Ray Movie Review 2004

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery than Foxx (who did win an Oscar) has it all covered for his depiction of the legendary Ray Charles in an extended biography that covers 1930 to 1966. This detailed, colorful, and straightforward retelling starts with young Ray Charles Robinson being sent away to better himself at a school for the blind. Ray finds musical success in the Seattle jazz scene but also gets firsthand knowledge of the dark side of the biz. While touring, he picks up a 20-year heroin habit and an equally destructive addiction to women, although it's supportive wife Della Bea (Washington) who encourages Ray to develop his own style, a heady fusion of gospel and R&B. Hackford doesn't skimp on Ray's charms or faults and finds a workable balance between showcasing the musician's professional and personal lives. Foxx auditioned for Charles, who gave his approval for what became Foxx's breakout performance.

Distribution

MGM Home Entertainment, 2500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404-6061, Phone: (310)449-3000, Fax: (310)449-3100, URL: http://www.mgmhomevideo.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 152 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Biopics: Musicians, Blindness, Drug Use & Abuse, Seattle, Period Piece: 1930s, Period Piece: 1940s, Period Piece: 1950s, Period Piece: 1960s, Gospel Music, Jazz & Blues

Screenplay

James L. White

Cast

Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Aunjanue Ellis, Harry J. Lennix, Terrence DaShon Howard, Larenz Tate, Bokeem Woodbine, Curtis Armstrong, Richard Schiff, Wendell Pierce, Chris Thomas King, David Krumholtz, Warwick Davis, Robert Wisdom, Denise Dowse, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Rick Gomez, Kurt Fuller, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Patrick Bauchau

Cinematography

Pawel Edelman

Director

Taylor Hackford

Music

Craig Armstrong

Other

Steve Cantamessa, Curt Sobel, Paul Hirsch, Scott Plauche, Sharen Davis, Stephen Altman

Producer

Howard Baldwin, Taylor Hackford, Stuart Benjamin, Karen Baldwin, Anvil Films Production, Universal Pictures

Awards

Oscars 2004: Actor (Foxx), Sound; British Acad. 2004: Actor (Foxx), Sound; Golden Globes 2005: Actor--Mus./Comedy (Foxx); Screen Actors Guild 2004: Actor (Foxx).