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Movie: Ray
Director: Taylor Hackford
Actors: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Harry J. Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis
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Director Taylor Hackford started his project to bring Ray Charles' life to the big screen some 15 years ago. The film was put on a fast-track when the director met rising star, Jamie Foxx. Foxx is known for his comedies but also showed his acting skills in dramatic roles in Ali and Collateral. Hackford introduced Foxx to Ray Charles who gave the film his blessing after they had their first jam session.
The story in a nutshell:
Ray tells the story of the blind musician Ray Charles Robinson. A man who created a new genre by mixing gospel with blues and country music. Loved by music fans, but also hated by his controversial music, drug use and love for women.
Ray succeeds in breaking the traditional formula of biopics. Ray tells the story of the most important events of Ray Charles' life. Focussing on Ray's breakthrough with flashbacks to dramatic experiences in his childhood. The scene where he loses his younger brother and when Ray loses is sight is breathtaking. Jamie Foxx is phenomenal as the blind singer. Foxx is Ray, imitating his voice, body movements and also impresses as a musical performer. He even glued his eyes shut in order to really walk around on the set as a blind man. Taylor Hackford had to wait a long time for this project to take shape, but the end result is breathtaking. Ray brings you back to the clubs where the music came right from the heart, created by a legend.
Oscar nominations:
Actor in a leading role - Jamie Foxx
Costume design
Directing
Best picture
Sound mixing
Written by Reggy 22/02/05
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