RAY by Taylor Hackford
by Andre Soares
Ray (2004) 
Director: Taylor Hackford. Screenplay: James L. White, from an original story by White and Taylor Hackford. Cast: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix
SEX, DRUGS AND SOUL MUSIC
In Taylor Hackford’s Ray, Jamie Foxx does a remarkable impersonation of Ray Charles, perfectly mimicking everything from the singer’s peculiar speech to his unusual walk. Yet, Foxx’s performance fails to register as a work of real depth. The mannerisms and speech patterns seem to be the result of good body control and lots of rehearsals, instead of an physical expression of the character’s inner being. Regina King adds spice to the proceedings with a few excellent moments, but overall Ray is nothing more than a standard, uninspired show-biz biopic, the likes of which Hollywood has been churning out since time immemorial.
Notes:
Director Taylor Hackford acquired the rights to Ray Charles’s life story in 1987, though no studio was willing to finance the film. Hackford shot the film independently, and Universal bought the distribution rights after filming was completed.
"This is a black biopic. Ali didn’t work at the box office, this won’t either." Director Taylor Hackford, referring to the many refusals he heard from Hollywood studios, as quoted in MovieMaker.
LES SOEURS FÂCHÉES / ME AND MY SISTER
THE ASSASSINATION OF RICHARD NIXON
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