ray

last saturday night i saw "ray". here are some thoughts...

the power of story...
the script was not great at all. and there were some editing moments that made you go "really?". however, the way the story is told leaves you no choice but to be immersed in it, to laugh with ray, to cry with him, his wife, his lovers... it's truly amazing how someone's vulnerability can suck you in and grab you for 2 and a half hours without you realizing it.

there were some ambitious editing moments that were masterful. and then there were some, as mentioned above, that really made you question them "you weren't even trying to be ambitious there, why would you do it like that?" but the chronological 20 years intertwined with the childhood and the music draws you in and allows you to forget the not so brilliant moments.

jamie foxx has proven himself to be a great actor. the oscar buzz is not undeserved - i would not be surprised if he wins the golden globe. some of the marginal acting was not as flawless - yet the ray charles impersonator is able to carry the movie all by himself - a compliment for foxx, a second guessing of the casting and to some extent the direction.

the creation of art...
many moments throughout the movie show how many of his songs were created in the midst of pain and suffering, as a reflexion of his life and where he was at. one of the most powerful moments was when he had just broken up with his lover and she sings the lead for "hit the road, jack" - the anger, the pain... the fast-paced, feel good song had become a cry of the soul, turning it into a tragic outburst... as she is performing it from within we see the crowds of people dancing and singing along, being entertained, not even noticing the vulnerability of the singer as she performs...
this scene made me wonder why is it that the best art comes from that painful, broken place. aren't we as artist able or capable of creating in the midst of what we would call "a good place"? i would love for this to not be true, and to say that my best writing or performances come from the "great times of life". however, i need to admit to myself that the rawness, vulnerability, and nakedness of those painful and suffering times are the ones that allow my creations to be what they are... interesting thoughts...

by the way, go see the movie. worth every penny and every minute.