Ray

Synopsis

This film is a biography of the great jazzman Ray Charles.

Like something big and dramatic, Ray tells us the story of the formation of one of the main musicians of the 20th century, from the late 1930s, when a blind boy from a poor family found new meaning in life, to the 1960s, the creative peak of Charles.

Interesting Facts

• Ray was presented to the public on September 12, 2004, at a special screening at the Toronto Canadian Film Festival. Until the end of the year, the film traveled around international film festivals, until in January, when it was released worldwide.
• The great musician Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, after the filming was finished but before its premiere at the festival. However, he got to see the draft version of the film.
• Overall, Ray has more than fifty awards of various values. Among other things, Jamie Foxx received the big three awards for the lead role, Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA. Foxx seriously prepared for the filming. He not only studied Braille but also performed the piano parts himself. Interestingly, to maximize the resemblance to Ray Charles, Foxx had to wear special eye covers that made the actor almost blind. Meanwhile, Ray Charles himself performs all vocal parts in the film.
• In addition to film awards, Ray also received several important musical awards. The film received two Grammies for the soundtrack. Interestingly, the film received these awards only in 2006, and in 2005, Ray Charles himself became triumphant of the most important music award because his latest album Genius Loves Company earned eight cherished statuettes.

Information

This is an American musical drama film based on the autobiography of Ray Charles.

The world premiere of Ray took place on September 12, 2004, at the Toronto International Film Festival.

More Like This

• Dreamgirls
• Bohemian Rhapsody
• Capote
• Walk the Line

Tags: music, biography, real personality, Ray Charles, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, drama