Ray (2004)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 152 Minutes

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Biography, Music, Drama

Director: Taylor Hackford

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis, Richard Schiff, Terrence Howard

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time:  82 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  70 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Mary Ann Fisher (Aunjanue Ellis) throws a rock at the windshield of Ray Charles’ car. She runs off afterward.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “That’s Mary Ann Fisher ladies and gentleman.” Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) narrates in the background.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “I’ll show you what I got in the goodie bag” Fathead Newman (Bokeem Woodbine) speaks to Ray Charles.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, Ray Charles is now mainstream in the American music industry having many hits. His style is unlike anyone has ever heard mixing R ‘n’ B with gospel. However Ray Charles’ addictions and infidelity continue to increase as he is touring, how will this impact his professional/personal life moving forward?

Which part is better? The film begins in Seattle 1948 where Ray Charles begins his music career. The film continues chronologically through his life with brief flashbacks to his childhood. In part one we see Ray Charles successes through his musical hits “I got a Woman” and “Hallelujah I love Her So.” In part two, we see the toll that Heroin takes on Ray Charles as his addiction begins to affect him personally and professionally. Part two is better as we are able to see Ray Charles overcome his struggles and leave an everlasting legacy in American culture.

Academy Awards: Best Leading Actor (Jamie Foxx), Best Sound Mixing, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Director (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated)