|
A ‘warts and all’ biopic that drops in on Ray Charles
Robinson’s life pre and post music success, “Ray”
plays to quite an electric beat. The performances are solid,
the music undeniably boogie-worthy, and the stencil –
more detailed than a signwriters truck.
Robinson - who used ‘Charles’ because there was
already a Ray Robinson, ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson in
entertainment - lost his sight due to glaucoma when he was
a tyke. He was determined to do just as well without it though,
and despite some minor setbacks, most certainly did –
becoming one of the most accomplished musicians of his time.
It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the lead role than
rising superstar Jamie Foxx (“Collateral”). Not
only does Foxx look like Charles, he’s got the mannerisms,
the nature…everything, down pat. In short: He’s
a revelation. Much like Jim Carrey did in “Man on the
Moon” (1999), Foxx doesn’t just imitate the music
great – he becomes him. So much so that you forget we
aren’t merely watching a doco on the real Charles.
Taylor Hackford (“An Officer and a Gentlemen”)
does an excellent job of condensing Charles’ life into
the space of a couple of hours. Some elements are rushed,
but “Ray” gives enough insight into the man’s
life – the hardships, the loves, the addictions, and
the music. Charles lived quite a tumultuous life, and Hackford
depicts it diligently.
“Ray” isn’t the finest biopic ever made, but
it’s definitely up there, and if Jamie Foxx doesn’t
get an Oscar Nomination for his virtuoso performance, the
Kodak Theatre will indubitably be immersed with antagonism.
DVD Extras
The DVD of “Ray” contains an extended version of
the film. It runs for twenty-five minutes longer, and you
know what? It works. I think there needed to be a bit more
juice to the film and this extended version does just that.
Taylor Hackford provides commentary on the disc too. He’s
a concise, informative gentleman. Pity he couldn’t have
been joined by some of the cast though.
Also worth a look at is a huge pile of deleted scenes, a
brief bit on Foxx getting into character, and a couple of
the “Ray” tunes – played in their full. Best
of all, the film looks and sounds better than a whistling
Mandy Moore on compact disc.
Conclusion: Movie 80% Extras: 95%
|
