Biopics dedicated to great musicians have been a staple of Hollywood history, with the past few decades seeing a significant surge in their popularity among studios as an excellent method of obtaining prestigious awards. It could be argued that the trend began with the 2004 film Ray, directed by Taylor Hackford and dedicated to the legendary soul music pioneer Ray Charles.
The film covers roughly the first three decades of Charles' life, introducing us to his difficult childhood marked by poverty, the tragic death of a brother, and his eventual blindness. We see him as a struggling musician who strikes big in the early 1950s after being signed by Atlantic Records, a small label that allowed him to experiment with various music styles, fusing traditional gospel with the emerging world of rhythm & blues. A series of hits makes him wealthy, but also brings temptation, including women that destroy his family and heroin that nearly destroys his life before he manages to kick the habit.
In retrospect, Ray? appears to be a textbook example of a film designed to grab Oscars. It's both a biopic and a period piece, exploiting nostalgia among elderly AMPAS voters. The emphasis on character rather than plot means the heavy lifting falls to the actor, and the protagonist's physical and mental afflictions demand extra effort. Additionally, the film references the civil rights struggle in the early 1960s, a surefire way to gain approval from the left-liberal Hollywood establishment.
Despite its formulaic appearance to more perceptive or cynical viewers, Ray is a good film. Director Taylor Hackford, one of the better respected Hollywood directors of the last decades of the 20th century, confidently handles the plot. The 1950s and 1960s are reconstructed with great skill, and the film features some great music.
The success of Ray? should be mostly credited to Jamie Foxx, who put in tremendous effort to portray the character as accurately as possible, including visits to the elderly Ray Charles himself. His formidable performance earned him a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor and helped the film at the box office.
While Ray is a good film, it's not perfect. At times, Hackford is too manipulative, and the plot conveniently ends when Charles kicks his heroin habit and presumably ends much of the drama in his life. Careful historians might also find that the film takes some creative liberties with the facts.
Nevertheless, Ray deserves recommendation, not only for fans of soul music but also for those who appreciate quality biopics. The film's well-crafted story, great performances, and nostalgic value make it a worthy watch for anyone interested in the life and music of Ray Charles.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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