‘Ray’ is inspiring jaunt into one man’s life

Evan Marmol

“Ray” the, self-named biopic, is a transcendental message that

measures how we value the term “historical icon” and simultaneously

redefines that image as real, by shattering the glossy patina that is

so rigidly accepted.

Ray Charles Robinson was a musical pioneer, an activist and a

glorious figure that no encomium could possibly convey. He also

suffered from the foibles, contretemps and downright demons that

possess and ravage the lives of every human.

This film chronicled his prolific career, his innovative nature

and pure charisma. It also took the audience on a tortuous path of

drug addictions, infidelity, racial intolerance and a man plagued

with anxious delusions. By doing this, the film displayed that

success and pain are not mutually exclusive, it proved that what

shapes a man is adversity and the power to be heard above it all. And

his voice soared for generations.

Jamie Foxx will be immortalized for his inspired work as the

legend. The image of Ray Charles will be intertwined with Foxx, much

like Val Kilmer was after portraying Jim Morrison in “The Doors.”

Foxx’s performance leaps out and grips the audience. His suffering,

his success and his unforgettable broad beaming smile, elicit a

nostalgia that purely embodies the spirit of Ray.

The entire film is seductive and sultry, touching and pure,

innocent and insidious, in short, it is the life of a man. If ever

you wanted inspiration, validation, or a moment to reflect on the

makings of genius, then this is the film to watch. It is not a

self-gratulatory piece that affords people the opportunity to bask in

his reflected glory, it is much more, it is the opportunity to share

in the life of a human being.

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior. He can be

reached at Evan_Marmol@hotmail.com.