The first reason why I decided to speak about this film is that it's linked with another blog - EBM (by Alex). "Ray" tells us the life story of Ray Charles (yes, the very "Hit the road Jack" song), a great American jazzman, who actually played jazz, rhythm-and-blues and gospel. His biography is almost completely represented in the movie. His tragedy and his talent is what makes this film so brilliant. Ray lost his brother at the age of 6, his mother at 13, and he got blind at 7. But his eagerness to play the piano was what helped him to overcome all the hardships. He grew up in poverty and his talent made him famous and rich. The gist depicts us Ray's adulthood, but from time to time we see flashbacks to his childhood. These scenes are made in intentionally juicy colors to underline the difference between capability of seeing and blindness. His life seems to be full of tragedy - drug addiction, smoking, women, imprisonment being alternated with distinguished concerts all over the America and fame, fame, fame. Ray Charles was one of the most magnificent jazzmen of the US; his compositions are appreciated all over the world. By the way, the movie shows us quite an interesting process of creating of well-known within our group song "Hit the road, Jack".
What amazed me most of all is the director of photography's work. Huge panoramic sights of the 50's Chicago, Detroit, and Seattle can amaze anyone. As far as actors' play I can mention only Jamie Foxx (that is Ray), because he had to play a blind musician during the whole movie. Others don't seem to be something special.
So, this drama is a bit exaggerated, maybe even "hollywoodized", but one shouldn't demand much from a commercial movie. By the way the film was received quite well both by the American audience and American critics. And that's why, I guess, it was nominated for the Best Motion Picture of the Year at 2004 Oscar Academy Awards. It means that this movie represents something valuable for America, and in my opinion it's JAZZ. Despite winning Oscars only in two nominations - Best Achievement in Sound Mixing and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - I can assure you that "Ray" is really worth seeing.
Nonetheless, my own mark is 8 out of 10.
Some interesting facts about the film:
· Jamie Foxx had to wear eye prosthetics that really did make him blind for up to 14 hours a day during shooting.
· Jamie Foxx played the piano in all scenes himself.
· Jamie Foxx studied Ray Charles to better mimic him. After a few weeks he stopped visiting Ray saying that a 73-year-old Ray Charles couldn't help him in portraying a 19-year-old Ray Charles, up until age 49, by the movie's ending.
· At his request, the screenplay was translated into Braille for Ray Charles to read.
P.S.: I hope Alex will write an article about Ray Charles in his own blog.
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