It is difficult to absorb Jamie Foxx’s nearly flawless portrayal of American music legend Ray Charles in his newest film “Ray.”

While viewing veteran director Taylor Hackford’s latest biographical project, it’s tricky to properly grasp Foxx’s rise to celebrity status in the film world because his identity is so masterfully hidden under that of Charles.

During our interview, after I saw “Ray,” it is strange to observe Foxx’s eyes. They make but a brief appearance in the film, and it becomes easy to forget that his impersonation of the blind icon is just that — an impersonation, not unlike those Foxx became famous for in his early comedic endeavors with the likes of Jim Carrey and the Wayans brothers.

It is equally strange to witness Foxx without the awkward gait and demeanor that he observed, rehearsed and mastered in order to portray Charles. Foxx prepared for the role by losing more than 30 pounds and assuming vision-impairing devices for at least 12 hours each day. By taking these drastic measures Foxx says he was able to “feel who (Charles) was and what he was about.”

The film is a lengthy exploration of Charles’ life, stretching from his rebellious beginnings as a struggling musician to his heyday, complete with drug addiction and romantic struggles. Throughout these downfalls and triumphs the audience is treated to several musical scenes.

Along with telling Charles’ personal story, “Ray” also paints a careful picture of the controversy created during the ’50s and ’60s by Charles’ music, an unlikely blend of formerly distinct R&B, blues and gospel styles.

The scenes of Charles playing with his band were filmed with real musicians, making them uncompromisingly convincing. Foxx himself has played piano and sung since childhood.

“It was a blessing having all those cats come together,” Foxx says favorably about the live recording sessions enhanced by experienced players like himself.

Foxx’s indisputable eagerness and excitement to be promoting “Ray,” evidenced by his engaged and anticipatory conduct during our interview, was complimented by the obvious respect he has for Charles.

“He was charming, he was a southern gentleman,” Foxx recalls. “He played music, and he moved a culture. Ray Charles was the first Internet connection.” Foxx elaborates by saying people could suddenly become uniquely connected — regardless of color or creed — by the mere mention of a new Ray Charles record.

With rumors of Oscar attention for “Ray” already surfacing, it is inevitable that viewers will approach Foxx’s performance with a critical mindset. While his portrayal of a blind man may not rival that of Al Pacino in “Scent of a Woman,” and though the role was made easier by having closed eyes and dark sunglasses, Foxx’s mature interpretation of an otherwise mediocre script is worthy of comment.

But make no mistake: Foxx is hardly a rookie to dramatic cinema. Previous roles opposite Al Pacino in “Any Given Sunday, ” Will Smith in “Ali,” and, most recently, Tom Cruise in this summer’s “Collateral” make Foxx’s first lead role seem perfectly natural and respectfully earned.

He attributes his increasing success to simply “growing up.” Foxx elaborates by likening his early dramatic career to a child innocently petting a pit-bull dog, not aware of the potential power and significance the aforementioned projects might have carried at the time.

But does this mean Foxx’s career in comedy has concluded? Don’t count on it.

“You can’t abandon the comedy,” he explains. “My stand-up is going to be beastly after all this is over.”

In that same vein, Foxx talks extensively about the comedians he respects and looks to for inspiration, but none of them seems to match the degree of influence Charles has had.

Foxx makes it clear that he feels the spirit and energy of Ray Charles radiating throughout the film. “Ray” concludes with an obligatory yet heartfelt obituary/dedication.

“He was walking into the sunset,” says Foxx about Charles’ June 11 death this year. “The beautiful thing about Ray Charles passing was that he knew it, he shook everybody’s hand, and then he went away and nobody could see him.”4

Weinberg sophomore Kevin Brown is a PLAY writer. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Loving imitations

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Newly minted star Foxx illuminates life of influential blues man in ‘Ray’

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kevin brown

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Courtesy universal studios

Blind faith: Jamie Foxx’s early comedic imitations helped ready him for his latest role as the recently deceased blues icon Ray Charles, inspiring him to use vision-impairing devices to empathize with the musician.