Ray a loving, though flawed, tribute to Ray
Ian Pugh
Issue date: 11/5/04 Section: Entertainment
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Ray Charles (1930-2004) was a great man, an innovator that irrevocably changed the way we regard music, all the while fighting constant controversy to achieve his goals. But he was also human, and the biographical film "Ray" presents that without compromise. Of course, that's the goal of all biopics - to show that behind our idols, there are complex individuals that cannot be explained with simple blanket compliments. "Ray" may not waver from that mission, but it is true in its earnest nature, unafraid to show the less desirable aspects of the man, and yet still managing to portray a loving portrait.
We follow Charles (Jamie Foxx) at various points of his life, from his childhood in the deep South, when he loses his eyesight; to the 1950s, where the bulk of the story takes place.
Overcoming the serious shortcomings of blindness, Ray jumps from manager to manager in Seattle, gaining acclaim before finally landing a deal with Atlantic Records, where Ahmet Ertegun (Curtis Armstrong) promises to treat him with respect. As Ray's popularity skyrockets, the pressure of celebrity pushes upon him; he cultivates a heroin addiction and frequently cheats on his wife (Kerry Washington) with his back-up girls.
You have probably already heard the criticisms about "Ray"; that it is a cliché of every biographical film ever to come out of Hollywood.
I will admit there were more than a few moments during the film that I became restless because of its formulaic nature. Yes, yes, the musician with an addiction to horse who cheated on his wife more than once.
There's even an inspiring message from Ray's mother, delivered from beyond the grave. I have no doubt of the veracity of these events and emotions, but the presentation does seem a bit by-the-numbers, slavishly presented to the audience like clockwork.
However, to speak on the film's behalf, at least it didn't screw up the story; there were so many wrong ways to transfer Charles's life to a dramatic film, and "Ray" avoids them. It could have focused solely on a single aspect of his life, which would have been fatal.
We follow Charles (Jamie Foxx) at various points of his life, from his childhood in the deep South, when he loses his eyesight; to the 1950s, where the bulk of the story takes place.
Overcoming the serious shortcomings of blindness, Ray jumps from manager to manager in Seattle, gaining acclaim before finally landing a deal with Atlantic Records, where Ahmet Ertegun (Curtis Armstrong) promises to treat him with respect. As Ray's popularity skyrockets, the pressure of celebrity pushes upon him; he cultivates a heroin addiction and frequently cheats on his wife (Kerry Washington) with his back-up girls.
You have probably already heard the criticisms about "Ray"; that it is a cliché of every biographical film ever to come out of Hollywood.
I will admit there were more than a few moments during the film that I became restless because of its formulaic nature. Yes, yes, the musician with an addiction to horse who cheated on his wife more than once.
There's even an inspiring message from Ray's mother, delivered from beyond the grave. I have no doubt of the veracity of these events and emotions, but the presentation does seem a bit by-the-numbers, slavishly presented to the audience like clockwork.
However, to speak on the film's behalf, at least it didn't screw up the story; there were so many wrong ways to transfer Charles's life to a dramatic film, and "Ray" avoids them. It could have focused solely on a single aspect of his life, which would have been fatal.
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