Jamie Foxx Carries Ray with Oscar-Worthy Perfomance

Much has been said about Ray, the 2004 film biography of performer, Ray Charles, most of it superlative. It would be easy to dismiss all the talk as hype, but think again. This film is worth the praise; it is superlative. 

Ray  tells the story of Ray Charles Robinson, his all-too-human life and his music. Jamie Foxx won the 2004  Academy award for best actor for his portrayal of Charles. His performance is truly amazing. During this longish film you never think about Foxx acting as Charles. He is Ray Charles. 

The film chronicles Charles’ rise from playing in smoky, southern jazz joints to international fame. This movie doesn’t hold back. We see Charles’ faults as well as his glories. We see his womanizing, heroin addiction, and ghosts from his childhood. Through it all, though, there’s the music, that glorious, penetrating music that defined a generation. 

A trio of women give outstanding supporting performances: Kerry Washington as Della Bea, Charles’ long-suffering, yet supportive wife; Regina King as Margie Hendricks, Charles’ on-the-road mistress, hardened by life, but still vulnerable; and best of all, Sharon Warren, as Charles’ mother, Aretha, glimpsed at via flashbacks throughout the film.

Ray, a tribute to a man and his music, is a technically brilliant film. Director Taylor Hackford pays close attention to the smallest period details. Superb acting, haunting music, and a compelling story make “Ray” an enjoyable, memorable film.  Don't miss it.