Who is Jamie Foxx and what has he done with Denzel Washington? This man just topped my list of Best Actor nominations for his performance as Ray Charles and, in my humble opinion, is guaranteed the win, barring something magical from Leonardo DiCapprio in The Aviator [editor's note: since posting this entry, it has been determined that Leo poses no legitimate threat]. It was one thing for Foxx to steal the show from Tom Cruise earlier this year in Collateral, because, let's face it, I would praise Babe the Talking Pig next to Cruise, but running away with a beautifully written and powerfully directed biopic like Ray takes some balls. Taylor Hackford, director of such middling fare as An Officer and a Gentleman and The Devil's Advocate, outdid himself with a script and honey colored direction. Foxx took that opportunity to act and sing and be like Ray Charles. He builds an utterly complete characterization -- not an impersonation. He made me forget all about Howard Hughes.
the best parts: This is the second star turn for Jamie Foxx this year; feel those wrists; "Georgia on my Mind"; lots of women, but Regina King stands out as a woman worthy of being Foxx's leading lady.
No comments:
Post a Comment