Tyson cites Baker in that, “The blues are a form of African American cultural self-expression that both influences and is influenced by, that both affects and reflects, all other forms of African American expressive culture,” (388). Both Ray Charles and the film Ray overcame racial barriers in the industry in order to present talent, deliver entertainment, and shine a light on some of the flaws of the world and the people in it.Īfrican American folk art such as the blues is discussed in Tyson’s theory, and is evident in Ray’s dominance over the music industry. Paired with a feel good storyline, the film evokes a sense of respect, awe, and appreciation from its viewers. Using knowledge of double consciousness, Ray lays out a story with a rough beginning and triumphant end, using an actor loved by both black and white. It should not matter what race the main character is, but it does. Ray is a story about raw talent, overcoming obstacles, and eventual triumph. When the film was created in 2004, the drastic racial boundaries faced at Charles’ time were no more, besides from the racism still evident today. Ray Charles rose to fame in a time where schools were still segregated. With his portrayal, audiences have a preconceived respect for Foxx, setting aside the character he is playing and his actions in the film. In order to appeal to these different demographics, director Taylor Hackford chooses a “safe” actor, Foxx, to play the lead in order to deliver his realistic messages clearly and effectively. In demonstrating double consciousness, it is essential the film is aware of the audiences being targeted throughout the storyline. Despite his fame and fortune, Ray was still a famous black man at a time before the civil rights movement. Ray Charles is a man with the power to captivate any group, no matter what race. He has the ability to deliver a character loved by audiences, both black and white, while playing a controversial role. His choice of Foxx for the lead of a slave demonstrates Tarantino and Hollywood’s understanding of Foxx’s portrayal as an actor. Quentin Tarantino’s film is an important note because he, an Academy Award winning director, creates films that skyrocket to fame. Foxx has been cast in movies of all genres, such as drama Django Unchained. The character Ray is portrayed by black actor Jamie Foxx. In Tyson’s African American criticism theory, she discusses double consciousness, which refers to black writers, or musicians, as “having to decide whether to write primarily for a black audience, a white audience, or both.” Furthermore, Tyson states “this decision involves, in turn, the kind of language the writer uses,” (363). It has been observed since the industry’s start. With instances of acclaimed black actors not receiving awards and films lacking non-white characters, Hollywood and its audiences are not new to the racism of the entertainment world. With carefully chosen actors and scenes, Ray tells the story of fame, creativity, and human triumph in order to illustrate the seen and unseen realities of the world’s obstacles and flaws, both then and now. In an industry defined by borders, Hackford creates a film that quietly portrays the effects of racism at Ray’s time, along with existing racism at the time of the film’s creation. In director Taylor Hackford’s choice of Jamie Foxx, we see a depiction of the courage and power of Ray, a black, dominant musician who rose to fame in the 1950s. The 2004 film Ray depicts the start and takeoff of the musical career of loved R&B musician and genius Ray Charles.
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