would enjoy this film.  But Charles' history includes a wide range of musical styles, which gives the film a universal appeal.  What this means is that it would be hard for anyone to watch this without tapping his foot in time to the music, regardless of particular musical propensities. 

            Jamie Foxx played Charles and he so completely became Ray Charles on screen that the effect was eerie.  He looked like Charles, acted like Charles, simulated all of Charles' jerky motions, his stiff walk and his rocking on the piano bench as he played.  It was a masterful impersonation.

            I understand that the validity of this film has much to do with the real Charles being there to comment, correct and coach Jamie Foxx.  Regardless, in my opinion, it is one of the better films of 2004.

            Reviewed January 9, 2005

            MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for depiction of drug addiction, sexuality and some thematic elements.